It’s Hot Outside! What’s Going on in my Crawl Space?
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It’s The Moisture That We Can’t See That Presents The Biggest Problems
Water is dripping from the HVAC… condensation is formed on top of and below the moisture barrier… water is beading up on the fiber glass insulation above… it’s one hot, sweaty, wet mess!
The moisture that you see is only an indication that a bigger problem may be present. It’s the moisture that we can’t see that presents the biggest problems. Many homes that we’ve been inspecting recently have wood moisture contents above 25% which makes the wood soft and weak. It’s not unusual to be able to press a screwdriver far into the weak wood once it’s become saturated.
Relative humidity levels are reaching above 90% on almost every house. This is creating the perfect environment for wood to rot, structural problems to manifest, and mold to grow in many crawl spaces in the Hampton Roads area.
The Impact of Summer Heat
- Invisible Moisture: While visible signs like condensation on barriers are alarming, the “unseen” moisture is more dangerous, often pushing wood moisture content above 25%.
- Structural Weakening: Saturated wood becomes soft and weak; it is not unusual for a screwdriver to easily penetrate structural beams once they reach these high moisture levels.
- High Humidity Risks: Relative humidity in Hampton Roads crawl spaces frequently exceeds 90%, creating an ideal environment for wood rot, structural failure, and mold growth.
Key Solutions & Benefits
- Crawl Space Encapsulation: This is the primary remedy to guarantee relative humidity remains at or below 60% year-round.
- Environmental Control: Solutions involve specialized sealing techniques and the installation of a crawl space dehumidifier to manage moisture.
- Home Performance: Proper moisture control improves indoor air quality, reduces HVAC energy consumption by stabilizing the environment, and helps prevent termite or pest infestations.
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Condensation forming on top of or below the moisture barrier.
- Water beading up on fiberglass insulation.
- “Sweating” or wet-looking wooden framing and floor joists.
Crawl Space Encapsulation To Remedy Crawl Space Moisture
Often times, we will recommend a crawl space encapsulation to remedy the crawl space moisture. This method of crawl space sealing guarantees 60% relative humidity or less all year ’round by using special install techniques and a crawl space dehumidifier. Click here to learn more about crawl space encapsulation.
Wet and damp crawl spaces are not the most comfortable spaces to be in the summer. Still, even though you cannot see what’s going on in the crawl space, it is still a critically important area of the home. We highly recommend taking a quick peak at your current condition or have one of our expert inspectors do the nasty work for you! It could save you big and like a lot of our customers tell us, give you peace of mind.
LOOK OUT AT THE PHOTO! The framing in this crawl space in Newport News is completely saturated because of an air handler in the closet above. The cool air from the air handler has cooled the surface of the wood which is the perfect condition for moisture to maximize on a surface! Mold growth and wood rot are evident… but we can help!
Serving Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, Yorktown, Poquoson, Smithfield, and Williamsburg in Virginia as well as Camden County, South Mills, Elizabeth City, Moyock, Currituck, and Knotts Island in North Carolina.
Crawlspace Encapsulation Benefits
- Encapsulation reduces moisture levels.
- High wood moisture content can lead to structural issues.
- Moisture barriers prevent visible and hidden moisture problems.
- Encapsulation improves indoor air quality.
- Helps prevent termite & pest issues.
- Enjoy warmer, more comfortable floors.
Common Questions About Crawlspace Encapsulation
Q: What is crawlspace encapsulation? A: Crawlspace encapsulation involves sealing the crawlspace with a moisture barrier to prevent moisture problems.
Q: Why is moisture control important in crawlspaces? A: Moisture control is crucial to prevent structural damage and mold growth.
Q: What are signs of moisture problems in a crawlspace? A: Signs include condensation on the moisture barrier, high wood moisture content, fungal growth on wooden framing, & structural issues.
Q: How does encapsulation help with HVAC efficiency? A: When HVAC ducts are located in the crawl space, encapsulation can reduce HVAC energy consumption by maintaining a stable, insulated environment.
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