Expertise in Crawl Space Encapsulation
According to researchers installing a crawlspace encapsulation can reduce moisture from capillary rise by up to 90%
Current best practice controlling crawlspace moisture involves:
- Proper grading around the house structure: (Ensure all water runoff is directed away from the structure)
- Seal the crawlspace from outdoor air: (Close off all crawlspace vents to convert the crawlspace to a conditioned space)
- Identify and cure sources of crawlspace moisture: (Majority of wet or moldy crawlspaces are caused by gutter and downspout issues combined with in-slope grading)
- Encapsulate the interior of the crawlspace: (Utilize a polyethylene moisture barrier in thicknesses ranging from 10 mil to 20 mil)
- Install a crawlspace dehumidifier: (Crawlspace dehumidification controls the moisture level protecting the house structure, preventing mold, and reduces the chance of pest infestation)
- Inspect the crawlspace periodically: (Ensure the moisture barrier is structural, the dehumidifier is operational, and that no water intrusion has taken place)
Controlling the moisture and humidity in your crawlspace protects your health:
Dust mites are the most common allergen-producing organism found in homes. They live in carpets, upholstered furniture, bed pillows and mattresses.
Dust mites cannot survive in areas where the humidity level is below 50%. If the relative humidity rises above 50% they thrive and reproduce, their appetite increases and therefore their fecal matter (the source of the dominate dust mite allergen) increases. Ninety percent of the population that experiences any allergy-based symptoms reacts to dust mite allergens.