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Left
untreated,
crawlspace
moisture can
wreak havoc on a
house.
Crawlspace
construction is
a popular
practice in many
areas of the
country.
However, one of
the inherent
problems with
crawlspace
construction is
the control of
moisture under
the house.
Moisture can
contribute to
conditions that
can lead to a
number of
problems - some
with serious and
expensive
consequences,
including:
-
*
The growth of
spores and
fungus
* Warped wood
that can cause
floors to buckle
and squeak
* Mold and
mildew
* Wet insulation
that loses its
R-value
* An irritating
musty smelt
* Creating an
environment
attractive to
termites
-
-
What's the best
way to control
this moisture?
This web page
will examine
several options
that
BURL'S
Termite and Pest
Control
can apply, and
will look at
where the
moisture comes
from.
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Moisture
in the
crawlspace can
come from a
number of
sources,
including the
ground itself.
Moisture can
also result from
poor drainage,
grade problems
that allow
moisture to seep
under the home
rather than away
from it,
landscaping that
holds water
around the
house, and
improperly
located gutters
and downspouts.
In addition, any
plumbing pipes
under the home
that leak can
become sources
of high moisture
levels. Finally,
humid outside
air entering a
cooler
environment
under the house
can cause
condensation
that can
contribute to
moisture
buildup.
Once identified,
moisture sources
should be
remedied.
* Plumbing
should be
checked and any
leaks repaired
-
*
Downspouts
should be
directed away
from the
crawlspace
-
*
The grade should
slope away from
the house
-
*
Landscaping
should be
trimmed
-
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One of the
biggest sources
of moisture is
the ground
itself.
Moisture is
present in and
moves up through
the ground.
That's why a
vapor barrier is
recommended for
all crawlspaces.
Vapor barriers
should cover 80
- 90% of the
ground, with 10
- 20% of the
area left
uncovered to
allow moisture
to escape.
-
Several
strategies
can be used to
help control
moisture levers
under the home.
The most
practical and
usually least
expensive is
ventilation.
Ventilation
should be
designed as a
system to create
a movement of
fresh air
through the
space. Air
movement, even
if the air is
not completely
dry, helps
remove moisture,
For example, if
the temperature
and humidity
levels are
identical, water
in a puddle or
in a pool
evaporates
faster if it's
windy - if air
is moving - than
when the air is
still.
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Automatic
Temp-vent
is a
revolutionary
type of
foundation
ventilator for
the crawl space
under a home-it
opens and closes
by itself.
Temp-vent
automatically
helps prevent
excess dampness
under your home.
Dampness leads
to foundation
decay. Dampness
leads to
unhealthy molds
which can cause
asthma and hay
fever.
Dampness also
hinders your
termite control
program.
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Temp-Vent
will help
protect and
preserve the
wood in your
home by control
of under-floor
dampness.
Temp-vent
automatically
helps prevent
pipe freeze-up.
Temp-vent
automatically
stops wasted
fuel ($$) and
heat loss due to
open manual
vents.
That's right!
You do nothing.
Temp-vent opens
and closes
automatically
according to the
outside
temperature to
prevent dampness
and to save
fuel! No motors
or electricity.
Old fashioned
manual vents
would require
your attention
all through the
year to save
maximum fuel and
deter damp rot.
Temp-vent does
it
better-automatically.
