- 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.
- 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
-
- 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.
-
- 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.
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.
