The problem with a dirt or vented
concrete crawlspace is that as warm air rises in your home, it brings up with it
the air that was previously in your crawl space, including moisture and mold
spores, as well as anything else that may be airborne down there.
As this air rises in your home, replacement air enters from the lowest part,
your crawlspace. This replacement air is made up with unconditioned outside air
that enters through vents and other leaks, and air that is actually sucked from
the crawlspace floor, either dirt or concrete, which is typically filled with
lots of moisture. This natural upward air movement is called the "stack effect"
-- this is how chimneys work. Consequently, whatever is in the air at the lowest
point eventually flows up into the living sections. Up to 40% of the air we
breathe on the first floor of our home comes from the crawl space.
A concrete or dirt crawl space with a crawl space vent is a never-ending source
of moisture. Even if the dirt's surface seems dry, digging down a few inches
reveals moist earth.
Why Is Crawl Space Moisture so
Bad?
Because it's the moisture that leads to mold growth, musty odors, and structural
damage, not to mention that insects and critters love moist environments and
energy costs are higher. Moisture ruins houses by providing a hospitable
environment for mold, fungi, and insects that destroy wood framing. Crawl space
moisture, and the mold and mildew that thrive in this environment, affect not
only the floor system directly above, but also the entire house.
Three things destroy organic materials in general, and wood in particular:
water, heat, and ultra-violet radiation. Of these, water is by far the most
damaging... and the one we can control.
Properly sealing the crawlspace and removing the moisture from the ground and
air is part of the solution that helps provide a mold-free, radon-free, and
insect-free environment, which leads to a more more energy-efficient and
healthier home.
To avoid moisture's negative affects, a crawlspace should be completely sealed
and isolated from the ground and the humid outside air. An effective method to
lower crawl space humidity, tested and perfected throughout the U.S., Canada,
the U.K., and Ireland, is now available in your area -- the CleanSpace
Crawlspace Encapsulation System by Basement Systems Inc. This crawlspace vapor
barrier system involves installing a 20-mil 7-ply sandwich of high and
low-density polyethylene with polyester-cord reinforcement on the dirt or
concrete floor, that is fastened and epoxied to the walls. This extra-heavy
reinforced lining is made especially for this system and is treated with an
antimicrobial finish that protects against mold and mildew growth under the
crawlspace liner.
Lower energy bills, resulting from reduced crawlspace humidity, translate into
comfort and savings year after year. The CleanSpace crawlspace vapor barrier is
tough enough for service people to crawl on and safe enough for storage. Being
bright white, the CleanSpace liner really brightens a crawlspace too, making it
a relatively pleasant storage place.
Does Your Crawl Space Leak or Flood?
Many crawlspace foundations leak and many crawlspaces flood. Such crawlspaces
may require a drainage system. Basement Systems has several patented sump pump
systems for your peace of mind. They all feature a built-in WaterWatch sump pump
alarm system to let you know if there is ever a pump or power problem before the
crawlspace floods. Basement Systems' SmartSump
Just remember that your crawlspace, although often neglected until it's too
late, is one of the most important spaces in your home. It can be a spawning
ground for mold, bugs, embarrassing odors, and even radon gas. The moisture
generated in the crawlspace will lead to structural damage and higher energy
costs! On the other hand, a clean, sealed crawlspace can be an extra source for
much needed storage while making your home more energy efficient, healthy, and
safe for your family.
For a cleanspace dealer please go to our contractors page.