Humidity
Understanding All About Crawl Space Humidity Near Post Falls, Coeur D'Alene, Spokane, And Neighboring Areas!
The repercussions of damp and humid crawl space environments on your residence
Since the inception of homes in Idaho and Washington, crawl space humidity has been an enduring concern.
As humidity escalates within crawl spaces, moisture inevitably condenses on surfaces, triggering significant issues within your home. Such complications not only pose health risks but also necessitate costly repairs.
Many issues conventionally linked to deteriorating, decaying crawl spaces stem from fundamental design flaws in their construction.
Upon entry into a vented crawl space, moist air undergoes condensation on the cooler surfaces within the space.
The genesis of crawl space humidity initiates when moisture-laden air infiltrates the space
Initially, your home’s frame resembled a substantial wooden enclosure, largely devoid of openings.
Subsequently, various contractors entered the scene. Plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and numerous other tradespeople commenced their tasks within your home, carving pathways through walls and floors. Pipes, wires, cables, ducts, and assorted fixtures were threaded through, culminating in the final construction of your dwelling.
As time progresses, your home undergoes subtle expansion and contraction, causing once-tight seams to slightly distort, thereby generating additional crevices and apertures. Notably, there’s a myriad of potential openings that can emerge between your first floor and the crawl space below.
Within your residence, the natural phenomenon of warm air ascending leads to its escape through the attic and upper floors, consequently creating a vacuum effect on the lower levels. External air, along with air from the crawl space, is drawn upward to fill this void.
Crawl space vents, if present, become integral to this air circulation within your home. As air is extracted from the crawl space and propelled upwards, fresh air is drawn in through these vents.
The crux lies herein: if the external air carries moisture or humidity, your crawl space vents unwittingly introduce these elements into your home.
The consequences of humidity on a crawl space are manifold and potentially damaging
Crawl space humidity precipitates a myriad of issues within your home, including:
- Rotting & Mold
- Odors & Allergens
- Higher Utility Bills
- Rusted, Corroded Metal
As humidity accumulates in your crawl space, it provides optimal conditions for the proliferation of mold and rot.
Consequently, all organic materials within the crawl space, including wooden floorboards and structural support beams, are susceptible to damage.
Persistent dampness in a dimly lit crawl space creates an ideal habitat for mold to thrive. Over time, this mold-induced wood decay can compromise structural components of the house, posing a serious threat to its integrity.
A deteriorating crawl space may exhibit sagging, leading to uneven floors and, in severe cases, sections of the floor may collapse.
Furthermore, various pests, such as termites, carpenter ants, wood-eating beetles, crickets, and others, are attracted to decaying, mold-infested wood, making your open vents a welcoming entry point for them.
As mold and rot proliferate and pests inhabit your crawl space, odors emanating from the crawl space can infiltrate your home. Mold spores, recognized allergens, can significantly impact individuals with asthma or allergies.
During the sweltering summer months, crawl space humidity escalates cooling costs. Condensation on window-mounted air conditioners exemplifies the increased workload of cooling systems in dehumidifying humid air. Consequently, humid air demands more energy to cool efficiently. Moreover, the infiltration of frigid winter air through crawl space vents exacerbates the issue.
Regulating crawl space humidity
Fortunately, managing crawl space humidity is a straightforward task with Premier Basement Systems. Our skilled team of crawl space contractors can typically install a moisture control system in less than a day.
We suggest starting by sealing off those crawl space vents, followed by the installation of a crawl space vapor barrier on the walls and floors. To complete the process, adding a crawl space dehumidifier ensures thorough drying of the space, preserving your home effectively.
At Premier Basement Systems, crawl space repair is our forte, and we’re committed to demonstrating why we’re the top choice. To assist you in determining the most suitable repairs for your needs, we offer complimentary crawl space repair quotes to homeowners in our service area.
Mold requires three crucial elements to thrive:
- Food
- Warmth
- Moisture
Among these factors, moisture is the most straightforward to manage within your home.
We proudly serve Idaho and Washington, including areas like Medical Lake, Nine Mile Falls, Greenacres, Newport, Otis Orchards, Priest River, Colbert, and numerous neighboring regions. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to schedule your free quote!
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