PROBLEMS CAUSED BY DIRT CRAWL SPACES
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CRAWLSPACES RISKS Many homeowners are not aware of the risks of dirt crawlspaces until they look inside them. Neglected, musty, and dark areas harbor different pollutants and elements that jeopardize the structure of the house. Indeed, dirt crawlspaces are prone to flooding and high moisture levels because they are exposed to the soil. It is important to note that about 40% of the indoor air comes up through the crawlspace, and moisture, mold, dust, and pathogens can seep into your home from vented and dirt crawlspaces.
Vented crawl spaces stay cold when the ground temperature stays an average of 55 degrees year-round. On the other hand, when warm air enters a crawlspace, the relative humidity goes up because the surrounding soil cools it. These conditions create an ideal environment for mold and mildew. For this reason, dirt crawlspaces involve high energy costs, asthma and allergy symptoms, mold, and rot.
DIRT AND VENTED CRAWL SPACES ARE SOURCES OF ALL TYPES OF PROBLEMS
Currently, 250,000 homes with vented dirt crawl spaces are built in the United States every year. These constructions are allowed by housing codes; however, they are the source of many problems that affect house structures and their occupants’ health. Even when crawl spaces are built on slab foundations, concrete is porous and sucks up moisture from water. For this reason, when crawlspaces are not insulated, dampness occurs, and it leads to musty smells, pests, rotten organic materials, and dangerous contaminants.
CRAWLSPACE ENCAPSULATION Although local building codes require dirt crawl spaces having vents and vapor barriers over the floor, these attachments are not enough. Indeed, vapor barriers are designed to keep ground moisture out of the crawlspace; however, experts recommend crawlspace encapsulation as the solution.
VENTED CRAWLSPACES Vented crawlspaces with vapor barriers on dirt floors do not remediate all of the problems. In this sense, vented crawlspaces have the same issues because of mold and mildew. Another problem related to vented and dirt crawlspaces is caused by water seepage through the concrete block walls and crawlspace vents.
Finally, according to several reputable organizations, the best way to remediate issues within crawlspaces is by implementing professional solutions on crawlspace waterproofing in Charlotte, NC.
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