Laurinburg: 
MOISTURE CONTROL SERVICES
Moisture Control
A Dry Crawl Space Is a Happy Crawl Space
Crawl space foundations are found in many homes. Typically, these foundation types are equipped with operable vents designed to provide ventilation for moisture control. Unfortunately, venting a crawl space during air conditioning season allows for the migration of hot, humid outside air into the cooler environment inside the crawl space. Instead of drying the crawl space, ventilation actually increases the moisture load. Once present, moisture migrates to the colder floor framing surfaces where the wood moisture content elevates to a point ideal for fungal growth and wood damage.
Moisture Control
The Air Outside
Your crawl space is naturally cool, but when the air is warm outside, it carries moisture along with it. When this warm, moist air enters your cool crawl space, the air begins to cool as well, causing the moisture to be released from the air. It then condenses on the cool surfaces under your home, resulting in moisture collection.
The Ground
Improper drainage under your home is a leading cause for moisture build up. Without rainwater or spills from leaking pipes being properly drained, this moisture can accumulate quickly. Keeping plumbing in good repair and installing effective drainage solutions will solve this issue.
Your Foundation
A foundation that lies below the ground can wreak havoc on moisture levels in your crawlspace. A sure sign of this is damp cinder blocks or concrete. These foundations often have poorly designed drainage, and the rainwater and overall ground moisture seeps into your home’s foundation causing damage.
Problems From Crawl Space Moisture
Excessive moisture in your crawl space can cause a wide variety of issues that range from structural damage to health hazards.
- Inferior Air Quality
- Mold buildup
- Insect infestation/damage
- Wood rot
- Swelled doors and windows
- Foundation or other structural damage
Why Should I Encapsulate My Crawl Space?
For a long while, the merits of venting versus closing a crawl space has been under debate. However, time has proven the virtue of closing a crawl space with the advent of air conditioning.
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The comparative temperature of the cold, air-conditioned home and the warm, outside air causes moisture to build up underneath your home. This causes a plethora of issues, as listed out above.
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Crawl Space Encapsulation is now a standard for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) homes and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Green Homes. Encapsulation research is backed by Advanced Energy, initiated from a grant by the US Department of Energy. We believe this will be a part of building codes in the near future.
Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation
- Improves air quality
- Saves around 18% on heating and cooling costs
- Reduces mold buildup
- Prevents further wood rot
- Reduces buckling of hardwood floors
- Reduces pest activity
- Gives you warmer floors in the winter
Our Crawl Space Encapsulation Process
Crawl Space Encapsulation prevents the moist, outside air from getting into your crawl space and deals with all possible sources of moisture that can cause damage and health hazards. The process involves multiple steps to accomplish, including...
- Sealing up vents
- Insulating the walls
- Putting up a vapor barrier
- Conditioning the air
Moisture Control
Protecting Your Crawl Space - Preventing Pests
Temperature stability makes crawl spaces an excellent location for air conditioning equipment, ductwork, and plumbing. However, high crawl space humidity during summer months may lead to condensation on ductwork and equipment damage. Additionally, high humidity provides an ideal environment for mold and wood rot. Long-term abatement of these problems must focus on eliminating the source, not treating the symptoms (i.e. spraying insecticides and re-insulating ductwork).
Research and experience has shown that unvented and conditioned crawl spaces provide better moisture control than vented crawl spaces and behave similarly to houses constructed with basements. Controlling the moisture in your crawl space is crucial in long-term pest prevention.