When you are in your home, you should be able to breathe clean and safe air. There are many temporary solutions that you can purchase and install in your home, but the best solution is to stop the problem at the source. By attending and treating your crawl space, you can maintain a good air quality in your home.
The quality of air from your crawl space impacts the rest of your home though the “stack effect.” The stack effect refers to the movement of air from lower floors to the upper floors of a home. When your crawl space accumulates extra water and moisture, the stack effect draws the high humidity level into the rest of your home. High humidity environments often contains high levels of mold spores which can potentially impacts the air quality of your home.
Here is a list of best practices in keeping your crawl space properly maintained to keep your home and family safe, healthy and working optimally.
1. Encapsulate Your Crawl Space
The first step to take is to install a crawl space encapsulation system. This is a process that involves installing a vapor barrier to prevent water and moisture from entering the crawl space. Vapor barriers are specifically designed to make crawl spaces completely waterproof and mold resistant. The vapor barrier provides a complete seal as it is laid along the entire crawl space floor and up the walls. The vapor barrier is the heart of the system that acts as a protective seal closing off all seams of your crawl space from the outside.
Keeping moisture at bay will minimize your issues with leaks, wood rot, and water damage. Also, you can prevent mold and mildew from growing inside the crawl space. Furthermore, an encapsulation system can help strengthen your home’s foundation from cracking. It can also reduce your monthly energy consumption.
2. Fix Crawl Space Moisture Levels
Keeping the right crawl space humidity level is crucial for the health of your home. The right humidity level discourages mold and mildew growth and keeps insulation dry. A great way to maintain these levels is to install a crawlspace dehumidifier. A crawlspace dehumidifier is installed in the crawl space, positioned for optimum air circulation. Its fan circulates the clean & dry air throughout the space. This keeps crawl space humidity levels down.
3. Have Your Crawl Space Inspected Periodically
Have your crawl space inspected regularly or inspect it yourself. It’s possible for a very expensive problem to show up in this space of your home, but when inspect and maintain it, you may be able to avoid larger issues. Just as you inspect your roof, gutters, basement, and attic, your crawl space needs the same attention. Look for an increase in humidity or dampness, along with visible leaks, mold, or mildew.
We know that the safety of your family is important to you. Don’t let the air quality in your home decrease by neglecting the crawl space of your home.
Contact Us for Crawl Space Maintenance Services
Crawl Space Encapsulation and maintenance are vital to providing quality air for you and your family. At American Eagle Professional Service, our team of experts provides excellent crawl space services to ensure the health and safety of your family. Contact American Eagle today by filling out our online contact form or by calling (410) 263-9682 to schedule an inspection and appointment.
