Speaking of Unhealthy, Have you Seen Your Crawlspace??

With all of the health concerns still revolving around the coronavirus, COVID-19 many people are forgeting that a very unhealthy space can be right below there feet!

Have You Seen Your Crawl Space?

What is a crawlspace? I'm glad you asked!  A crawlspace is a shallow structure directly under your home. Since they are underground, they tend to soak up the natural cold of the earth around your home and transfers it into the air inside your crawlspace. This tends to make your crawlspace dark, damp, musty, and may even house small rodents if not taken care of properly. This musty damp environment is susceptible to the growth of mold and mildew which can potentially pass through the air and into your living room above! This is caused by what is known as the "Stack Effect" which means that the air in your crawl space is drawn up through your house in an airflow pattern from bottom to top. This results in a musty odor throughout your home.

If not taken care of, this crawlspace moisture can eventually lead to serious problems not only within your home but it possess a risk to your health as well. Here are a few problems the moisture can cause you:

• • Worsening Allergies and hay fever
  • It poses a greater risk for people who already have asthma, allergies, and compromised immune systems
  • Mold and mildew can grow on the walls in your home
  • Damp, mustyodor throughout your house
  • Hardwood floors cupping and warping
  • Falling crawl space insulation

Luckily this problem can be fixed! Encapsulation, a solution to this problem, has been around for quite some time. Crawlspace encapsulation involves solving all of the standing water issues, sealing all outside vents, installing a high-performance vapor barrier on all exposed wall and floor surfaces, insulating the walls, and conditioning the air. Here at Carolina Energy Conservation, we condition the air by installing a SaniDry dehumidifier, specifically designed for crawlspaces, in the crawlspace. Encapsulating your crawlspace is not only great for the environment, but it also dramatically increases indoor air quality and can actually lower your energy usage  and possibly your energy bills.