The space that separates a house from the Earth is almost always damp and dirty. Whether moisture comes from the outside air or from the ground itself, moisture ultimately gets trapped in the crawl space creating dirty air. Many homeowners don’t realize this dirty air doesn’t just go away but will eventually make its way into the conditioned air of the home. As a result, crawlspaces become a significant contributor to poor indoor air quality. This can potentially result in serious respiratory issues that could be avoided. Taking steps now to seal your crawlspace will provide healthier indoor air for you and your family.
Humidity is the culprit…
Humidity is like the eternal drinking fountain for mold and dust mites. Mold thrives in 60%+ humidity. Just think about our summer days in the Carolinas where humidity is a fact of life. Even when humidity is low (winter), mold does not go away. It simply turns to a dormant state releasing spores into the air. Once the humidity level is 60%, the spores turn to mold and the process repeats.
The other big player is dust mites. Dust mites absorb moisture through their skin and thrive in warm environments. Dust mites and mold spores are known allergens and if not controlled can lead to serious health issues.
We also don’t want to leave out our other friends who like this dirty crawlspace:
- Rodents
- Snakes
- Spiders
- Bugs
These guys not only live, reproduce and die under your home, they can also make their way into your home. These areas are a favorite for black widows which are common in our area. Ultimately, the odor and organic decay contribute to the poor air quality that you ultimately breathe.
How does the dirty air from my crawl space enter my house?
The two main points of entry are leaks in the HVAC system and air penetrating the subflooring. Unless the floor between the house and the crawl space is completely sealed with polyurethane foam, dirty air will make its way into the house. There is no escaping it.
I have a vented crawl space…Is this ok?
Unfortunately, the vast majority of homeowners have vented crawl spaces. The idea was to allow for air circulation to keep the crawl space dry but it doesn’t work very well. In actuality, warm air is pulled into a cooler space which causes moisture to form and that’s where the issues start.
What are the benefits of sealing my crawl space?
- Improve respiratory health by eliminating dirty air from entering the home
- Save money on heating and cooling as ductwork is in a conditioned space so the reduced thermal loss
- Eliminates odor issues
- Reduce bugs and rodent issues
- Increased resale value
Where do I start?
Don’t Worry! You don’t have to go crawling under your house to figure this all out. LiveGreen offers free consultation and estimates. We are very happy to assess your situation and to give you peace of mind.
Have questions?
We’re here to help. LiveGreen offers free consultations and estimates for crawlspace solutions. We can assess your situation & give you peace of mind on your crawlspace. Contact us to ask a question or to get a quote.