How to Decrease the Humidity in a Crawl Space
Do you have problems with the amount of dampness in the crawl space? Do you know what the appropriate humidity level should be in a crawl space? How exactly does one bring the temperature down in their crawl space? In this essay, we will address all of these questions and a few others. Continue reading to gain additional knowledge on the treatment of humidity in crawl spaces.
Ideal relative humidity for a crawl space
The humidity level in your home’s crawl space should ideally fall between 50 and 55 percent. It could be slightly different for you based on where you reside. This level makes the air you breathe healthier and reduces the negative consequences that come with having a high humidity level.
It is estimated that forty percent of the air from your crawl space makes its way into your main living area. The air quality in your home will improve due to this modification. After we have provided you with the solutions to reduce the humidity levels in your home, you will notice an improvement in the quality of the air within your home as well as yearly savings in your energy use.
Why would you want to try to conserve some energy? Once the warm air rises, your home’s air conditioning will have to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature because it is always being influenced by the air below it. You will become aware of a change in your home as soon as you bring the temperature down to the desired level. It is highly challenging to either heat or cool air that is very humid.
The Causes of the Humidity in Your Crawl Space
Why is the crawl space of your home so humid? Let’s find out the three most important explanations for why this is the case.
1. Standing Water If you have a lot of water standing around in your house, possibly after it has rained recently, you either have a drainage problem or a plumbing leak. Both of these issues can be costly to fix. It is not desirable to have a pool of water that is constantly moving underneath your house. It’s going to cause a lot of problems for your structure’s foundation.
2. Air from the Outside – Many subterranean spaces feature vents that allow air from the outside to enter the space. Dry air cannot retain nearly as much water vapor as warm air can. It begins to accumulate on the ground and the concrete.
Let’s go through the impacts of the humidity now that you understand the causes of it in your crawl area.
3. The loss of moisture by evaporation: The ground underneath your house has the potential to take in and release water vapor from the surrounding atmosphere. Your foundation walls, which are mostly made of porous concrete, also allow moisture to evaporate.
How to Decrease the Humidity in a Crawl Space
The following are some of the most effective methods for reducing and controlling the humidity in a crawl space.
Encapsulation of the Crawl Space
Encapsulation of a crawl space refers to the process of installing a vapor barrier inside of the crawl space. A vapor barrier is a layer of impermeable polyethylene sheeting that is very thin and is used to prevent the passage of moisture through the walls of a basement. This reduces the amount of moisture that is present in your crawl space.
The first line of defense against high humidity and subpar indoor air quality is a properly installed crawl space vapor barrier. These encapsulation barriers have a thickness ranging from 10 to 20 mil, are resistant to punctures, and are made of a material that has high tensile strength. They prevent soil moisture from entering the space. These liners completely enclose the crawl space, protecting the exposed wood from the damaging effects of moisture and preventing the growth of mold and mildew.
Sealing a crawl space prevents damp air from settling in the area, eliminating the conditions that lead to condensation and mold growth. Numerous studies have been carried out to demonstrate that the absence of humidity shifts in a home that has its crawl space shut off results in the home being healthier and more energy efficient.
Who Can Manage the Humidity in the Crawl Space?
Whom should you contact for assistance if you are having problems with the crawl space in your home, specifically with the humidity? Check out RLM Retrofit Foundation, a company that has won numerous awards and is functioning exceptionally well. Any of the services mentioned earlier, besides our expertise in crawl space, foundation, and slab repairs, are available through our company. We provide a free Foundation Inspection Westlake Village .
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