Over the past year, North Carolina has received record amounts of rain. While this might be good for parts of the ecosystem, has the potential to present problems for homeowners who may have an open or unsealed crawl space. Excess rain and moisture can collect under the home and cause mold, attract insects and make the home less energy efficient. If you haven’t been paying much attention to your crawl space, here is some important information to consider:
Today, new home builders are more conscious of the importance of a healthy crawl space than ever before, which is why closed crawlspaces are becoming the new standard. However, older homes may not have been properly sealed or the moisture control system may have eroded over time. This can affect many areas of your home’s healthy, perhaps most notably, the interior air quality.
Where Does the Home Air Come From?
Your home’s air flow follows a natural pattern that is known as the stack effect. As warm air rises and escapes through the vents, bathroom fans, dryer vents and other openings, the overall of your home drops. This causes cooler air to be drawn in from doors, windows and your crawlspace. In fact, most of the air in your home comes directly from underneath in the crawl space.
A healthy crawl space will deliver clean air into the home, but if the area has been allowed to accumulate moisture, then mold spores and other irritants may be polluting the air. This can make it uncomfortable for everyone, especially those who already has respiratory problems like asthma. In addition, an improperly protected crawl space can also make your HVAC work harder to maintain temperatures, which means higher utility bills.
How Can I Protect My Crawlspace?
The best way to prevent mold, improve your home’s air quality and reduce utility bills is to turn your crawl space into a closed area. This has the added benefit of creating a clean and dry storage space. While PMi is known for our pest control services, we also offer moisture control services and with over 15 years of experience, we can transform your crawl space into a clean and efficient area that supports the health of your home. Contact us today for a free estimate.
