Eastern NC is known for hot, humid weather, especially in the summertime. But how does the humidity affect your crawlspace? You may think it doesn’t matter – but humidity can cause much deeper and extensive damage to your crawlspace than you think. Keep reading to find out the relationship between humidity and your crawlspace, and how to keep your crawlspace safe!
Can humidity be good?
Most people believe that any amount of humidity in a crawlspace is bad. But you may be surprised to learn that a certain amount of humidity can actually be good! A certain level of humidity is needed in your crawlspace. The ideal amount is between 45%-55%. However, anything higher will cause moisture issues underneath your home.
What causes humidity?
Your crawlspace is located underneath your house, making it a naturally cool place. If warm air gets into the crawlspace, it creates humidity and can cause major problems. Warm air can enter your crawlspace a number of ways: through vents, from the ground, or from standing water.
What happens if there is too much humidity?
Too much humidity can create serious issues that can be hard to catch.
- Mold growth can develop in warm, damp areas. When mold grows, it can cause damage to the structure of your home. Mold can also cause serious health concerns and even worsen symptoms of allergies and asthma if not treated quickly and effectively. If you notice any mold or mildew growing on the walls, floors, or insulation, you should contact the professionals at Sutton Specialty as soon as possible.
- Pest infestations can also occur when there is too much moisture in a crawlspace. Bugs like spiders, termites, ants, and cockroaches thrive in these types of dark, damp environments. And, once they enter the crawlspace, they quickly take over. Pests can also cause even more structural damage and pose a threat to the safety of your home. Furthermore, having pests in your home puts your family’s health at risk.
- Wood rot is another serious effect of too much moisture in a crawlspace. Wood will eventually begin to rot from too much moisture, affecting the floor joists and beams of your home.
- When your crawlspace has too much moisture, it can affect the air quality of your home in a negative way. The air from your crawlspace can circulate into your home, allowing pollutants, allergens, and bacteria to spread. This can affect the health of your family, putting you at risk of respiratory issues.
Signs to Look Out For
Issues in your crawlspace can sometimes be hard to spot, but there are a few key signs to watch out for that may indicate your crawlspace needs repairs, including:
- Musty odors
- Damp or wet insulation
- High humidity levels inside
- Sagging floors
- Standing water in your crawlspace
What should you do about humidity in your crawlspace?
Depending on your crawlspace and the situation, you may benefit from a variety of different services to get rid of the humidity. Sutton Speciality offers multiple solutions to solve any crawlspace concern you may have, including:
- Vapor Barriers – these types of installations include a plastic sheet that lays across the ground of the crawlspace to keep moisture from entering though the soil. This encapsulation is a waterproofing method to help regulate overall temperature of the crawlspace and keep moisture out.
- Dehumidifiers – this device is used to collect excess moisture from the air and converts it to water, where it can then be removed from the crawlspace by a discharge line. Our dehumidifiers are wired and installed by licensed electricians, using a GFCI surge protected outlet for optimal safety. Dehumidifiers are a great way to prevent mold growth and keep the humidity level in your crawlspace balanced.
Sutton Speciality is well-equipped to handle any crawlspace need you may have. The North Carolina summers are brutal, and protecting your crawlspace is part of protecting your entire home. Sutton Specialty is proud to offer free crawlspace evaluations and quotes to help you determine what solution works best for you. For any crawlspace concerns or questions, give us a call today, 252-320-2577.
