Hot temperatures mean an increase in humidity and moisture in North Carolina. This increase can cause issues below your home, leading to issues inside your home. To prevent these problems and protect yourself and your family, there are a few things you can do to control the moisture in your crawlspace. We’ve put together everything you need to do about moisture control in the summer, and signs that moisture and humidity levels may be high in your crawlspace!
Sources of Moisture
Moisture can enter your home in a variety of different ways, and sometimes it is inevitable. When seasons change and humidity levels rise, condensation occurs and increases the moisture levels in and around your home. Summer also brings about seasonal storms and heavy rain, which increases the humidity and moisture in the air. Plus, if your home has poor drainage, water may be pooling nearby which means the ground is more wet than normal. All these moisture sources can increase the levels around your home, which can have an effect on your crawlspace.
Issues to Watch Out For
When moisture enters your crawlspace, it can slowly take a toll on your home. Moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew to grow and thrive. Pests seek out warm, moist spaces as well, and can make their home under your house if the moisture level gets too high. It can also cause issues with the wood structure under your home and lead to rot. Too much moisture can also mean your crawlspace is extremely humid, which can lead to your HVAC working overtime to regulate the temperature, leading to more expensive energy bills. Even the indoor air quality can suffer if your crawlspace is not in good shape. If mold and mildew are growing in your crawlspace, you may also notice similar issues in your living areas.
Consequences of Moisture in Your Crawlspace
There are many issues that may arise when there is too much moisture under your home. When mold and mildew find their way in, it can lead to structural damage and even health risks for you and your family. Wood rot can make the structure of your home unstable and dangerous. With extra moisture and humidity, it can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your HVAC system, which could mean you have to replace or repair it sooner than normal. Any issues going on underneath your house will eventually begin affecting your living areas, so solving these problems early on helps to keep repair costs down and protects your entire home.
Moisture Control Options
There are a few ways to waterproof your crawlspace and protect it from damage caused by moisture. A vapor barrier is a sheet of plastic laid in the crawlspace to cover the ground and protect the space from moisture and other elements. Our vapor barriers range from 6 mil loose laid polyethylene to 20 mil reinforced encapsulation – because one size does not fit every need. We also offer dehumidifiers to collect the moisture from the air and removes it through a discharge line to regulate moisture and humidity levels. Each solution is installed and completed with the utmost care and precision to ensure the fix lasts over time.
Sutton Specialty Contractors is proud to provide crawlspace and foundation repairs across eastern NC. Whether you are facing high humidity and moisture levels underneath your home, structural damage, or standing water, we can help get your crawlspace back in good shape. We are a licensed NC general contractor, so all repairs are done according to code. You can trust Sutton Specialty Contractor to provide services specifically to fit your home’s needs. To schedule a free crawlspace evaluation, contact our team today, 252-320-2577.