In my previous articles, I have discussed the science of having vented crawl spaces with dirt floors. Some of the topics discussed address the impact of ignoring the environmental conditions under your home or business. Decreased efficiency in heating and cooling, affects the air quality in your home and higher energy bills are some of the results of vented dirt floor crawl spaces. Having vents in your crawl space allow air, hot cold or wet, into the area directly under your home.
The photo associated with this article shows how vents sometimes can allow water to flow directly under your home and into your crawlspace. Unlike ServPro, we at Arrayofsolutions.com address all contributing factors of moisture issues. Gutters, down-spouts, and slope are some of the contributing factors Arrayofsolutions.com addresses. In many cases, (much to the dismay of my wife) I have rushed to a job-site during a down-pour to witness where the rain is flowing and where it is not. I also encourage customers to film problem areas during a deluge. Often times, ventilation openings at ground level if not properly maintained, become a portal for water to enter a crawl space. There is a direct similarity with moisture in your crawl space and moisture content in all the building materials exposed. Wood is a common building material and when wet, becomes conducive to mold growth as well as rot. When I inspect a crawl space, there is always a similarity with the relative humidity and the moisture readings taken from wood construction materials. Although there are infinite types of mold, there is only one common denominator in mold growth. Moisture!
Call Arrayofsolutions.com today for an inspection of your home’s health. If your sure you have a problem, call Servpro and take 20% off their quote. Your safety is your future.
Douglas Whitehead
Owner; Arrayofsolutions.com