Crawl spaces play a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of your home. Unfortunately, they are often overlooked and prone to moisture-related issues, potentially incurring significant damage over time. In this article, let’s walk through the signs that indicate your property may need crawl space moisture barriers.
Visible Standing Water
Whether caused by exterior leaks or plumbing issues, standing water can lead to mold and mildew growth, metal rusting, and wood rotting, eventually damaging your foundation. In addition, the water may affect beams, joints, HVAC units, fuse boxes, and other hardware within or near the crawl space. To address this issue, you must locate the water source, repair it, and install a moisture barrier. You can also include waterproofing treatments like sump pumps to help keep your crawl space dry.
Unpleasant Moldy Odors
Excess moisture in your crawl space makes it the ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew, which lead to musty smells. The mold spores causing foul odors can enter your home through air vents and trigger allergies, respiratory issues, and other health problems. If you detect musty odors coming from your crawl space, it’s crucial to inspect the area, eliminate the mold, and set up moisture barriers for further protection.
Sagging Floors
Floors beginning to sag could indicate water damage in your crawl space. When wood absorbs moisture, it becomes more pliable and can cause sagging in unsupported areas. In addition to installing moisture barriers, you may need to address the structural integrity of your floor joists or provide additional support if necessary.
Pest Infestation
Damp and humid conditions in crawl spaces are attractive to pests. Both termites and rodents are drawn to moisture and darkness and can cause significant damage to a home’s foundation. Implementing moisture barriers can deter pests and protect your crawl space from infestations.
High Humidity Levels
Excess moisture in your crawl space can increase indoor humidity levels. If you notice any of the following, then perhaps it’s time to get moisture barriers and reduce humidity within your crawl space:
- Unpleasant, Unidentified Odors
- Increased Allergy-Like Symptoms and Respiratory Issues Among Occupants
- Visible Mold and Mildew Growth on Walls
- Peeling Paint or Wallpaper
- Condensation on Metal Appliances, Pipes, or Windows
Increased Utility Costs
Poor ventilation and high humidity levels in the crawl space can strain HVAC systems, forcing them to consume more energy and increasing electricity bills. Installing moisture barriers allows you to regulate humidity levels and lighten the load on your air conditioners and coolers, promoting energy efficiency.
Invest in Moisture Barriers Today
Protecting your crawl space from moisture-related issues is vital for your home’s overall well-being. By recognizing the signs above and taking proactive measures like installing crawl space moisture barriers, you can prevent costly repairs and maintain a healthy living environment. Don’t wait until the damage becomes irreversible—contact DryTek Crawlspace Solutions in Salisbury, Maryland, to get started.
