How to Manage the Air in Your Crawl Space

If you have a home with a crawl space, you have several options on what to do with the space. To use the extra space in your crawl space, you will need to first manage the air. While it seems like fresh air can be helpful in these types of situations, this is actually a myth. Vents must be closed at all times as they may allow hot, wet, or cold air and water into the space, which can worsen existing damage by increasing humidity levels. 

It is best to contact a professional like NV Waterproofing & Foundation Repair for experienced crawl space repair services. Having your crawl space repaired by a trusted professional will help you avoid unnecessary repairs, create a healthier living space, and help you save money on your utility bills. Below, we list the different ways to manage the air in your crawl space: 

Summer

Depending on the temperature, air retains a specific amount of water, which is also referred to as relative humidity. For instance, if the air in your crawl space is around 66 degrees Fahrenheit and the surface temperature of your walls and floor are  62 degrees, then for every degree we cool the air, the relative humidity will rise by 2.2%. This is due to the fact that cooler air holds less water than warmer air and causes the walls or vents to remain wet. 

Homeowners should seal off the vents in the crawl space, as they may increase the moisture and mold buildup with the warmer temperatures. NV Waterproofing & Foundation Repair offers crawl space encapsulation services, such as CleanSpace® Crawl Space Vapor Barrier, insulation, drainage matting and more, that help keep excess water out of your crawl space. 

Spring

Even when the temperature outside feels normal, our crawl spaces are still wet because warmer temperatures keep more moisture in the air and on the surfaces of the walls and floors. While venting seems like the proper solution, again it actually increases the dampness instead. When you work with a professional crawl space expert, they can inspect your space and help you determine which services will help keep your crawl space dry and mold-free. 

Fall & Winter

During the cooler seasons, cold air will mix in with the crawl space air, which then cools it and allows the water to evaporate from the earth. In the fall and winter seasons, crawl spaces have a low relative humidity level and are able to stay dry. This will prevent any fungus or mold from growing due to moisture buildup. When your crawl space is experiencing leakages or too much moisture, you may smell a pungent odor or other issues. When you work with NV Waterproofing & Foundation Repair, you will receive the crawl space solutions you need to keep your space and home foundation in great condition. 

Expert Crawl Space Repair Services 

If you're having a problem with your crawl space, check to see if your vents are closed. Per above, vents that are kept open can worsen the situation by allowing hot, cold, or wet air and water into the space, causing further damage. Call NV Waterproofing & Foundation Repair for our quick and efficient crawl space repair services. Our team of skilled,  certified technicians specializes in crawl space problems of all types and provide you with the products and experience that you need to find the best solution for your crawl space. 

Is there moisture in your crawl space? Call us at 1-703-690-3889, and get a free quote to repair your crawl space today.