Pro Environmental Services crawlspace solutions, is the remedy to high moisture conditions in your crawlspace. Extensive field experience indicates that it provides exceptional environmental control for a safe and healthy crawlspace.
Many homes in the coastal region of North Carolina have crawlspace foundations. These foundations have operable vents designed to provide ventilation for moisture control. Unfortunately, venting a crawlspace during our hot summer months allows hot humid air to enter into the cooler environment inside the crawlspace. Instead of drying the crawlspace, the hot humid air that enters this area actually increases the moisture content. Once there, moisture gets into the colder floor framing where the moisture content of the wood can go up to a point that is ideal for fungal growth and wood damage. This is the most common cause of fungal growth inside crawlspaces in Eastern North Carolina and especially its coastal counties. These conditions provide the temperatures, water and food that allow the colonization of mold.
Practically all crawlspace areas have air conditioning equipment, ductwork and plumbing. High humidity introduced into these areas, may lead to condensation on ductwork and equipment possibly causing damages. Additionally, this high humidity provides an ideal environment for insects.
The most typical insulation located between the floor joists in your crawlspace ceiling, is R19 fiberglass batts. These batts are very light weight and actually act as a sponge, absorbing heavy humid air and moisture causing them to sag, therefore somewhat depleting their insulating capabilities. This is another reason why it is important to control the humidity level in a crawlspace.
Crawlspaces are a major area for the development of fungal growth. Pro Environmental Services has developed a system that will virtually eliminate that development.
Before any efforts are made to install a complete vapor barrier, all areas allowing water or moisture to intrude (underground water intrusion, plumbing leaks, etc...) will be corrected. Mold does not typically grow when humidity levels are below 40%, therefore our solution involves installing a complete vapor barrier and a dehumidifier sized to the total cubic footage of your crawlspace. Over a short period of time the dehumidifier will bring the humidity level down to a desired level and maintain it. After the proper moisture level is reached, the dehumidifier will only run periodically, as your crawlspace humidity will be stabilized and under control.
The thickness of the vapor barrier will depend upon the amount of traffic that you may have in the crawlspace. We recommend wrapping the foundation walls and all piers with 6 mil reinforced white polyethylene and 12 mil reinforced on the ground. The 12 mil poly is excellent for moderate traffic and light storage. All seams are sealed with a poly-adhesive. Rigid foam insulation panels are placed inside the existing foundation vent openings.
This unvented crawlspace system is the solution to preventing moisture in your crawlspace and its related problems. The stable environment will also create a more stable temperature by keeping the cold winter winds out and the summer heat and humidity out as well, thus reducing your energy demands and therefore your energy costs.
Crawlspace Solutions by PES
"Your Indoor Air Quality Specialists"
1-877-910-MOLD (6653)
Call to schedule a free estimate with one of our certified technicians.
