Do I need a sealed Crawl Space?

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September 4, 2015
Fred Wingate

Many of us in the Charlotte area have a crawl space in our home and the choice about whether to seal this area or not often becomes a question for homeowners.  First things first though – what is the point of this rarely visited part of our home?  Traditionally crawl spaces are used in homes that don’t have basements or houses not built on slabs.  The point of the crawl space is to provide easy access to plumbing, electrical and other home maintenance needs and also to promote the circulation of air through the home.  They provide easy access to the pipes and substructures of our homes that may be costly or difficult to reach otherwise and can even be used as storage for rarely used items.

It’s clear that crawl spaces represent an important and useful part of home, but something we often find in these spaces is moisture.  Moisture can enter a crawl space in many different ways.  The moisture in the soil around the home can seep in through the foundation, standing water due to a drainage leak or plumbing issue, and outdoor air coming in through the vents thus increasing humidity to name a few.  The moisture within a crawl space is not only unsafe for the structure itself but also brings with it problems for you and your family’s health.  Air quality in the main living space of your home and allergies caused by this air quality, mold and pests are the major concerns facing your family should moisture enter your crawl space.  So what can a homeowner do about this? Encapsulating your crawl space is a great solution to fix or prevent moisture from overtaking your crawl space.

There are many different options when considering a sealed crawl space in your home.  If the financial aspect of the project is not an issue then the most expensive and comprehensive options offered may be a good fit for your family and your home.  However, if like many of us, a more economical solution is what you are looking for, Noosa Pest Management’s hybrid crawl space vapor barrier may be just what you are looking for.  The hybrid option includes a thick vapor barrier to the crawl space floor, sealing the foundation vents to block humid air from entering the crawl space.  We can also install commercial dehumidifiers to regulate the relative humidity in the space.   So why does Noosa treat the moisture issue in this way?  We have learned from experience that many times, if a vapor barrier is missing from the crawlspace, simply adding this material will reduce the moisture content in the wood members of the crawlspace and the relative humidity in the air.  A dehumidifier and sealing the foundation vents can always we done in the future if the vapor barrier does not solve the issues.  For instance, if the moisture is wicking through or seeping through your foundation walls, proper waterproofing or french drains may be needed.  Simply adding a dehumidifier will NOT solve these issues.  Each crawl space is different and we can’t stress the importance of shopping around for a provider.  Make sure you understand what you are getting, and what you are paying for.  Please consider Noosa Pest Management in your search for a company to handle your crawl space moisture.

Fred Oct2023

Fred Wingate

Chief Bugman

Fred Wingate is the dedicated Owner and Chief Bugman at Noosa Pest Management, a thriving pest control company in Charlotte, NC. He established the company in 2006 with a vision to provide exceptional pest management services to the local community. By staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in pest management and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, he ensures that Noosa Pest remains at the forefront of the industry.

Not only is Fred deeply invested in the well-being and satisfaction of his clientele, he is also passionate about supporting the local community, including schools, churches, and other organizations. The future of our community is important to Noosa Pest, and proudly contributes to its growth and prosperity.

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