Call Us! We will be happy to provide free estimates! 843-852-0230
Charleston, SC 843.852.0230
AllPro Pest Management Inc
Providing Pest and Moisture Control You Deserve By Professionals Who Care!
What's the Problem??
Up to 50% of the air we breathe on the first floor of our home comes from the CRAWLSPACE! Have you looked in there?
The problem with a vented dirt or concrete crawlspace is that as warm air rises in your home, it brings up with it the air that was previously in your crawl space, including moisture and mold spores, as well as anything else that may be airborne down there.
As this air rises in your home, replacement air enters from the lowest part, your crawlspace. This replacement air is made up with unconditioned outside air that enters through vents and other leaks, and air that is actually sucked from the crawlspace floor, either dirt or concrete, which is typically filled with lots of moisture. This natural upward air movement is called the "stack effect" -- this is how chimneys work.
Consequently, whatever is in the air at the lowest point eventually flows up into the living sections.
Up to 50% of the air we breathe on the first floor of our home comes from the crawl space!
A dirt crawl space with vents is a never-ending source of moisture due to humidity and high dewpoints. Even if the dirt's surface seems dry, digging down a few inches reveals moist earth which is a constant source of evaporation which raises humidity levels in the crawlspace..
Why Is Crawl Space Moisture so Bad?
Because it's the moisture that leads to mold growth, musty odors, and expensive structural damage, not to mention that insects and critters love moist environments and energy costs are higher. Moisture ruins houses by providing a hospitable environment for mold, fungi, and insects that destroy wood framing.
Crawl space moisture, and the mold and mildew that thrive in this environment, affect not only the floor system directly above, but also the entire house.
The principal cause of damage to organic materials in general, and wood in particular is water. Thankfully, this we can control.
Seal It Up and Dry It Out!
Properly sealing the crawlspace and removing the moisture from the ground and air is part of the solution that helps provide a mold-free, radon-free, and insect-free environment, which leads to a more more energy-efficient and healthy homes.
To avoid moisture's negative affects, a crawlspace should be completely sealed and isolated from the ground and the humid outside air. One of the most effective methods research has shown to lower crawl space humidity, which has been tested and perfected throughout the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Ireland, is now available in our area -- the CleanSpace Crawlspace Encapsulation System by Basement Systems Inc. and installed by the moisture management experts here at AllPro Pest Management.
This crawlspace vapor barrier system involves installing a 20-mil 7-ply sandwich of high and low-density polyethylene with polyester-cord reinforcement on the dirt or concrete floor, that is fastened and epoxied to the walls. This extra-heavy reinforced lining is made especially for this system and is treated with an antimicrobial finish that protects against mold and mildew growth under the crawlspace liner as well as it has a 25 yr warranty against tears and rips.
Lower energy bills, resulting from reduced crawlspace humidity, translate into comfort and savings year after year.
The CleanSpace crawlspace vapor barrier is tough enough for service people to crawl on and safe enough for storage. Being bright white, the CleanSpace liner really brightens a crawlspace too, making it a relatively pleasant storage place while making your home more energy efficient, healthy, and safe for your family.
Does My Crawl Space Leak or Flood?
Most crawlspace foundations leak and many flood. Such crawlspaces may require a drainage system. We have several patented sump pump systems for your peace of mind. They all feature a built-in WaterWatch sump pump alarm system to let you know if there is ever a pump or power problem before the crawlspace floods.
Just remember that your crawlspace, although often neglected until it's too late, is one of the most important spaces in your home. It can be a spawning ground for mold, bugs, embarrassing odors, and even radon gas.
The moisture generated in the crawlspace will lead to family illnesses, structural damage and higher energy costs!
P.O. Box 80246 Charleston, SC 29416-0246 843.852.0230 / 843.852.0907 fax c.2007 AllPro Residential Services Co., AllPro Pest Management, Inc.
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