subject: How A Vapor Barrier Helps Your Crawl Space [print this page] Thankfully science continues to research issues despite the invention of "so-called" solutions. If it weren't for the continued efforts of researchers and scientists, many problems would remain unsolved, and consumers would remain dissatisfied.
What's the deal with a solution not actually solving the problem? Perhaps it's some sort of psychological thing. You know? Maybe consumers convince themselves the problem has lessened, even though the symptoms are still there. Who knows?!
Whatever the case, homeowners continue to "solve" their crawl space issues with the ventilation system, only to find themselves with less money and a replacement system on the way.
Here are the problems with crawl space ventilation:
- It does not circulate fresh air throughout the environment
- It doesn't eliminate the damp air
- Damp air is lighter than dry air, so it won't just stay in the area
You might be wondering how the facts behind ventilation could be false. The building code stands by these facts, and scientists have agreed on them for many years. Well, change is coming.
Here are the real facts behind humidity and air quality:
- Wet air is lighter than dry air. Think of clouds. Interesting, right?
- Ventilation actually brings wet air into the space and throughout your home. When the weather is wet, this ventilation system pulls the wet air upwards. This means the air in your crawl space eventually travels through your whole home, so whatever is in the space will be in your whole house!
- This ventilation system brings in the moisture, which creates the mold, and mildew. Eww! That's the cause of the musty smell you can't remove, and the rotting wood!
The Problem with Ventilation
Ventilation does not eliminate the moisture, mold, and stench. Oh, and are your energy bills still going through the roof? Although a crawl space is most likely not the only issue contributing to your high energy costs, there are ways to definitely improve your home's energy efficiency. This is a great place to start.
Well, if you're tired of the insufficiency of your crawl space ventilation, and you want to lower your energy bill, here is the perfect solution: encapsulation with a vapor barrier!
The Real Solution is a Vapor Barrier
Encapsulating with a vapor barrier prevents humidity, and pests such as ants and termites from entering the space. So, you can say good-bye to the humid, stinky, dark crawl space. No longer will it be a feeding ground for mold and pests, but it can actually be a useful storage space.
You might be wondering about the vents, doors, and other openings that you're used to having to ventilate the space. Those are the primary reasons for the encapsulation! By completely sealing the vents, doors, walls, and floors you're stopping the ventilation from letting in humidity and moisture into the space.
There are also some other steps to help keep the space dry. By installing a sump pump system, you are preventing any flooding. If there's any moisture left over, there's always the self-draining dehumidifier!
