Crawlspaces are beneath your home and directly above the dirt and soil, which often makes them a haven for moisture and mold issues. Because dirt and soil contain a high concentration of moisture, especially in South Carolina, it can create the ideal conditions for mildew and mold growth.

A crawlspace’s primary goal is to raise the lowest habitable part of your home above something called the BFE or base flood elevation to protect it from flooding. Although not many homeowners pay much attention to its condition, they should.

Proper humidity in your crawlspace is essential to eliminate the potential for mold growth. Mold spores are found everywhere in our environment, but are only able to grow and multiply when they are supplied with enough moisture. If you don’t control the conditions of your crawlspace, it can easily cause health concerns and issues for your family.

What are the Proper Crawlspace Humidity Levels?

The key to reducing the risk of mildew and mold growth in your crawlspace is to maintain a proper humidity level. A humidity level of under 65% is the best way to eliminate mold growth, if you don’t control the humidity it can lead to:

  • Mildew and mold growth
  • Wood rot
  • Insulation damage
  • Structural damage

What are the Most Common Causes of Water in Your Crawlspace?

Having water or high humidity in your crawlspace can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and in extreme cases, structural integrity issues. Although there can be several reasons for high humidity and water in your crawlspaces, these are the most common ones:

Pooling Water Issues

Pooling or standing water issues are typically referred to as “bulk water issues.” These types of conditions usually lead to several inches of standing water. The first likely cause to look for is drainage or plumbing issues. Bulk water issues can also stem from an improper slope of the ground. When the ground slopes toward the crawlspace, it can lead to pooling and moisture problems.

Ground Moisture Evaporation

When the ground is saturated with water, it can begin to evaporate into your crawlspace area and although the dirt appears dry, it is because it is evaporating and causing high humidity in the area above it.

Outdoor Crawlspace and Air Vents

Crawlspace vents used to be the standard for reducing humidity in the crawlspace, but when it is already damp outside, they do nothing to help a moisture problem. During the hot summer months, crawlspaces can reach as high as 75% humidity and upwards of 90 degrees or more.
As the hot air hits cooler crawlspace air, it increases the humidity by 2% for every degree of difference. That means your crawlspace humidity can skyrocket during the summer. As the humidity goes up, so does the condensation on the surface of your crawlspace, which makes vents nearly useless. During the winter, vents might be able to control the humidity, but then you have to worry about the loss of heat and soaring energy costs.

Fixing Crawlspace Issues First is the Key!

Regardless of why you are experiencing high humidity, bulk water, or moisture issues, the key to fixing it is to address what’s causing it.

What is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a type of bucket that is installed into your crawlspace to drain any pooling water in the lowest parts of your crawlspace so that it isn’t left pooling. The water inside is dumped outside to keep conditions dry.

Installing a Vapor Barrier

A vapor barrier is a thick sheet of industry-specific plastic that covers your crawlspace floor. It keeps moisture out of the crawlspace area by encapsulating the moisture stemming from the dirt floor. By keeping moisture underneath the barrier wrapping, it also prevents moisture from reaching your floor joists, and ensures that your drywall and insulation remain dry. Most importantly, a vapor barrier prevents mold growth because it cuts off the conditions that mold spores need to multiply and grow.

Crawlspace Dehumidifiers

Controlling the humidity in your crawlspace is the key to limiting harmful mold growth. A dehumidifier will maintain proper humidity levels and lead to healthy air circulation. The fan on the dehumidifier helps to promote the circulation of healthy and dry air in your crawlspace so that it does not affect your home’s quality of air.

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