Many homeowners think that insulating or encapsulating the underside of their property is enough to keep the area dry at all times. But such is not the case. Waterproofing contractors recommend installing a crawl space moisture barrier too. As its name implies, a moisture barrier can help keep condensed or diffused liquid out of your home. But aside from this, it also offers plenty of benefits, such as:
Avoiding Electrical Risks And Wiring Hazards
Crawl spaces are usually used to house your home’s ductwork, utility cables, and other electrical wirings. And although they may already be protected by a conduit or a plastic sheathing, a moisture barrier can help ensure they remain safe. Because if water somehow manages to get in contact with your wirings, you’re at risk of fire or shock.
Preventing Mold Growth
Molds thrive well in damp, moisture-rich environments. So, if your crawl space has high humidity levels, the chances of mold and mildew growth in the area are high. Exposure to such fungi can cause many problems. They can feed on and break down organic matter in the area, such as carpet, ceiling tiles, drywall, floorboards, wallpaper, and wooden studs in walls.
Molds can also give rise to many health issues, especially among sensitive individuals. These fungi can cause allergic symptoms like coughing, breathing difficulty, fatigue, headache, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itching, and wheezing.
Preventing Pest And Insect Infestation
Damp crawl spaces can be the perfect place for pests and insects to thrive. These include mosquitoes, cockroaches, beetles, spiders, rats, mice, termites, and ants. Like mold, such insects and pests can also cause structural damage and health problems.
For instance, termites can eat any wooden structures in your crawl space to derive the cellulose and nutrients they need to survive. On the other hand, mosquitoes and rats can become carriers of infectious diseases.
Eliminating Unwanted Odors
Molds, pests, and insects don’t just cause structural damage and health problems. They can also emit unwanted odors that may linger in your home for a long time. Mice and rats, for example, can give off a strong smell similar to ammonia. They also mark their territories with their urine.
Cockroaches, on the other hand, emit “oily” or musty smells. They may also produce acidic odors when they die.
Preventing Rust And Corrosion
Moisture can cause rust and corrosion to any metal equipment and components in the underside of your property, such as your HVAC system and ductwork. By installing a moisture barrier, you can prevent early replacement of such tools and help them achieve their lifespan.
Allowing Better And Safer Access To Crawl Space
When you install a vapor or moisture barrier in your crawl space, it will become much cleaner, making the place easier to access. The underside of your home will also become safer since you won’t have to worry about being exposed to mold, pests, and insects.
Improving The Energy Efficiency Of Your Home
A large percentage of the air you breathe inside your home comes from the underside of your property. So, if your crawl space has a high level of humidity, then your indoor air’s moisture level will also increase.
If this happens, you should prepare to pay for higher electricity on the next billing cycle. This is because your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit will have to work harder than usual to keep you and your family comfortable inside your home.
Increasing Your Home’s Value
If you plan to sell your house in the future, installing a vapor or moisture barrier in your crawl space can be a good investment. It can help you increase your home’s resale value. Potential buyers are also more likely to purchase a property with a crawl space vapor or moisture barrier than those that don’t have one.
Reach Out To A Waterproofing Company Today!
If you want to ensure that your crawl space is dry and safe at all times, reach out to a waterproofing contractor right away. They can help insulate, encapsulate, or waterproof the underside of your property.
Waterproofing companies can also install a vapor or moisture barrier in the area for added protection. Get in touch with them now for questions, clarifications, or more information about crawl space moisture removal systems.
