So, here’s the deal. You’ve got a crawl space; you’ve got a problem. Any way you slice it, crawl spaces stink. They are dark, dank environments that invite all kinds of critters, spiders, insects, rodents, feces, mold, bacteria; dangerous environments with exposed electrical wiring, plumbing and sewer lines. We try to avoid these environs, but we know they’re there, lurking under our feet, being quietly disgusting.
What’s wrong with us? How can we accept this flea-bitten, feces infected, microbial cesspool, as part of our homes? You think it’s not part of your home? Think again. All those pipes, ducts, wiring, etc that come into your home are not sealed. Convection currents readily transport any problem in the crawl space into the living/conditioned space. Improperly sealed ductwork picks up wayward microbes and distributes them throughout the home. So, if you have hantavirus growing on mouse feces (most notably the deer or white-footed mouse) and it gets into your home, it has a fatality rate of 37% and has been identified in 31 states (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Repost, Vol. 51, No. RR-9 July 26, 2002). If you have mold, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Stachybotrus, Fusarium or a host of other genera, you and your family are being subjected daily to toxins that may have serious health affects. Should I go on? I think you get the picture.
We must stop this insanity, fix the crawl spaces currently in place and build homes in the future with crawl spaces that do not support these problems.
Here’s what you do:
- Remove floor insulation (GET RID OF IT!) Seal all foundation vents.
- Install a vapor barrier (6-mil poly) on the ground and extend up the foundation walls to at least the height of exterior soil level. Seal all edges with a silicone caulk and overlap seams one foot with poly adhesive.
- Insulate the interior surface of the foundation walls above ground level with R-6 or higher. Be certain to insulate band joist.
- All penetrations through the sub floor and foundation walls to be sealed with an approved draft-stop material.
- If there is standing water, French drains and sump pumps etc. should be installed to prevent this condition.
I know it may sound like a lot, but if you’re serious about the quality of your home investment and about the health of yourself and your family, this is a very practical solution. Building science experts around the country agree that the above prescribed system out-performs vented crawl spaces hands down.
You may or may not want to investigate “fixing” your crawl space on your own, this is entirely possible. However, if you have questions regarding how to do this or have unique circumstances, feel free to contact me at any time: info@servicemaster-dc.com - or - 703-212-7000.
Damp environments are unhealthy and destructive, where mold thrives and spreads by producing millions of airborne spores – a rare few of which are even toxic – and heating and cooling costs are higher, especially if you have a vented dirt crawl space.
The Crawl Space Encapsulation System completely isolates your home from the earth, dramatically reducing the humidity level in the air. Lower humidity levels can reduce or in some cases, eliminate mold growth, rot, and critters from your crawl space, making the entire house healthier.
Thank you for considering ServiceMaster of Alexandria for you crawlspace encapsulation project. Your Field Manager has been highly trained in assessing and correcting common crawlspace issues, and will monitor your project from the initial set-up to the final walk- (or crawl-through), ensuring the highest quality work. We are trained and certified by the manufacturer to use the Cleanspace system, which you can look at in depth at www.cleanspace.com. Following is some basic information involving the problems associated with crawlspaces and the job process used to correct them:
- Due to the “stack effect” of air rising as it warms, as much as 40% of the air in your home once originated from the crawlspace. All of the dust, mold spores, insect parts, etc in the crawlspace can enter the occupied spaces.
- Because of the temperature differential between the occupied area and the crawlspace, condensation forms on the flooring, pipes, and ducting. This excess moisture results in mold growth, and provides an ideal environment for insects and the small mammals and reptiles that prey on them.
- If your ducts run through the crawlspace, they will draw in air and distribute it to the rest of the occupied area of your home. In addition, the temperature in the crawlspace will cause the HVAC system to work harder and less efficiently than usual, especially in the winter time when warm air is flowing through ducts that are surrounded by cold, damp air in the crawlspace.
- In split-level homes and some above-grade construction, the crawlspace is easily accessible and may have tremendous storage potential. The Cleanspace system creates a clean, bright area that can be used to free up storage space in the home.
- During the encapsulation process, we will install a 20-mil vapor barrier liner that will prevent moisture from entering the crawlspace through the walls and floor. We will also insulate the walls and seal any outside vents, creating a dry, dust free environment.
- For the Cleanspace system to work the humidity in the crawlspace must be controlled. If your HVAC system permits, you can have a mechanical contractor install supply registers and balance the system. If HVAC use is not possible, we can install a permanent dehumidifier.
- If needed, we will also re-grade the crawlspace and install a sump pump.
- If mold remediation is part of your project, we may need to establish positive pressure in the occupied space above your crawlspace. Please assist us by leaving equipment running at all times and keeping doors and windows closed.
- Financing is available through ServiceMaster corporate for up to $10,000. The only money down is the processing fee, and we will handle all of the paperwork for you. If you are interested, ask your Field Manager for details and an application.
We appreciate the chance to earn your business, and look forward to showing you your “new” crawlspace.