Do you have a Crawl Space?

Crawl Space & Basement Encapsulation 

It is not a good idea to keep a dirt crawl space under a home. The ground has very high moisture causing the water vapor to move and can enter your crawl space and potentially move into other areas of the house.

A dirt floor in a crawl space has two main problems both contributing directly to the degradation of the structure; an unhealthy living space and a source of energy loss.

Living in a damp environment is very unhealthy. The mold thrives and reproduces by producing airborne spores creating some molds that are toxic or ones that will enhance allergies. This environment can also create rot and decay eventually causing structural damage.

Crawl Space Energy Costs and Losses 

• If your home has a dirt crawl space it will cost you more to heat and cool. If your crawl space is vented it will make your floors colder costing more to heat your house.
• If your home has a dirt crawl space you will have damp air requiring more energy.
• If you eliminate the humidity from your crawl space, you will save money on heating and cooling costs.        
  

   

What exactly is a vapor barrier or encapsulation?

 Water vapor is always evaporating from the ground, even if the crawl space floor looks dry, this water vapor evaporation is still occurring. A vapor barrier is the easiest and most cost effective way to stop this problem. A good vapor barrier along with closing off crawl space vents and sealing outside air leaks can reduce humidity 15% to 30% depending on the type of installation.

A vapor barrier is a high density material that prohibits water vapor from passing through it. Traditionally a vapor barrier was used to cover only the ground floor of the crawl space. This prevents water vapor from evaporating out of the soil and moving up into the crawl space air. This water vapor can cause excess humidity levels, that also allow mold, odors, and bugs to become a problem in your crawl space and in your upper living spaces. In our industry today there are two types of vapor barrier installation methods, a more common flat lay and a complete encapsulation system. The most effective is a complete encapsulation system.




Basement & Crawl Space Mold
Mold spores, the seeds of mold, are in the air everywhere. All they need to grow is organic material such as wood, the right temperature range, and moisture. Of these, the only one that can be controlled is moisture.

Dirt, and even concrete, crawl spaces have the high humidity levels necessary for mold growth. Humidity levels from 50% to 90% are easily found in crawl spaces -- even relatively dry crawl spaces that have never flooded.

Mold can grow on dirt, insulation, framing and even under your carpet on the first floor. Mold destroys organic materials as it feeds on them. Mold reproduces by producing millions of floating airborne spores, which some people are very sensitive to. Spores can be dormant  for many years, waiting for the right conditions to grow. Some molds produce mycotoxins, such as the black mold Stachybotrys.

Mold is one of the most common problems found in crawl spaces, along with the mold comes those musty foul odors. The most likely source of mold and odors is damp crawl space air. Mold can be found growing on floor joist, exposed sub-flooring and many times on debris that is left in the crawl space.

Our process includes applying an EPA approved biocide application to effectively eliminate the mold and odors, then remove insulation and replace it after we have sanded growth areas on the wood and framing.

Then we apply an approved sanitizer and wood encapsulation coating on the wood and framing to eliminate odor causing bacteria and mold, in addition to providing added protection against wood decay organisms

 
Our Mold Remediation is carried out in accordance with the standards and guidelines as outline by the US EPA and IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation.

Waterproofing your basement or crawl space creates a healthier environment in your home!


Call Us Today! 303-238-8600

Bonded & Insured *Family owned and Operated *Serving the Community Since 1979