Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN
Many homes in Tennessee are built with a crawlspace, which is an accessible area underneath homes for the purpose of improving structural support and energy efficiency and making pipes and electrical wiring more accessible. In some cases, a crawlspace can help provide protection from floods, to keep rising water from entering your home. And crawlspaces are sometimes used for storage. Crawlspaces are usually equipped with adjustable vents to allow for passive airflow. However, when should you open these vents and when should they be closed? Today on the blog, our crawlspace encapsulation experts at Ameri Care solve this unending battle of crawlspace vents – open or closed?
The purpose of crawlspace vents
Crawlspace vents are designed to help improve airflow during the summer and restrict ventilation during the winter. If kept closed during the summer, crawlspaces can become breeding grounds for mold and mildew, which could become a health hazard inside your home or invoke allergic reactions and breathing problems. But keeping the vents open during the hot, humid months of summer allows for passive airflow and lowers the risk of mold growth inside your crawlspace. Now, keep in mind that other factors like moisture or water from a water leak or water entering your crawlspace due to drainage issues could contribute to mold or mildew growth. So, if you leave your crawlspace vents open during the summer and notice mold issues, consider hiring a plumber to assess the pipes in your crawlspace for any leaks and look for areas where water could be seeping through to the crawlspace from the outside after a hard rain.
Should crawlspace vents remain open or closed?
It depends on the season. We recommend opening your crawlspace vents at the end of winter to allow airflow to the area and decrease the chance of mold growth. But once temperatures dip and you experience chilly nights and mornings, it’s time to close the crawlspace vents to maintain the heat in your home and keep drafty air from wafting into your home from the crawlspace. In some instances, a crawlspace dehumidifier is the best to reduce humidity within the crawlspace. These units can be installed to run on their own and require little maintenance. However, for the best crawlspace condition, consider having it encapsulated by professionals in Murfreesboro at Ameri Care Services.
Crawlspace Encapsulation
Crawlspace encapsulation completely waterproofs and seals the crawlspace to prevent moisture, pests, and outside air from entering. This helps improve the energy efficiency of your home, protects against pests, and maintains a proper temperature and humidity level to protect the integrity of your home and foundation. The encapsulation material is thick, sturdy polyethylene plastic that maintains a clean area beneath your home. You will also be able to store unused items in your crawlspace without worrying about them getting ruined by bugs or humidity.
Crawlspace Encapsulation Services in Murfreesboro and Nashville, Tennessee
Ameri Care Services provides crawlspace encapsulation services to the Middle Tennessee area. This service is a smart investment in your home and makes maintaining your home more cost-effective since you will save on your monthly energy bill. Plus, you’ll experience cleaner air within the confinements of your home. To learn more or get a quote on crawlspace encapsulation, contact Ameri Care by calling (615) 893-7111.