Do Crawlspaces really need Moisture Barriers?

moisture barrier

moisture barrierNashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN

High moisture levels in your home invite pests indoors and create undesirable conditions leading to mold and mildew growth. When moisture conditions advance in severity, structural damage may occur and require expensive repairs. Although installing a moisture barrier is a homeowner’s decision, multiple benefits accompany the treatment. Therefore, our Nashville crawlspace experts at Ameri Care Services share on the blog today if your crawlspace really needs a moisture barrier and the benefits you can expect as a homeowner.

Energy Savings

Crawlspace temperatures have a direct effect on your home’s indoor temperature. As the temperature and moisture levels increase, your furnace or HVAC unit must run longer to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Conversely, it uses more electricity and strains the unit, resulting in costly repairs or system replacement. Our crawlspace experts in Murfreesboro explain that a moisture barrier works as a sealant to control moisture levels in your crawlspace, easing the strain on your HVAC system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home that saves you money on energy bills.

Mold and Mildew Prevention

Crawlspace moisture can provide a perfect environment for mold and mildew development. As the spores grow, they can infect your air system and cause health complications for you and your family. Furthermore, mold and mildew can cause severe home damage when left untreated. Crawlspace encapsulation significantly reduces moisture levels and prevents mold and mildew, which could affect your indoor air quality.

Temperature Control

As the temperature and moisture in your crawlspace fluctuate, it can make your home too stuffy, too cold, too hot, or too dry depending on the season. Our moisture control specialists in Murfreesboro explain that crawlspace moisture absorbs warmth from your home or can prevent it from escaping. As such, your furnace or HVAC unit may run longer to maintain a steady temperature, increasing your utility bills and energy consumption. Installing a moisture barrier seals the area and keeps moisture out of the crawlspace, which helps regulate the indoor temperature.

Structural Integrity

Your home’s foundation and “bones” are crucial in maintaining its structural integrity. Our Nashville crawlspace encapsulation experts explain that significant moisture levels may lead to wood rot in beams and joists supporting your home. Unfortunately, it may be costly to repair structural damage, especially when there’s a significant amount. Additionally, the moisture wood could attract wood-destroying insects, resulting in even more damage to your home. When you hire a professional to install a crawlspace moisture barrier, you can reduce your wood rot risk and protect your home’s structural integrity.

Pest Control

Unsealed or unprotected crawl spaces provide an open invitation to rodents and pests searching for water, food, and shelter. Once the unwanted guests come inside, they can pose a significant health risk to you, your family, and guests and cause substantial internal damages to the structure, wiring, and insulation. Our Murfreesboro crawlspace pros explain that a moisture barrier can completely close off your crawlspace and eliminate pest entry points for an effective form of pest control.

Additional ways of dealing with crawlspace moisture

Another way to reduce moisture in your crawlspace and protect the air inside your home is with Aprilaire’s crawlspace dehumidifiers. Ameri Care is a proud partner with Aprilaire, the industry’s number one home dehumidifier and air purification system. We are Aprilaire installers and can help you choose the right system for your home. If you’d like to learn more about Aprilaire, please contact us for assistance.

Crawlspace Moisture Barriers in Nashville and Murfreesboro, TN

Some homeowners fail to see the multiple benefits when installing crawlspace moisture barriers. Instead, they see a considerable upfront expense that may not seem like a good home investment. However, our Nashville moisture control experts at Ameri Care Services explain that you could pay more in the future for higher utility bills or structural repairs if you choose to avoid crawlspace moisture barrier installation. Therefore, get crawlspace moisture under control today by calling Ameri Care Services at (615) 893-7111 or contact us online for an appointment.