Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN
Tennessee’s summer heat and humidity are no joke. Not only can the humidity wear you out during an afternoon outdoors, but it can also wreak havoc on your home. In many cases, homeowners are unaware of moisture levels in their home’s crawlspace, and the conditions could be causing significant damage to your home’s structure or air quality. Our Nashville crawlspace waterproofing experts at Ameri Care Services share on the blog today how humid summers could be damaging your crawlspace and how to protect your home’s investment by reducing moisture presence.
How does moisture enter crawlspaces?
Typically, houses naturally draw approximately 40% of the air in from lower levels, introducing air into your home through the crawlspace. Warm air contains more moisture than cool air, and when pulled into crawlspaces, it creates condensation on the wood framing, insulation, air conditioning ducts, and any other surfaces. Our crawl space moisture control pros in Nashville explain that for each degree the air cools, the relative humidity increases by 2.2%. In a small area, the humidity increase can significantly impact your home.
How does moisture affect my home?
Moisture and organic materials are not compatible in combination. For example, when wood becomes wet, it begins to rot, and mold often starts growing, which both attract pests. Unfortunately, moisture damage can cause extensive damage to your home’s insulation, drywall, weight-bearing joists, and overall structure. Our crawlspace experts in Nashville explain that in addition to structural damage, moisture also increases the risk of mold, mildew, and bacterial growth. As the air in your home rises, so do musty smells and mold spores that could aggravate your family’s respiratory system, especially for those who suffer from asthma or allergies.
How can I reduce moisture in my crawlspace?
Moisture in your home’s crawlspace is a natural occurrence. However, with the help of Nashville’s crawlspace pros, you can reduce moisture’s impact on your home and protect your investment.
Below are some examples of how we help control crawlspace moisture
- Waterproofing – Our crawlspace waterproofing and encapsulation system uses a special vapor barrier that can prevent hundreds of water gallons per year from damaging your home. By preventing groundwater evaporation and air passage into your crawlspace, you can effectively reduce moisture and pests while conditioning the air. Fortunately, most homeowners notice a decrease in energy bills and warmer floors after waterproofing their crawlspace.
- Dehumidifiers – Standard home dehumidifiers often use a small coil that helps pull moisture from the air. Unfortunately, in a larger area such as your crawlspace, regular dehumidifiers fall short of effectively removing enough moisture from the air. Additionally, the system will run longer and work harder, resulting in a utility bill increase. Therefore, our Nashville crawlspace encapsulation experts recommend installing an Aprilaire Certified dehumidifier to control crawlspace moisture. Using the right equipment to reduce moisture from your home means breathing cleaner air, resulting in better sleep, reduced allergens, and improved overall health.
- Vent Covers – Although seemingly insignificant, your crawlspace vents contribute to moisture control problems. Vents allow outside air into the crawlspace, which can be detrimental to your home during warm temperatures and high humidity levels. Therefore, our moisture control experts in Nashville recommend sealing crawlspace vents to keep moisture and pests out of your home.
Crawlspace Waterproofing in Nashville and Murfreesboro, TN
The most challenging part of summers in Tennessee is the humidity. Not only does the excess moisture interfere with outdoor activities, but it also impacts your life indoors. Our Nashville moisture control pros at Ameri Care Services recommend that homeowners schedule a crawlspace inspection each year to protect their home’s structure and value. However, if you notice increased utility bills, a musty smell, or damp walls and flooring, contact our office immediately for a crawlspace inspection by calling (615) 893-7111 or contact us online.