Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN
Rotting wood. Chipped paint. The accumulation of mold. What do all these have in common? They are all related to water damage stemming from excess moisture. A water leak or storm damage are not the only ways that moisture can accumulate and cause a problem. Installing a vapor barrier can prevent the buildup of this moisture. Read on as, today on the blog, we take a look at some of the benefits of a vapor barrier.
Crawl space moisture and the associated risks
Why is moisture prone to build up in a crawl space? First off, these areas usually have dirt floors, which allows moisture to accumulate from water vapor that is present in the soil. Left unchecked, this moisture can build and potentially lead to structural damage, electrical problems, erosion of the pipes or the degradation of insulation and fiberglass. This excess moisture also can attract insects and rodents, while also fostering the growth of mold and mildew.
This is problematic because a significant percentage of the air in your home – and the first floor of the home in particular if you have a multilevel dwelling – rises up from the crawlspace. Therefore, this accumulated moisture can negatively affect the air quality in your home.
How does a vapor barrier work?
A vapor barrier seals the crawl space, keeping it dry, blocking out moisture and reducing heat loss. The barrier consists of a thick piece of durable material – usually plastic – and keeps ground moisture from infiltrating the crawl space.
The benefits of a vapor barrier
You will not have to worry about excess moisture since it has no way to infiltrate your crawl space in the first place.
Some of the other reasons you should consider sealing your crawl space with a vapor barrier include the following:
Lower energy bills – A vapor barrier helps regulate the temperature in your crawl space. That means your HVAC does not have to work as hard to warm or cool your home, which decreases your utility costs. In fact, one study found savings of up to 15% on energy costs for buildings where the crawl spaces had been sealed.
Improved air quality: Blocking excess moisture makes it far less likely for mold or mildew to develop. That helps to maintain the quality of the air inside your home.
Durability: When you have a vapor barrier installed by a trained professional, it provides long-lasting protection against moisture damage and the associated effects. That means, once your vapor barrier is in place, it will continue to work as well years from now as it does on the first day, without worrying about repairs or replacements.
Vapor barrier installation in Nashville and Murfreesboro in Tennessee
A vapor barrier only resolves moisture that infiltrates from water vapor in the soil. It does nothing to address water runoff or a leak from a pipe or appliance. That is why we recommend combining a vapor barrier with waterproofing for maximum effectiveness. Ameri Care is proud to offer the CleanSpace crawl space encapsulation system for residential and commercial customers in Nashville, Murfreesboro and the surrounding areas of Middle Tennessee. To find out more, schedule an on-site estimate with one of our professionals. Just call (615) 893-7111 or contact us online.