If you have a damp crawl space, you may be wondering whether it’s a normal condition in your Statesville, NC, home or a sign of an underlying problem. You might think it’s natural for this space to get moist and damp because the crawl space is beneath your living space.
After all, the ground normally gets wet and dry with changes in the weather. Whatever the cause, your goal should be to keep your Statesville home’s crawl space dry all year round.
Is It Normal for Crawl Spaces to Have Moisture?
Yes, it’s common. Crawl spaces, especially in Statesville, are notorious for having moisture problems due to North Carolina's weather.
The moisture escapes out of the soil by evaporation and accumulates in the crawl space, where it causes constant condensation. Some of the moisture could come from heavy rainfall and flood waters if you don’t have external waterproofing.
Furthermore, as the vapor rises, it makes its way through gaps in the walls or condenses on the floor beams and insulation right above the crawl space. This is the major cause of musty odors and mildew in a home.
If you have a crawl space, you should ideally keep the humidity at 55% or below it. Encapsulating the crawl space is one of the best methods to do because it keeps humidity levels low and prevents undesirable effects such as mold growth, mildew, and termites from invading your crawl space.
Effective Ways to Keep Your Crawl Space Dry
Does your crawl space build up moisture or get damp whenever it rains? If so, you need to fix the water problem by resolving the underlying issue. Lowering humidity levels in the crawl space not only saves money but also prevents mold growth and pest infestation.
If left untreated, these problems will spread to the rest of the house and could be costly to repair. If you want to ensure that your crawl space is moisture-free, here are some effective steps you can take to keep your crawl space dry all year round:
- Encapsulate your crawl space
- Replace wet insulation and clear out debris
- Remove puddles and moisture source
- Repair leaks, seal cracks, and insulate water pipes to prevent condensation
- Install a dehumidifier to control moisture and humidity
Are you worried about the damage moisture in your crawl space could do to your Statesville home? Contact us for more information about moisture control and helping to encapsulate your crawl space. We’re happy to evaluate your crawl space and recommend the best solution to fix or prevent moisture problems.