Crawl Space Moisture
One way that moisture enters a crawl space is through its vents. The idea behind open vents was to allow enough airflow through the crawl space to keep it dry. The problem is that air carrying moisture enters from the outside which can elevate the relative humidity leading to problems such as mildew and mold.
Spray Foam on Foundation Walls
Spray foam is applied to help seal and insulate the crawl space walls. When Closed Cell spray foam is applied at a 1.5-inch thickness it prevents air and vapor from seeping through it, preventing moisture from entering through the porous block walls. Any moisture that would flow through open vents gets sealed off from the crawl space.
Crawl Space Mold and Mildew
When there is too much moisture in your crawl space, it becomes a feeding ground for mold spores. Mold and mildew will grow on any organic material within the crawl space if the temperature and relative humidity are high. Mold and other fungi will thrive in warm and wet spaces and can cause problems for both humans and homes
Solution to Mold Growth
Mold and mildew will find it difficult to wreak havoc in a crawl space that is sealed and insulated with controlled humidity. Cutting off the outside air and adding a dehumidifier will help keep the crawl space air dry. An antimicrobial is used to kill the mold/mildew during the clean-out process before any new product is installed.
Vented Dirt Crawl Spaces
Most homes in the U.S. were built on vented dirt crawl spaces. Water vapor rises from the Earth into the crawl space. Because the 6mil vapor barrier does not seal the crawl space off from the Earth and easily displaced and damaged, it's allowing a continuous stream of water vapor to enter the crawl space.
Effective Vapor Barrier
This 20mil vapor barrier, CleanSpace, is correctly installed over the dirt floor and sealed to the walls and piers of the crawl space. The liner prevents water vapor from rising out of the Earth and into the home. It is difficult to tear and rip, leaving your crawl space sealed and protected from outside air and moisture.
