Foundation Walls
Efflorescence is visible along the foundation walls of this crawl space. This tells us that moisture has seeped through the porous cinderblock walls from the outside. The moisture leaking into the crawl space will increase the relative humidity, which can lead to condensation, as well as mold and mildew growth.
Open Vents
Vented crawl spaces allow outside air and moisture to enter the crawl space and increase relative humidity. They were meant to ventilate the crawl space in the warmer and wetter seasons, but instead, all that moisture becomes trapped damaging the insulation, promoting mold and mildew growth, and creating an environment that is perfect for critters and small creatures to make their home.
Vapor Barrier
This flimsy 6-mil is commonly found in Mechanicsville crawl spaces, but it offers little protection. This liner is ripped and displaced in many places, exposing the dirt flooring, and allowing the earth's moisture to rise into the crawl space.
Fiberglass Insulation
The fiberglass insulation acts like a sponge, absorbing excess moisture in the crawl space and becoming heavy. This causes the fibers to pull apart and the insulation to fall to the floor, away from the subfloor that it is supposed to be insulating.
