Crawl Space Liner
A 6-mil vapor barrier was used to cover the dirt floor of this crawl space. Not only is it easily torn, but there are gaps where the liner meets the piers and foundation walls, exposing the dirt floor. Moisture will rise from the earth through these gaps and holes and affect the environment and raise relative humidity.
Foundation Walls
Outside moisture can seep through these porous cinderblock walls and increase the relative humidity. Efflorescence can also occur, which is when the moisture coming through the walls pulls the salts and sediments from within to the surface, leaving behind a chalky, powdery residue on the walls.
Fiberglass Insulation Batts
The fiberglass insulation batts within this crawl space are sagging out of their place in the floor joists, a result of having an excessive amount of moisture in the crawl space. The fiberglass absorbs the moisture like a sponge and the moisture pulls apart the fine glass fibers of the insulation and begins to fall to the floor in chunks.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew are visible on many of the floor joists and the subfloor of this crawl space. This can occur on any organic materials, so long as the relative humidity is at least 60% and there are warmer temperatures. The mold gives off a very musty odor which can find its way up into the home above.
