Call UsHigh Moisture Levels in the Crawl Space & Problems it Causes in Providence, RI, Boston, MA, and Nearby Areas
Every time the relative humidity levels in the crawl space are at or above 60%, the perfect environment for smelly mold and dust mites to thrive is created. Warm humid environments are also inviting to termites, carpenter ants and other pests and wildlife.
Vented and untreated crawl spaces tend to be humid year-round because they get moisture from two sources: groundwater and the humid outside air constantly entering the crawl through vents.
Encapsulating the crawl space and providing proper drainage takes care of groundwater intrusion, covering the vents takes care of outside air infiltration. However, there is a third source of moisture that needs to be addressed: moisture from condensation. Very common in crawl spaces with HVAC ducts and pipes, condensation happens when there is a difference in temperature between the crawl space and elements within it, and the outside. For example, an air conditioner duct running cold air in a hot summer day or a pipe of hot water running in a cold winter day.
Dehumidification: the Definitive Solution for Crawl Space Mold Problems
The only way to keep your crawl space healthy year-round and maintain RH at safe levels is by running a good, energy-efficient dehumidifier.
The best options are models that were specifically designed for crawl space environments, rather than generic, hardware-store bought and portable models.
Pioneer Basement offers a very effective crawl space dehumidifier as part of our Level 4 Healthy Crawl Space Certificate, Nationally Backed by a Transferrable Lifetime Warranty!
Level 4 Healthy Crawl Space Solution: WiseAire 70 Dehumidifier
Keep your crawl space dry, healthy and mold free with the WiseAire Dehumidifier. It monitors relative humidity levels all the time, and removes excess moisture whenever necessary. Protect your home’s structural integrity and your family’s health with the WiseAire 70 dehumidifier.
- Removes up to 70 pints of water per day
- Powerful dehumidification for crawl spaces & basements up to 2800 sq. ft.
- Energy Efficient. Save up to $189 yearly on your electric bills versus using a portable dehumidifier
- Low Maintenance. Operates automatically and self-drains into a sump pit.
- Impressive 5-Year Warranty
We also offer the WiseAire 100 model for larger crawl spaces and basements.
FAQ
How do I know if there is mold in my crawl space?
If your crawl space has open vents, it is allowing humid air from the outside to enter the space. As that humid air cools in the crawl, Relative Humidity Levels rise creating the perfect conditions for mold to grow. If the RH levels go above 100%, condensation will occur in every surface, soaking your floor joists, beams, and other structures. With a vented crawl space, the question is not whether it has any mold, but how much damage is being caused by it.
Why is my crawl space moldy?
You crawl space is moldy because the relative humidity levels there are constantly at or above 60% creating the perfect environment for mold to grow. There is groundwater evaporating into the space, humid air consistently coming in through the vents, and condensation due to temperature differences. Modern building science recommends crawl space encapsulation and dehumidification to solve all these problems.
How to get rid of bad smells coming from the crawl space?
There are several sources of bad smells in the typical vented crawl space. The most common source is mold, but bacteria growing in standing water, animal urine and feces are also quite common. The best way to get rid of these foul odors is to keep your crawl space dry, free from mold and critters. All of which can be accomplished with proper encapsulation, sealing and dehumidification.
How to kill crawl space mold?
Depending on how big the mold problem and how much damage it caused, solutions can range from fungicide application to removal and replacement of moldy structures. This is not a DIY job, so please leave it to professionals. Now, the most important thing is to address the moisture that caused the problem in the first place so that it will not keep coming back. Sealing and encapsulating the crawl space to keep groundwater and humidity from the outside from getting into the crawl, is a good start. Running a good crawl space dehumidifier to keep RH levels below 60% so mold will not have chance to grow again, is the safest and definitive solution for mold problems in crawl spaces.
Can a moldy crawl space make my family sick?
While only a few mold species, such as black mold, release dangerous mycotoxins, all mold releases spores in the air. Because the air in your home is constantly moving upwards, at least 1/3 of the air you breathe indoors is coming from your crawl space, along with mold spores, dust mite droppings, and other pollutants. Indoors, the concentration of these harmful particles in the air can trigger mild to severe allergy symptoms in sensitive people.
iBasement Systems & Crawl Space Systems Certificates
The iBasement Systems and Crawl Space Systems Certificates were created using specific sets of criteria to provide a healthy indoor living environment. Air pollutants and excessive moisture levels in the basement or crawl space can negatively impact the odors in the home as well as cause health problems with those who live there year-round - including yourself!
We offer 6 levels of iBasement Certificate, and 5 levels Crawl Space Systems Certificate, each designed to solve specific problems and protect your home, family, and property value on the long run.
Steps towards a healthy basement and a Nationally Backed Warranty.
All of our Healthy Basement / Crawl Space Contractors are trained and certified.
Steps towards a healthy crawl space and a Nationally Backed Warranty.
All of our Healthy Basement / Crawl Space Contractors are trained and certified.
Why does my basement smell musty?
That infamous musty odor indicates the presence of mold in your basement, even of you can’t see mold spots yet. Mold is a smelly fungus that loves damp and dark environments like a basement. Even in small concentrations it still releases spores and odors in the air.
Is mold in the basement dangerous?
Only a few species of mold, such as black mold, produce hazardous mycotoxins that can trigger serious health problems. Yet, every species of mold growing indoors releases spores which, in high concentrations, will negatively impact indoor air quality. This can trigger mild to sever allergy symptoms in sensitive people.
How to clean up mold in my basement?
If you have a visible mold infestation in your basement, start by getting rid of all the moldy items. Cardboard, paper, fabrics, upholstery, wood, drywall, and insulation must be removed and properly discarded. You can then clean mold from the walls and other hard surfaces using these CDC guidelines. https://www.cdc.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-bleach.html
How to get rid of basement mold?
The most effective way to permanently kill mold and keep it from growing back is to always keep Relative Humidity Levels in the basement below 60%. That can be accomplished by running a good basement dehumidifier that will constantly monitor RH levels and run as needed of the levels are too high.
What are those stains in my basement wall?
Stains in basement walls can have different causes. Some stains are mold. Others, like rusty-colored stains can indicate the presence of iron ochre in the groundwater, and a white, powdery substance covering the walls can be efflorescence. Basement wall stains usually are a sign of water seepage, and that your basement would benefit from drainage improvements.
What Our Customers Say About Us
Accreditations
Angie’s List Super Service Award 2016
Home Advisor Screened & Approved
Basement Health Association Member
Better Business Bureau Rating A+
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Service Area
Pioneer Basement offers a variety of services from waterproofing to foundation repairs. We offer the following services in your area, basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, sump pump installation and service, basement crack repair, vapor barriers and moisture control.