Crawl Space Moisture Control
Do you have a crawlspace that makes your skin crawl? Is it musty or have a mildew smell to it? Do you see dampness or falling insulation? If so, JMP Services is here to help! Crawl space moisture is a common household problem, and our goal is to stop and avoid mold, wetness and mildew from growing beneath your home. We can even make the necessary repairs to your crawl space — before it starts affecting the air inside your home.A crawlspace moisture inspection focuses on detecting moisture in crawl spaces to prevent structural damage, mold growth, and pest infestations. We verify the presence of a continuous, sealed vapor retarder, check for standing water or damp soil, and measure moisture content in wood framing.
There are cost effective ways to keep the damp from compromising your underpinning and crawlspace, and keep them from coming into your home to effect your health as well!
Don’t know if you need an inspection or not? Keep an eye out for:
- Musty Odors
- Mold, Mildew, and Fungi Growth
- Leaks
- Burning or watery eyes, Sore throat, Fever, Skin rash
Key Components of a Crawl Space Inspection
Inspectors look for specific indicators of moisture intrusion and damage: - Vapor Retarder: A Class I vapor retarder should continuously cover all exposed earth, with seams overlapped by at least 6 inches and taped. It should also extend at least 6 inches up the stem walls.
- Structural Damage: High moisture levels can cause wood rot, decay, and deterioration of wooden structures. Inspectors probe floor joists, rim joists, and subflooring to check for softness or rot, especially near plumbing penetrations.
- Signs of Intrusion:
- Standing Water: Directly indicates drainage issues or groundwater intrusion.
- Efflorescence: A powdery white mineral deposit on masonry walls that signals past water intrusion.
- Musty Odors: Often the first sign of elevated humidity or active mold growth.
- Condensation: Water droplets on ductwork, insulation, or foundation walls indicate high humidity levels.
- Mold and Pests: Damp environments promote mold growth, which poses health risks and damages materials. Excessive moisture also attracts wood-destroying organisms like termites.
Mitigation and Maintenance
- Drainage: Outside grade should slope away from the foundation to prevent water from entering the crawl space.
- Ventilation: Properly functioning vents help circulate air and reduce moisture, though some modern designs use unvented, conditioned systems.
- Sump Pumps: If present, sump pumps should be tested for functionality to ensure they can remove standing water.
We will suit up and scope out your entire crawlspace, and come back to you with a list of issues effecting your moisture control. Once we have a list of issues, we can help you solve the problems. There are cost effective ways to keep the damp from compromising your underpinning and crawlspace, and keep them from coming into your home to effect your health as well!
