Problems Caused by Dirt Crawlspaces with Moisture Intrusion in Evansville, IN

In many cases, mold has started to eat away at wooden subfloor joists. The moisture needed to promote mold growth also causes other problems, causing those joists to warp and making the above floors squeak and sag. An additional problem with warping and compromised subflooring is that it puts additional pressure on the copper piping that runs under the floor. The copper now has to flex and bend because the floor is not level.

In some cases, homeowners will replace failing joists with new ones. What this tells an inspector, and our crawlspace experts, is that the problem with crawlspace moisture has been going on for a very long time and the root cause of the problem has not been remedied. also causes other problems, causing those joists to warp and making the above floors squeak and sag. An additional problem with warping and compromised subflooring is that it puts additional pressure on the copper piping that runs under the floor. The copper now has to flex and bend because the floor is not level.

What is the root cause?

Water. That's right, groundwater intrusion into the dirt floored crawlspace. The water coming into the space causes mud on the floor and increases the relative humidity to the point where there is rampant mold growth. In many cases, plastic is promoting, not helping, the crawlspace moisture problem. The plastic ends up having condensation on top of it, which shows us that the air in the crawlspace is so humid that it clearly needs a dehumidification system like our Sanidry unit installed.

HVAC Systems

There are two problems to focus on:

• The first is the rampant mold growth in and around an HVAC system. If it's covered in mold, then that system is drawing that contaminated air up into the rest of the house.
• The second problem is the wooden joists around the system. Warping and bending of the joists can place a strain on the HVAC system and can lead to a loss of energy efficiency over time.

The HVAC system in most crawlspace draws in air from moist, mold spore-ridden area and disperses that into the rest

 of the house. This has been known to cause an increase in allergies, onset of asthma or asthma-like problems such as reactive airway dysfunction in children and adults. The best way to get fresh, clean air into your home is to start with the crawlspace. Create a sealed, conditioned and healthy space there and your entire family will breathe better.

Another complication that occurs with a moist crawlspace is pest infestations. Spiders move in to crawlspaces because there are plenty of crickets and other pests to eat. Pests enter a crawlspace because there is an abundance of mold and fungi to eat, and plenty of moisture. Stop the cycle -- lower relative humidity and you can rid yourself of pests, too!