Crawl Spaces
  
  Our unique crawl space encapsulation method CRAWLSPACE DESIGNS™
is a trade mark technique with proven success. Call us for a free evaluation and estimate.
 
 If you want more information, please read the next two pages and follow the web links. 

  A crawl space allows access to plumbing, electrical, and other utilities as well as to romote air circulation.
 Older homes in areas where basements are rare have high foundations with crawl spaces that allow cooling air to circulate throughout the home.

 A crawl space cannot be utilized as a living space, it can be used for storage of infrequently used items. One should be cautious in doing so, however, as moisture from the damp soil, along with humidity from crawl space vents and water seeping through permeable concrete, can and will create a breeding ground for mold and mildew to form on any organic surface, including cardboard boxes, wood floors and even some types of insulation. Overall, a crawl space can serve a variety of purposes, not the least of which is the actual foundation of a home. And, as such, it should be treated like the rest of the home. 

 With everything today, we have learned that vented crawlspaces, once mandated by the International Residential Code. Are not the best option. The original purpose of these vents was to bring in fresh air from the outside and circulate it with the air in the crawl space, along with providing an escape for accumulated moisture. In the 30’s and 40’s we had a different lifestyle, the windows were open in the summer and there was no air conditioning. The homes were built with different technology and guidelines so they were not as air tight as they are today. Many of these homes have had air conditioning added to them, which is great but this restricts the amount of fresh air the home gets. With us building houses more energy efficient and sealing them up, we have caused the chimney effect we described. 

                                        Air Quality / Radon
 
 Vents allow moisture and humidity to enter the crawl space freely. This vented crawl space door is so near to ground level that rain water can easily flow right into the crawl space through the vent in the door, then settle in the lowest spot it flows to where it will remain trapped. A house can act very much like a chimney drawing air and moisture in from the bottom and releasing the air through the roof vents. Through this action mold spores, allergens and in some cases toxins are pulled from the crawl space up through the living quarters of the home to you and your family. Most homes, even those that have been built in recent years still have these open vents. we have now learned that our crawl spaces should remain tightly sealed year round. Sealed against summer heat and humidity protecting against moisture. In winter the vents remain well sealed so as not to allow cold icy air to invade the crawl space robbing your home of heat and now days we just cannot afford to waste energy because the crawl space is so cold and damp. In studies we have learned that 40% of the air in your home comes from your crawl space. This is why a conditioned crawl space is needed. It should be treated as any other room in your house. 

                                        Radon

 This is also a vital part of reducing radon levels in your home. The vapor barrier, installing a vent pipe and fan is called submembrane suction. The EPA standards suggest this is the best way to reduce the levels in your home. We can test levels prior to the installation to see if this is needed. If so we can install a Radon system for your home

                              Moisture / Humidity

 The exposed dirt in your crawl space puts large amounts of moisture in the air.   The high humidity in the summer months causes more moisture. In tests it as been shown that the humidity outside will be equal to the humidity inside your crawl space.  Whether the vents are open or closed. This high humidity causes many problems. Termites, insects, mold, fungus, and bacteria will live and reproduce under these conditions. The EPA reports these conditions can cause or worsen asthma, allergy, respiratory problems and sinus infections. This is were the vapor barrier, sealing vents and insulating greatly reduces the moisture penetration. As part of our Moisture Control System Black rock can also install sump pumps where needed to stop rain water from collecting in your crawl space, or to pump off water that makes it's way to the surface from a shallow spring that may lie beneath your home. This is the first step toward a conditioned crawl space.

                                                Solution

  A conditioned and encapsulated crawl space will greatly reduce or eliminate these problems and has many other benefits as well. It allows for added storage room, without worry of moisture damage. Our vapor barrier is thread reinforced and highly durable for years of service. We will come and do a FREE inspection. In some cases we can add a small amount of conditioned air from your existing HVAC. If higher moisture levels are a problem, we can install a commercial grade dehumidifier. We will check your moisture levels and determine the best installation solution for your home. We are not high pressure  salesman. We will inform you what we find, the best solution and let you make your decision. We have included some links from the Department of Energy with studies they have done and how a closed crawl space as they call it can help you and help you save on your energy bill.

http://www.energycodes.gov/news/ecodes2007/presentations/Track3/Training/Tiller.pdf

http://www.crawlspaces.org/

 
                                                  Continued