Our standard dehumidification system maintains a healthy crawl space for years to come. Below are the steps our technicians take to install the system.
1. Clean out the crawl space and remove old plastic and other debris.
2. Seal all foundation vents and other outside openings.
3. Install a reinforced vapor barrier.
4. Installation of an electrical outlet by a licensed electrician.
5. Install a dehumidifier based on the needs of the crawl space.
6. Install a condensate pump to pump water out of the crawl space
7. Install a wireless thermo-hydrometer in the crawl space and a digital display in your home to allow you to view the moisture levels under your home at any given time.
Why are so many steps needed?
A comprehensive approach to moisture control is must to maintain a healthy crawlspace. Below is an explanation for why we take each step.
1. Cleaning out the crawl space is necessary because there is often times an old vapor barrier that does not provide adequate coverage and debris that has been left behind by contractors. Removal of any debris and old plastic from the crawl space allows our technicians to provide better coverage and extends the life of the vapor barrier. Additionally, any wood debris that is in contact with the ground makes your home more conducive to a termite infestation.
2. The vents and outside openings are sealed to prevent hot, humid air from entering the crawl space. This air causes condensation to form in the crawl space as it cools. The condensation is absorbed by the wood and can increase the moisture content above 20%, which is the level at which fungus begins to grow. Having the crawl space sealed also allows the dehumidifier to run more efficiently which conserves electricity.
3. A vapor barrier is installed to prevent ground moisture from evaporating up into the crawl space. Without this barrier, the wood under your home can absorb this moisture. We cover 100% of the ground with a six mil polyethylene liner and pin it in place using six inch staples.
4. The electrical outlet is installed to provide power to both the dehumidifier and condensate pump. We only use a reputable licensed electrician to ensure that the wiring is done properly and to keep your home safe.
5. The dehumidifier maintains an acceptable relative humidity in the crawl space. This allows the wood under your home to dry out and sustain a healthy moisture content. In addition, it filters out fungal spores and other potential allergens which in turn improves your indoor air quality.
6. The condensate pump is installed to remove the moisture from the crawl space that the dehumidifier removes from the air. We run a water line from the condensate pump along the floor joists to an outside location, usually a flower bed.
7. The thermo-hydrometer provides you with an easy to read digital display that shows you what the relative humidity level is at all times under your home. This is important for two reasons. The first is that it shows we have done what we said we were going to do. The second is it can alert you if you have a pipe leak or if the dehumidifier is not functioning properly. Should the relative humidity levels reach an unacceptable level, you simply call the number on the back of your indoor display and one of our technicians will inspect your crawl space to identify any potential problem.
