Dehumidification - Another Key Component in Permanent Mold Solutions in Pennsylvania
Mold needs moisture to survive and grow. After we apply the formula we install a permanent, professional-grade dehumidifier that is most appropriate for the structure we are working in. This is an essential step in the process that makes it possible to permanently solve the problem, even in hard-to-reach areas. By controlling the surfaces and controlling the humidity we control the mold.
Not just any dehumidifier will work. The type of machine you would find at a Home Improvement Store or a Department Store is what we call a Room Dehumidifier. These are generally inefficient, very expensive to run and not appropriate for these purposes.
Application of our proprietary formula does not harm substrate color or surface quality. You can even paint over the treatment area without losing any effectiveness.
Excess moisture, introduced by way of unsealed, vented crawlspaces, contributes to wood rot, mold growth and increased pest activity. Moisture in crawlspaces often migrates to the upper levels of the home through a “stack effect.” In essence, whatever air is below the house is also in the house. As warm air rises and escapes through the upper levels of the home, new air finds its way into the home to replace what’s been lost. Intake air comes in at the lower levels – through unsealed crawlspaces. This may lead to costly problems such as cupping of hardwood floors, mold growth, increased air conditioner loads, and swelling of millwork/cabinetry. Air infiltration from the crawlspace often carries odors and may contribute to poor indoor air quality and uncomfortable humidity levels.
Protect Your Family From the Dangers of Mold Today - Contact Us for Permanent Mold Solutions in Pennsylvania
Excess moisture in crawlspaces has also been associated with contributing to increased energy consumption. Wintertime ventilation cools the crawlspace contributing to heat loss from the home. In the summer, introducing warm outside air under the home contributes to heat gains, increasing cooling loads. Ventilation of a crawlspace to control relative humidity only works consistently in an arid climate. In most climates, ventilation can actually add significant quantities of moisture during humid times.
Not just any dehumidifier will work. The type of machine you would find at a Home Improvement Store or a Department Store is what we call a Room Dehumidifier. These are generally inefficient, very expensive to run and not appropriate for these purposes.
Application of our proprietary formula does not harm substrate color or surface quality. You can even paint over the treatment area without losing any effectiveness.
Excess moisture, introduced by way of unsealed, vented crawlspaces, contributes to wood rot, mold growth and increased pest activity. Moisture in crawlspaces often migrates to the upper levels of the home through a “stack effect.” In essence, whatever air is below the house is also in the house. As warm air rises and escapes through the upper levels of the home, new air finds its way into the home to replace what’s been lost. Intake air comes in at the lower levels – through unsealed crawlspaces. This may lead to costly problems such as cupping of hardwood floors, mold growth, increased air conditioner loads, and swelling of millwork/cabinetry. Air infiltration from the crawlspace often carries odors and may contribute to poor indoor air quality and uncomfortable humidity levels.
Protect Your Family From the Dangers of Mold Today - Contact Us for Permanent Mold Solutions in Pennsylvania
Excess moisture in crawlspaces has also been associated with contributing to increased energy consumption. Wintertime ventilation cools the crawlspace contributing to heat loss from the home. In the summer, introducing warm outside air under the home contributes to heat gains, increasing cooling loads. Ventilation of a crawlspace to control relative humidity only works consistently in an arid climate. In most climates, ventilation can actually add significant quantities of moisture during humid times.
Why Vented Crawlspaces Can Make Humidity Worse
Venting a crawlspace will either add moisture to, or remove moisture from, a crawlspace depending on the moisture content of the ventilation air compared to the desired conditions of the crawlspace. Venting with dry air reduces moisture levels in the space, while venting with moist air contributes moisture. It is false to assume that venting will automatically bring in “good” air and push out the “bad” air. If the outside air is humid and the crawlspace air is humid, you’re not making any improvements by venting. Since venting either wets or dries the space depending on outside conditions, there is no way to guarantee a specific moisture level in a vented crawlspace.
A Better Solution.
The solution to this dilemma is to close the crawlspace. One of the objectives of closing crawlspaces is to reduce sources of moisture entering the space. Even when done meticulously, closing a crawlspace will significantly reduce the moisture but not eliminate it. Active conditioning of the space may be necessary to maintain proper humidity levels. A dehumidifier can provide long-term, active moisture control and ensure humidity levels are maintained at a specific level which is adjustable by the home’s occupant.
It is important to note the areas of concern when taking steps to responsibly convert your vented crawlspace to a sealed and conditioned space. Those include, but are not limited to: assuring proper water drainage, installing vapor barriers, consideration for combustion and carbon monoxide and sealing outside vents and controlling moisture with a crawlspace dehumidifier.
Venting a crawlspace will either add moisture to, or remove moisture from, a crawlspace depending on the moisture content of the ventilation air compared to the desired conditions of the crawlspace. Venting with dry air reduces moisture levels in the space, while venting with moist air contributes moisture. It is false to assume that venting will automatically bring in “good” air and push out the “bad” air. If the outside air is humid and the crawlspace air is humid, you’re not making any improvements by venting. Since venting either wets or dries the space depending on outside conditions, there is no way to guarantee a specific moisture level in a vented crawlspace.
A Better Solution.
The solution to this dilemma is to close the crawlspace. One of the objectives of closing crawlspaces is to reduce sources of moisture entering the space. Even when done meticulously, closing a crawlspace will significantly reduce the moisture but not eliminate it. Active conditioning of the space may be necessary to maintain proper humidity levels. A dehumidifier can provide long-term, active moisture control and ensure humidity levels are maintained at a specific level which is adjustable by the home’s occupant.
It is important to note the areas of concern when taking steps to responsibly convert your vented crawlspace to a sealed and conditioned space. Those include, but are not limited to: assuring proper water drainage, installing vapor barriers, consideration for combustion and carbon monoxide and sealing outside vents and controlling moisture with a crawlspace dehumidifier.
Don't wait until it's too late! - Call us today at 717-308-5023 or send us an email for a FREE evaluation or to learn more about how we can provide your family with permanent mold solutions in Pennsylvania!