Misconception
Misconception: Crawl Space Dehumidifier With No Vapor Barrier
Installing a crawl space dehumidifier with no plastic is a mistake all homeowners should avoid. When it comes to crawl space humidity control, the dehumidifier is the heart, but you need other items to help. The Crawl Space Needs a Dehumidifier Crawl space dehumidifiers are vital in controlling humidity. Crawl space encapsulation with dehumidification can…
Read MoreMisconception: Don’t Remove Insulation During Mold Remediation
Not removing the sub-floor insulation during mold treatment comes up on just about every crawl space inspection. The concept of doing less to save money has always been around, but we feel there are some areas of crawl space repair you should make sure are completed properly. Not doing mold remediation properly just to save…
Read MoreMisconception: Fans Lower Crawl Space Humidity
When I first began studying crawl spaces, the foundation vent fan was the #1 recommended way to lower humidity. Dehumidifiers were touted as too expensive and an unnecessary gimmick. Crawl space encapsulation contractors are still viewed by some as snake oil salespeople with only one goal: to take your money. Just today we received a…
Read MoreMisconception: A Sump Pump Will Dry My Crawl Space
Will a sump pump by itself dry your crawl space? Many contractors we encounter are telling homeowners that installing a sump pump will keep the crawl space dry. Is that true? The term dry can mean different things so is it referring to standing water or humidity? What Sump Pumps Do The sump pump is…
Read MoreMisconception: Seal All Vents of Encapsulated Crawl Space
Is it a good idea to seal all the vents of an encapsulated crawl space? Sealing all vents is a great way to control humidity and moisture, but don’t overlook soil gases. Controlling moisture while creating a soil gas or crawl space odor issue is not healthy for your home. What is a Sealed Crawl…
Read MoreMisconception: Vapor Barrier Will Insulate Crawl Space
Many crawl space contractors tell homeowners the vapor barrier will insulate the crawl space. We have homeowners ask if this is true and the short of it is no. Vapor barrier is designed to inhibit moisture, not insulate (unless it is InsulBarrier). There are some insulation vapor barriers on the market and we use a…
Read MoreMisconception: Do I need a Dehumidifier in My Encapsulated Crawl Space
Do you need a dehumidifier if you are planning to encapsulate your crawl space? Many believe crawl space encapsulation is enough to control humidity without a dehumidifier. Is that true? Why Crawl Spaces Need a Dehumidifier The role of the crawl space dehumidifier is different than the role of the encapsulation. Dehumidifiers operate similar to…
Read MoreMisconception: Using HVAC to Control Moisture in Crawl Space
Are you planning to use your home’s HVAC to control moisture in the crawl space? What are the pros and cons of this project? Have you discussed moisture and crawl space humidity control with your Heating and Air Conditioning contractor? HVAC Removes Humidity Your home’s HVAC unit is great at removing high humidity. That is…
Read MoreMisconception: Loose Laid Vapor Barrier is Enough to Control Moisture
If you think installing a loose-laid vapor barrier in your crawl space is enough to control moisture and stop humidity, think again. Our building practices demand we install a thin 6-mil loose-laid vapor barrier in a vented crawl space. This is the minimum install required by code but it is just a minimum. Not upgrading…
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