Crawlspace Problems & FAQ

Crawlspace Concepts was developed in 2005 for one reason only – to solve moisture issues underneath elevated structures – or better known as “crawlspace moisture.”

Our Case Study Problems

To truly understand a solution, one must truly know how the problem is caused. What we have found through our case studies is pure science.

There are four forms of intrusion to the crawlspace and knowing which or how many affects the crawlspace, will determine which form of remediation is needed. Contact us if you have further questions about how these concepts can help your Wilmington, NC home.

Ground Water

This form of intrusion is when water stands or rises in the crawlspace due to high water tables or poor drainage.

Bulk Water

This form of intrusion is common when the crawlspace surface is below grade from the outside ground level. This situation allows the water to travel into the crawlspace.

Overhead Intrusion

This form of intrusion is caused by leaks in the plumbing or drainage pipes.

Temperature Changes

This is the most common form of intrusion. When cool air meets warm air, moisture is created. Here in the south, for every one degree the temperature cools, it displaces 2.2% of moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

If the existing insulation is removed due to damage or saturation, we suggest leaving it out during the drying process and monitor the temperature differences between the crawlspace and the first floor of the home. If those temperatures are the same or slightly different, there would be minimal or no value to reinstall.

How does it stay so mild under your home once sealed? Without a convectional air exchange from the outside, your crawlspace “banks” the ambient earth temperature as a baseline. The dehumidifier moves air across that temperature and warms it up. Your home’s stack effect pulls that energy up to the floor level.

Although there are parts of the country where the winters are extremely cold and the conduction value of the snow and ice creates a different need for foundation wall insulations, the warmer winter states don’t seem to have that issue.

To some this may just be jargon but there is a scientific difference. Seal system means air and earth moisture intrusion have been sealed and a dehumidifier is controlling both relative humidity and temperature. Encapsulated crawlspace means wrapping foundation walls, piers and seaming the earth moisture barrier to each. This is a more detailed and costly approach but sometimes necessary and the most effective form of remediation for your home.

When your crawlspace is unable to control its temperature and relative humidity, it’s time to take it out of Mother Nature’s hands and put it in your own hands. You must first rule out bulk and ground water! Once you have established it as an air intrusion problem, you are in need of a sealed system.

This form of remediation is most often used when your crawlspace is below grade or there is earth on the outside of your foundation wall. As ground and earth hold moisture and water it will pass through the brick and foundation and produce moisture. Wrapping this wall will minimize dehumidifier use and control relative humidity and temperature better.
These are actually one in the same. Both of these serve the same purpose of retarding moisture vapor from catching a ride on the air that is moving up and through your home.

The building code, which is the “minimum”, requires 6 mil. However it is our opinion that what the moisture barriers are made of and how they are made are more important. For example: A 10 mil, 3-ply poly reinforced plastic would be stronger then a single ply 12 mil poly plastic. Here in the south, we have a higher water table which contributes to a high acidity and microbial rich topsoil. When installing a moisture barrier which comes in contact with the soil, an antimicrobial plastic is a better option for your home. Antimicrobial plastics will not support mold or fungal growth which can not only break the plastic down over time but cause air quality issues as well.

TWood moisture content is the percentage of water that has permeated the wood. The higher this percentage the higher the possibility for fungal, mold, and termite intrusion. There is a direct connection between the wood moisture levels and the relative humidity levels in the air.If you control the relative humidity you control the wood moisture content.

Moisture Content