Crawlspace Moisture Management

Did you know that high moisture readings and/or water in a crawlspace may cause as much damage to the foundation of your structure as a termite infestation and over time may cause structural issues.

NEW-TEC believes that there is usually more than one solution to every moisture problem.  This is why our technicians are trained in both crawlspace ventilation and crawlspace encapsulation.

Steps a homeowner can take to reduce moisture problems:

  1. Plumbing should be checked for leaks and repaired if necessary
  2. A/C duct lines should be properly insulated to reduce condensation
  3. Moisture Barrier covering 100% of the crawlspace floor should be put down (if high moisture levels exist, a  moisture barrier should be put down in stages to avoid warping of floors or walls)
  4. Downspouts and drip lines should be diverted away from the foundation
  5. Exterior grade of home should slope away from structure
  6. Shrubs and bushes should be cut back to allow for proper air flow
  7. Foundation should have one vent for every 150 square feet of crawlspace

Crawlspace Ventilation

PROS

  1. Most homes already have ventilation and therefore it is usually less expensive to correct ventilation issues than to encapsulate the crawlspace.
  2. Vented crawlspaces have been utilized for over 65 years by the building industry as an effective way to control moisture in the crawlspace.
  3. Won’t interfere with termite coverage on home.
  4. No cost to operate unless fans are required to aid in air movement (with fan costs are around $25 per year)

CONS

  1. There are several requirements that need to be met for ventilation to work:  crawlspace must have room for adequate airflow, shrubs and bushes must be at least 5 feet from structure, and exterior grade must prevent water from pooling around and in the crawlspace.

Crawlspace Encapsulation

PROS

  1. Can be done to most homes.
  2. Keeps humidity and air flow out of the crawlspace reducing the likelihood of moisture and condensation.
  3. Helps to keep insects and rodents out of the crawlspace.
  4. Makes crawlspace look nice.

CONS

  1. May interfere and/or void termite coverage on home.
  2. Expensive to install
  3. May interfere with work being done in the crawlspace, such as plumbing and electrical repairs
  4. Can cost close to $300 per year to operate
  5. Dehumidifiers will only last 3 to 15 years and then need to be replaced as well as paying for maintenance on the system.  Most dehumidifiers that are for crawlspace use cost $750.00 to over $2000 depending on size of crawlspace.

Call a NEW-TEC representative to determine which option is best for you.
Summerville – 843-873-5103
Mt. Pleasant – 843-849-3668