Crawlspace Solutions

If you have high moisture conditions in your crawlspace, Pro Environmental Services can help!  As licensed NC general contractors, we look at and approach a foundation crawlspace much differently than most others that are performing these encapsulated or concealed services. It is of the utmost importance to fully understand all of the “nuts and bolts” in which your home was designed and constructed in order to fully remedy the problem. Decks, porches and any attachments along your exterior crawlspace walls may be a factor, as well as the HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems (because these systems may have required holes to be drilled and/or areas of the subfloor framing to be cut out). The “one size fits all” concept is not the most practical solution, as every single crawspace is different from the next.   With our construction experience, you can rest assured that you have chosen the most qualified company to remedy any crawlspace issues.

A Common Cause of Crawlspace Issues in Eastern North Carolina

Many homes in the coastal region of North Carolina have crawlspace foundations. These foundations have operable vents designed to provide ventilation for moisture control. Unfortunately, venting a crawlspace during our hot summer months allows hot humid air to enter into the cooler environment inside the crawlspace. Instead of drying the crawlspace, the hot humid air that enters this area actually increases the moisture content. Once there, moisture gets into the colder floor framing where the moisture content of the wood can go up to a point that is ideal for fungal growth and wood damage. This is the most common cause of fungal growth inside crawlspaces in Eastern North Carolina and especially its coastal counties. These conditions provide the temperatures, water and food that allow the colonization of mold.

Why is this a problem?

• Practically all crawlspace areas have air conditioning equipment, ductwork and plumbing. High humidity introduced into these areas, may lead to condensation on ductwork and equipment possibly causing damages. Additionally, this high humidity provides an ideal environment for insects.
• The most typical insulation located between the floor joists in your crawlspace ceiling is R19 fiberglass batts. These batts are very light weight and actually act as a sponge, absorbing heavy humid air and moisture causing them to sag, therefore depleting their insulating capabilities. This is another reason why it is important to control the humidity level in a crawlspace.
• Crawlspaces are a major area for the development of fungal growth. Pro Environmental Services has developed a system that will virtually eliminate that development.

Pro Environmental Services Has Developed a System That Will Virtually Eliminate These Issues

At Pro Environmental Services, we have developed high moisture crawlspace remedies that are customized to your home to solve your crawlspace problem. Our crawlspace solutions provide exceptional environmental control for a safe and health crawlspace that will prevent moisture from entering and damaging your home.

First and foremost, all areas allowing water or moisture to intrude (underground water intrusion, plumbing leaks, etc.) will be corrected. 

Next, a complete vapor barrier is installed, as well as an appropriately sized dehumidifier to remove moisture and regulate the humidity levels (mold does not typically grow when humidity levels are below 40%).  Over a short period of time the dehumidifier will bring the humidity level down to a desired level and maintain it. After the proper moisture level is reached, the dehumidifier will only run periodically, as your crawlspace humidity will be stabilized and under control.

The thickness of the vapor barrier will depend upon the amount of traffic that you may have in the crawlspace. We recommend wrapping the foundation walls with 6 mil reinforced white polyethylene and 12 mil reinforced on the ground which is excellent for moderate traffic and light storage. All seams are sealed with a poly adhesive. Rigid foam insulation panels are placed inside the existing foundation vent openings.

This un-vented crawlspace system is the solution to preventing moisture in your crawlspace and its related problems. The stable environment will also create a more stable temperature by keeping the cold winter winds out and the summer heat and humidity out as well, thus reducing your energy demands and therefore your energy costs.

Call us today if your home is showing signs of a crawlspace problem! Our team at Pro Environmental Services is certified and experienced in crawlspace assessment and will do what it takes to find the source of your problem!  Let us help protect your home from moisture and humidity in eastern North Carolina!