When temperatures soar in the Evergreen State and summer storms bring increased humidity, our homes face unique challenges. Some of these concerns arise in the crawl space beneath our feet. The heat and humidity can pose potential threats to your home and health when combined with an unsealed, dirt-floor crawl space.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why hot weather can cause crawl space problems in Federal Way, Puyallup, Tacoma, Auburn, Lakewood, Lacey, Olympia, University Place, Gig Harbor, and surrounding locations and how to deal with them.
Causes of High Humidity in a Crawl Space
Leading crawl space repair and cleanout specialists in Auburn, WA, reveal that the top causes of a high humidity level in a crawl space include:
1. Leaky pipes
These might be water or sewer pipes that promote mold growth, structural damage, and health risks.
2. Poor drainage
Leading crawl space repair and cleanout specialists in Gig Harbor, WA, reveal that excess moisture in the soil around the foundation(that cannot drain properly) can lead to increased humidity in the crawl space.
3. High water table
A high water table can force water to seep into the crawl space through the dirt floor.
4. Excessive rainfall
As mentioned earlier, excess groundwater near the foundation can elevate crawl space humidity.
5. Foundation cracks
Top crawl space repair experts in Federal Way, WA, state that even foundation cracks invisible to the naked eye can permit water infiltration into crawl spaces. This problem is further exacerbated when there’s poor drainage around the foundation.
6. Open vents
Open crawl space vents allow humid air to enter the concerned area and condense on cooler surfaces.
Signs Your Crawl Space’s Humidity Level Is Too High
Leading crawl space cleanout experts in Lacey, WA, reveal that some common signs your crawl space is too humid include:
1. Pest infestation
Top crawl space cleanout and repair experts in Olympia, WA, reveal that high humidity can attract pests like termites and rodents. These pests are mostly drawn to the warm, moist environment and can cause major damage to both the crawl space and the property.
2. Visible mold
A clear indicator of elevated crawl space humidity is the presence of mold. These fungi thrive in humid, damp environments and can quickly spread throughout your crawl space and into the property. Leading crawl space cleanout specialists in Lakewood, WA, reveal that mold can lead to serious health conditions for people with respiratory issues or allergies and can even cause structural damage to the property if left unchecked.
3. Condensation
When warm, humid air meets cold surfaces, it forms water droplets, causing moisture. You might even notice condensation inside your property.
4. Standing water
Top crawl space repair and cleanout experts in Puyallup, WA, reveal that any standing/pooling water in the crawl space is a solid sign of a drainage problem, which can further raise the humidity level.
How to Lower the Humidity in Your Crawl Space
Luckily, there are certain things you can do to help lower the humidity in your property’s crawl space, including:
1. Seal cracks in the foundation wall
Leading crawl space repair and cleanout experts in Tacoma, WA, reveal that water can easily seep into a crawl space through even the tiniest cracks in a foundation wall. Consequently, it’s crucial to seal these cracks properly to prevent moisture infiltration.
2. Clean gutters regularly
It’s no surprise that clogged gutters can cause water overflow, saturate the foundation’s surroundings, and elevate crawl space humidity. According to the leading crawl space repair and cleanout specialists in University Place, WA, this can increase the humidity level in your crawl space.
3. Close vents
During humid weather, an open crawl space allows moisture-laden air to enter, leading to condensation on cooler surfaces within. Closing the vents can help keep the humidity level down.
4. Encapsulate the crawl space.
Professional encapsulation involves closing the vents and covering the floor and walls of the crawl space area with a heavy-duty, vapor-retarding barrier. A dehumidifier is often added, as well. Top crawl space repair experts in Puyallup, WA, reveal that encapsulation and a dehumidifier help the crawl space stay clean and dry.
5. Use downspout extensions
Downspouts that discharge water next to the property can cause water to pool near the foundation wall and enter the crawl space. Leading crawl space repair and cleanout specialists in Federal Way, WA, reveal that you can use downspout extensions to protect your foundation by guiding rainwater away before it’s released.
6. Regrade the yard, if necessary.
Water can easily flow towards the crawl space if the ground around your home slopes towards the foundation. Regrading your yard to slope away from the house helps to channel water away from the foundation.
7. Install a drain tile system.
According to the leading crawl space cleanout specialists in Auburn, WA, a drain tile system is an excellent way to ensure excess soil moisture is directed away from the foundation area.
Why Choose Long Pest Control for Your Crawl Space Problems?
At Long Pest Control, we specialize in crawlspace repairs and cleanouts in Federal Way, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Lacey, Lakewood, Tacoma, University Place, and surrounding locations, which are relatively more affordable than a full remodel and encapsulation. Our dedicated team of experts begins by removing all existing vapor barriers, damaged insulation, and other relevant materials and debris from your crawl space. Then, they repair any holes, gaps, or openings, install new 6mm black plastic, and deodorize the space thoroughly.
Before they leave, they set traps for mice and rodents. Our team will return in approximately one week to remove any trapped rodents and conduct a final inspection.
Our team converts your crawl space into a regulated environment resistant to water penetration through crawl space encapsulation. By eliminating moisture beneath your home, the support beams sustaining your floors are shielded from wood decay, and your indoor air quality remains free from mold and pests.
Final Takeaway
If you trust experience, then you’ve come to the right place. Long Pest Control has been providing pest control services to Tacoma, Federal Way, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Olympia, Lacey, Lakewood, University Place, Auburn, and nearby locations for over 40 years!
We offer a wide range of efficient services to help you safely and effectively remove pests from your property. When you’re in need of experienced pest exterminators who are skilled and proficient, you can depend on our capable team. Since 1979, we have been helping property owners maintain clean, sanitary, and pest-free environments.
Contact us at +1 (253) 444-4451 to schedule an appointment with our team today.
