It was once thought that a crawl space in a home required ventilation. The belief was that venting the space would ensure that it would remain dry. Today we know more and therefore know better. This does not work. Experimental studies have yielded the result that it is counterproductive to ventilate, especially in climates that are prone to high humidity levels. Ventilating a crawl space ends up causing more problems than it solves. The moisture from the outside is pulled into the small area and it provides an ideal environment for the growth of mildew and mold. It can also offer a breeding ground for insects and wood rot. These things are unhealthy for every member of the family. Breathing in mildew and mold is not good for the lungs and can lead to respiratory problems. Any one of these unfortunate situations can arise in a spot that has a relative humidity of 50 percent or higher. Even if a vapor barrier is installed in a crawl space where open vents are present, high humidity will still be an issue that can lead to the problems described here. Why is ventilating a crawl space in your residence not recommended? The high humidity it generates will create an environment that pests such as termites will love to be in! Before long you may have several types of critters calling this area home. High indoor humidity will also cause dust mites to arrive and stay in the space. Another reason that ventilating is not wise is because it will increase the costs you pay for your heating and cooling expenses. To prevent problems from getting a foothold, protect your home and the health of every member of your family, by calling in a professional to seal the crawl space in your basement. This is the only way that you will be guaranteed that moisture will not wreak havoc on your space. If a crawl space problem develops, it can have far reaching consequences for other areas of your dwelling. Mold will appear on the baseboards and wood will start to rot. Sagging floors will also result. Condensation on the windows that becomes a regular occurrence is also a sign that the spot in your basement needs work. As soon you realize there is an issue with your basement, call a specialist for an assessment. If you are like most people, you have so many things to do that you don't have much time to notice what is happening in this area of your residence. Preventative measures are always best but if you are not paying close enough attention and moisture starts to appear, don't worry. Make an effort to inspect your home regularly for any issues that need the assistance of a qualified professional. Are you looking to seal your crawl space? Alabama residents can find all of their pest treatment and prevention needs at http://www.alabamaprofessional.com.
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