Crawl Space Repair Photo Album: Vapor Barrier in Edgemont, AR

Most times, water in the crawl space gets there one of three ways: a plumbing leak, water seepage from the surrounding soil (usually after heavy rain), or condensation. Humidity condenses on cold surfaces, like ducts, and drips onto the crawl space floor. Puddles of water in the crawl space aren’t good, but the water itself won’t ruin your home. It’s the water vapor (or moisture) that causes rot, mold, energy loss, and attracts pests. And these problems don’t just stay in your crawl space. As much as 50% of the air upstairs comes from below - this means mold spores, musty smells, and humid air that dust mites love.

Mold

Mold also likes to eat dead insects and there are usually lots of those in the crawl space too. Vents in the crawl space provide an open invitation for insects and pests. Vents also let in moisture, creating the ideal home for mold.

Condensation

Because of high humidity level in a dirt crawl space, cool surfaces such as the earth at 55 degrees, concrete and metal surfaces will sweat with water vapor condensing out of the air.

Mold

Mold loves moisture. And mold loves to eat dead organic materials, like wood, paper, and cardboard. The bad news is most crawl spaces have lots of moisture, as well as wood and other organic materials for mold to grow on.