Accurate Home Inspection of Atlanta www.findmeaninspector.com
CRAWL SPACES
It's always down there under the floor. Most of the time it's quiet and leaves you alone, but every once in a while, especially if you've ignored it for a long time, it may seek a way to remind you that hey! It needs a little occasional attention!It's that word "occasion" that gets to most of us, because it's often not a happy occasion, that reason which forces us to go down into... the crawlspace.Since solutions to crawlspace problems vary according to location, rather than try to provide one explanation which will apply to all crawlspaces, we'll discuss the forces that effect crawlspaces and through them... the living space. Your goal in approaching the subject of crawlspace conditions is to manipulate moisture, temperature and environmental hazards to create a safe, comfortable home environment.
1. MOISTURE-Two Kinds of Moisture
liquid and vapor forms. Vapor is very tiny droplets of water suspended in air. The amount of water vapor in the air is measured as relative humidity. High humidity means lots of water in the air.Even in dry climates it's not uncommon for 10 gallons of water a day to enter a crawlspace through evaporation from the soil. This amount can be far higher if the homesite is in a wet climate, above a spring, an underground stream or has a high water table. Moisture intrusion of the crawlspace may be seasonal or may only be a problem when annual rainfall is unusually high.
WHY MOISTURE IS A PROBLEM-Mold
Mold is actually a fungus. There are many different kinds of mold fungi and they're found everywhere on earth, in almost every environment, including inside our bodies. In many situations they are not only harmless, but necessary for life to proceed normally.
When moisture levels in a material approach 20%, fungi begin to become active. The more moisture available, the more active fungi will be and the faster fungal colonies will grow.
As moisture levels drop, fungal activity slows and when moisture levels drop below about 20%, activity stops.
Here are the two main ways in which fungal activity is a problem...
High spore concentrations in indoor air: Fungi reproduce by releasing spores. Spores are like microscopic seeds which produce new fungi. With moisture intrusion, spore concentrations in indoor air can reach levels unhealthy for those with weak immune systems, allergies, asthma or lung disease.Decay fungus. Some types of fungus consume material in wood cells, deteriorating these cells and producing what we call wood decay or rot.
Comments (1)Subscribe to CommentsComment