Top 5 Reasons to Seal Your Crawl Space

The crawl space is one of those areas that homeowners don’t think about until something goes wrong. More times than not, problems coming from the crawl space are caused by high moisture levels. Luckily, you can avoid these types of issues by installing a vapor barrier on the floor of your crawl space.

Read below to learn more about vapor barriers and why you should consider installing one in your home…

What is a vapor barrier?

Crawl spaces are vulnerable to moisture problems, and one of the biggest sources of water comes from the ground. In some areas, more than 10 gallons of water per day can evaporate from the soil into your crawl space. A vapor barrier is a thin sheet of polyethylene installed over the ground to prevent this moisture transfer.

Why should you install a vapor barrier?

Vapor barriers are a smart investment which every homeowner should consider for their crawl space. Reasons to install a vapor barrier in your home include:

1. Improve indoor air quality. Up to 50% of the air you breathe in your home comes from your crawl space. If this air is damp, it could carry particles that trigger allergic reactions – such as mold spores.
2. Prevent structural damage. Mold isn’t just bad for our health, it’s bad for our homes. Mold thrives in humid areas, and is often found in abundance in crawl spaces. If mold begins to grow on the support beams in your crawl space, it could compromise the structural integrity of your entire home. Sealing your crawl space with a vapor barrier can also help to keep out destructive pests, such as termites.
3. Keep temperatures consistent. Unconditioned air can escape from your crawl space through small holes and cracks, leading to inconsistent temperatures throughout your home.
4. Lower energy consumption. Temperature fluctuations force your HVAC system to work harder to maintain your desired temperature. This leads to higher energy bills and increased wear-and-tear on your system.
5. Increase property value. When your home is clean, healthy, structurally sound, comfortable, and energy efficient, its value rises.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers professional crawl space cleaning and mold removal services to homes across Long Island. If you live in Nassau County or Suffolk County, call us to get started with a free estimate at (631) 940-8100.