Improvements to Make to Your Crawl Space in 2020

One of the best ways to maximize energy efficiency at your home is to insulate your crawl space. Performing these simple maintenance tips can result in significant cost savings and is well worth the effort. Here are a few ways you can make significant improvements to your crawl space in 2020.

1. Insulate and Seal Air Ducts

Insulating your air ducts is key in maximizing energy efficiency. On the other hand, holes in your air ducts can cause unwanted hot or cold air to enter the crawl space that can easily spread to other areas of your home. Checking your air ducts and all the connections around the walls or floors is a good idea to ensure that everything is sealed properly.

2. Insulate Perimeter Walls

Insulating the perimeter walls is much more energy-efficient compared to insulating between the joists. Insulation on the walls can regulate the temperature much better and help you maintain an ideal balance between hot or cold air. Another benefit of insulating perimeter walls is that it makes it easy for contractors to access pipes between the floor joists without having to remove any insulation.

3. Use a Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier is a great way to control the climate within your crawl space. You can choose from a variety of dehumidifiers that can play an important role in regulating the temperature. A dehumidifier can also help reduce the amount of mildew or mold and create a much healthier environment.

4. Install a Vapor Barrier

The moisture in your crawl space can affect the temperature and humidity in the rest of your home, which can then cause your HVAC system to work harder to reach your desired temperature. A vapor barrier prevents your crawl space from becoming damp, which, in turn, prevents problems that occur due to excess moisture, such as chilly floors, rot, mold, and mildew.

Improving your crawl space a great way to reduce costs and improve energy efficiency within your home. At Greenpro Cleaning & Restoration, our experienced professionals can help remove debris and any sources of moisture in the crawl space of your home or commercial business.

Contact us today to learn more about the many benefits of improving your crawl space!

What Is A Vapor Barrier?

Vapor barrier material is made of polyethylene and is absolutely impermeable. Many contractors use the material to keep your house dry from moisture buildup. Too much humidity in your home can be a breeding ground for mold or mildew. Unfortunately, leaving moisture in your home unattended can create structural damage. A vapor barrier is used in building construction to prevent damage by moisture to the building structure or home. You're invited to call a GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration professional for more details.

Signs That Your Home Can Benefit From Vapor Barrier Material

The crawl space may be used by many different aspects of your home without being living space. For example, some homes have HVAC equipment in the crawl space, plumbing, or wiring. Often times, nobody lives in the crawl space, but it's quick to collect moisture. Experts like GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration says, the framework of your home is subject to moisture, and can be protected with vapor barrier material. Learn how moisture can accumulate in your home by reading more below.

How Does Moisture Accumulate In Your Home?

There are several ways moisture attempts to accumulate in your home, and may require vapor barrier material to avoid damages. For example, moisture can accumulate in your home from the soil. If you have an older Suffolk or Nassau County home, the EPA says, additional protection like vapor barrier material is important. A junction box that's associated with your residential electrical components, is a standing ground for moisture. Standing moisture around your wiring can create another financial liability along with become a fire hazard. Vapor barrier is a superior protective blockade against moisture.

What To Expect From GreenPro Cleaning

- licensed & bonded professionals
- emergency services
- warranty on all parts & labor
- experienced technicians

If you've ever experienced dampness in your home, it can be a result of moisture collecting underneath your home, attic, or homes that are prone to moisture. In fact, vapor barrier material will stop moisture from accumulating in the framework of your home. More importantly, reducing moisture in your home can create clean air. Vapor barrier can also eliminate allergies for older adults and children in your home that will suffer the most. You're invited to contact a GreenPro professional for more derails today.

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.