moisture problems cause black mold in VA houses
All Pest Control offers several moisture management options to meet the needs of Virginia’s humid climate.
Crawl space encapsulation
For decades, building codes and conventional wisdom ensured that crawl spaces were built with outside air as the primary means of controlling moisture. Many homes built on crawl space foundations in the Southeastern United States have therefore suffered from poor moisture management within the structure, as well as a growing number of conditions caused by excessive moisture in the home, including:
- Damage or moisture damage in the crawl space itself or in the upper living areas
- Musty smells in the living areas
- Sweating or condensation on the air conditioning ducts or equipment
- High humidity in the crawl space and living areas, with mold growth on surfaces
- Condensation on insulation, water pipes or metal on pipes in crawl spaces
Kink hardwood floor
Doors and windows that stick and are difficult to open due to swelling
Insect pests of pests attracted by moisture, such as termites and wood beetles
Mold-infested rot in wood frames
Modern research now shows that keeping crawl spaces closed without ventilation to outside improves moisture management and results in significant energy savings.
All Pest will encapsulate and seal your entire crawl space in white plastic to reduce moisture in your crawl space and prevent your risk of mold.
As part of our crawl space encapsulation services, we install dehumidifiers and crawl space ventilation to keep the air in your home dry, clean and protected from mold and other damage. Warm air entering a basement or crawl space naturally rises through the house and out through the top windows and roof – creating a vacuum in your home. The air in the crawl space will condense and cause mold and wood rot, while creating efficiency problems for your home’s energy systems. By closing the crawl space with encapsulation and vapor barriers and installing a dehumidifier, we can prevent excess moisture and create a dry and healthy environment at home.
Crankcase pump systems
As the soil around your house becomes saturated with water, it flows over the surface to a low spot. The water pressure increases over time and if it finds a crack in your home foundation or basement floor, it will flow in easily and fill your basement or crawl space. If your home is experiencing groundwater flooding, install a pumping system. A sump pump pumps out water while it automatically collects in your basement or crawl space.
All Pest can recommend and install a pump pump to protect your home from flooding and reduce moisture problems from water in your crawl space or basement.
Removal and replacement of insulation
When you think about moisture control, you probably don’t think about insulation, do you? What you may not realize is that the insulation in your home acts like a sponge, drains excess moisture and damages the insulation over time. When insulation becomes damp, it decreases and loses some of its R-value, which will decrease the ability to effectively insulate your home. This, in turn, increases your home’s energy costs and your risks of attracting various moisture-loving pests. When performing moisture management services, All Pest also recommends inspection and replacement of damaged insulation, if necessary, to lower your energy bill and reduce the risk of pests.
