Most homes and buildings have a crawl space, which
is a narrow space typically beneath the upper floor or lower story of a building
or house, to allow plumbers and electricians access to plumbing and wiring
structures. A crawl space is subject to moisture and its related problems, such
as mold, spores, bacteria growth, radon, wood decay, dry rot, dampness, and
chemical vapors -- all of which can migrate into your home. In order to combat
these problems or prevent them, you need to properly insulate your crawl space
for moisture control. By implementing energy efficient crawl space ventilation
solutions, you'll not only prevent these situations, but create an overall more
comfortable living or working space.
Ventilation in crawl spaces and floor joists
helps to:
- Circulate air in the crawl space
- Reduce moisture
- Remove radon gas
- Reduce termite potential
- Reduce airborne mold infiltration into a home
- Decrease mold spore growth
- Reduce dry rot
- Stop foundation deterioration
A crawl space
ventilation fan helps with all of the above problems. Crawl space vents play
a critical role in minimizing potential wood decay and wood rot that could
destroy your home's foundation. They're designed to circulate fresh air in the
crawl space of a home or building without foundation vents, leading to less
moisture and its associated problems. Most crawl space ventilation fans are
wired to have an automatic operation. Some include an optional de-humidistat,
which activates a fan when the humidity exceeds a pre-set setting.
Keep in mind that approximately one in 15 homes
in the United States has high levels of radon, according to the United States
Environmental Protection Agency. An improperly vented crawl space may cause
radon gas vapors to seep into a building. Radon is considered to be a health
hazard and is the second largest cause of lung cancer, reports the National
Cancer Institute. What's more, most chronic sinus infections are due to mold,
says the Mayo Clinic. Excess moisture occurring in a crawl space can have other
dangerous and financial consequences. Not only can it cause mold formation, but
it can increase the potential for a termite infiltration leading to weak floors,
dry rot, and a dangerously weak foundation.
To maintain safe moisture levels and prevent
radon circulation, mold development, and termite infiltration among other
detrimental consequences, most experts recommend a ventilation solution that
consists of a crawl space ventilation fan. A crawl space ventilation fan can be
mounted behind an existing or new crawl space vent. It's typically operated with
a controlled temperature/humidistat control switch, which activates the motor at
or above a certain temperature, such as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
All-in-all, crawl space ventilation protects
the health of its occupants while protecting the structure of the home or
building.
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