Moisture Correction for the Crawl Space 

 

 

 

 Wood Destroying Fungus

 

• Wood destroying fungi eats wooden members causing weakening of the structure.
• Moisture from the ground and outside air is the main cause of moisture problems in crawl spaces.
• Wood becomes discolored, spongy and musty when wood destroying fungi is present.
• The rate of wood decay caused by wood destroying fungi depends on the moisture level, temperature and type of fungi.
• Three major types of wood destroying fungi are; white rot, brown rot and water conducting fungi or "dry rot".

  

• Mold is not wood destroying but can help cause the moisture content in the wood to rise high enough to start a decay fungi.
• At a 20% or lower wood moisture content, wood destroying fungi is inactive. Fungi can become active at any time with an increase in the moisture level.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Prevention:  

              1.  Treat wooden members with fungicide to killl any active fungi.

              2.  Sealing all Foundation Vents

        3.  Installing Poly Vapor Barrier (100% ground coverage)

        4.  Placing a Dehumidifier in the crawl space

Why Should You Seal Your Crawl Space?

 It used to be thought that allowing air ventilation in the crawl would correct a moisture condition.  It has since been found that circulating outside air into the crawl has sustained moisture problems due to the level of humidity in the air. When hot and humid air enters the cool crawl space, moisture accumulates on the wooden structure creating an        environment for fungus growth and wood damages. Moisture in the crawl space could also lead to insulation, ductwork and plumbing damages; as well as a breeding environment for insects.                                                                                                       

Visit http://www.dom.com/about/conservation/pdf/crawlspaces.pdf  to read more

For U.S. Department of Energy's study on Crawl Space Moisture Click Here 

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Williamsburg / York County      Phone: (757) 877-5650

Southside / Virginia Beach      Phone: (757) 313-5333

colonial@colonialext.com