Your crawl space is susceptible to moisture-related problems, and long-term exposure to moisture will surely lead to a number of problems for the home and its residents. In this post, we will discuss the pros and cons of ventilating and sealing your crawl space as a means to protect it from mold, rodent infestation and structural damage.

Pros and Cons of Crawl Space Ventilation

Vents are installed in the crawl space to allow outside air to circulate under the floor in order to stave off the moisture that promotes mildew and rot.

• Pros: Since many older homes were built when ventilating a crawl space was the norm, ventilated crawl spaces are generally less expensive.

• Cons: In a hot, humid climate, the outdoor air that is supposed to revitalize the crawl space is often just as humid as the indoor air that it is supposed to replace. When the humidity is not effectively regulated, it creates more moisture that can be damaging to the home.

Pros and Cons of Crawl Space Sealing

Vapor seals are installed around support beams, along the ground, and along the walls to keep out the elements.

• Pros: When the crawl space is sealed, the air quality dramatically improves inside the home. A sealed crawl space can also account for up to 18% in savings for cooling and heating costs since the insulation is better. The risk of mold and rot is reduced, which helps prevent unwanted structural damage.

• Cons: Many homes have ventilated crawl spaces, so the conversion to sealed crawl spaces can be fairly expensive. Maintenance is also required to ensure everything is in working order.

You can count on Special Touch Restoration for high-quality crawl space encapsulation services. Our certified team is committed to delivering superior workmanship and industry-leading products to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of our clients. Call us at (256) 330-4822 for North AL or (251) 512-1424 for South AL. You may also fill out our contact form to request a free estimate.