PROBLEMS & DAMAGE

CONDENSATION

Because of the high humidity level in a dirt crawl space, cool surfaces such as the earth at 55 degrees, concrete and metal surfaces will sweat with water vapor condensing out of the air. This causes rot, smells, and is a water source for critters. Critters- Bugs, Rodents and MORE BUGS.

Dirt crawl spaces are great places to live, thrive and reproduce if you're a bug. There is an even temperature, moisture, damp wood and shelter. Spiders, beetles, centipedes, termites, and all kinds of other insects are found in dirt crawl spaces. Animals such as mice (dead and alive) are commonly found in dirt crawl spaces. In some cases, even rats, snakes and small animals have been found.

Damage

STRUCTURAL DAMAGE

Moisture is the prime factor that causes structural damage. Over time, rot and decay form a moist environment damaging wood framing and steel structural members.

RADON GAS

Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the ground in most areas in North America. The EPA has identified radon gas exposure with increased risk of lung cancer. Dirt crawl spaces allow radon gas to enter the home easily. The Clean CrawlSpace¨ Encapsulation System¨ is the ideal solution to reduce radon entry from a dirt crawl space. The System can be combined with a fan and exhaust pipe to actively draw radon laden air from beneath the Clean CrawlSpace¨ Liner and exhaust it outdoors.

MOLD

Mold spores, the seeds of mold, are in the air everywhere. All they need to grow is organic material such as wood, the right temperature range, and moisture. Of these, the only one that can be controlled is moisture.

Dirt crawl spaces have the high humidity levels necessary for mold growth. Humidity levels from 50% to 90% are easily found in dirt crawl spaces that have never flooded. Mold can grow on dirt, insulation, framing and even under your carpet on the first floor. Mold destroys organic materials as it feeds on them. Many people are sensitive to the millions of floating airborne spores mold reproduces, causing allergic reactions, illness and asthma. Spores can be dormant for many years, waiting for the right conditions to grow. Some molds produce mycotoxins, such as the black mold Stachbotrys. There has been considerable recent documentation on the effects of mold, and toxic mold.

Dr. Harriet Burge, an expert in airborne diseases at the Harvard School of Public Health says, "Mold in houses is not a good thing. It could lead to asthma. Houses with mold are damp, and have dust mites and other things in them that can cause illness, especially in children."

Don't panic; there is a solution that will stop your crawl space from being a hospitable environment for mold. Mold will not grow when the humidity levels are reduced below 40%.

Damage

“You and your staff have performed far beyond our expectations in workmanship, cooperative amiable attitude and timeliness. It has been a true pleasure to experience the excellence you provide at all stages of the job. The sump pumps functioned flawlessly under the nearly continuous flow of water during the long rainy season. The Clean CrawlSpace Encapsulation System kept away the extremely offensive dank ad musty odor caused by the wet soil, which previously would permeate the house all winter long. We are grateful to have found Clean CrawlSpace in time to implement control over the under house water problem before it caused any structural damage. We unreservedly recommend yourselves and your company to anyone who might require a solution to the unpleasant and potentially dangerous effects of water and moisture accumulation in a similar environment.”

- George Thoresen, Clean CrawlSpace System owner, Santa Rosa, CA