The Benefits of Installing a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier
Nearly 80% of Sedona homes are owner-occupied, which means that many Sedona residents have the power to make improvements to their property. Are you one of them?
It’s easy to assume that home improvements refer to big renovations and beautifying projects. However, there’s one home improvement that, although behind the scenes, can do wonders for your home: installing a crawl space vapor barrier.
Chances are, you do your best to avoid your crawl space. We don’t blame you. As a result, however, you might not realize how much moisture is trapped beneath your house–or how it’s impacting your property.
Read on as we talk about the unbeatable benefits of crawl space vapor barrier installation.
Keeping Moisture Contained
Why are crawl spaces notoriously humid? Because crawl spaces are built between the earth and your home, they accumulate a lot of moisture that rises from the soil. When this moisture isn’t contained, it can impact your crawl space and the rest of your home in a variety of ways that we’ll discuss.
Vapor barriers are designed to contain any moisture rising from the soil. This prevents it from generating high humidity levels in your crawl space.
Preventing Mold and Mildew
What is one of the biggest and quickest issues that can arise from constant and high humidity levels? Mold growth and mildew that can cause some serious structural damage. If mold and mildew start to eat away at the underground structural components that support your home, you can find yourself dealing with costly damage.
Plus, mold and mildew can wreak havoc on your air quality. Both organisms can exacerbate respiratory ailments like allergies and asthma. They can also cause frequent headaches.
Because vapor barriers can significantly reduce humidity levels in your crawl space, they can also prevent mold and mildew from growing.
Controlling Pests
If you’ve ever had a pest problem before, you know that they rarely come in through the front door. Pests like termites, cockroaches, and mice find their way in through small, often low-to-the-ground openings into your home. It’s not uncommon for untreated crawl spaces to become nesting spaces for unsavory pests.
Not only will a vapor barrier limit the entry points into your home, but it will also make your home less hospitable to pests. Pests are looking for dark spaces with plenty of water to drink, and if you don’t have a crawl space vapor barrier, they won’t have to look any further.
Reducing Fire Hazards
Did you know that your crawl space is home to important electrical wiring? Most modern homes come with protection in the form of plastic covers or a conduit. Even when this is the case, it’s still in your best interest to add another layer of protection.
We all know that water and electricity are two elements that don’t mix well. Crawl space vapor barrier systems keep water away from your wiring to prevent possible sparks that could lead to devastating fires.
Protecting Crawl Space Plumbing and Ducts
In addition to electrical wiring, most crawl spaces are also home to several pipes as well as important HVAC components like ductwork. These metal components are prone to rusting and corroding when exposed to moisture for long periods of time. The last thing you want is to experience flooding or insufficient cooling during hot Sedona summer weather.
In fact, a vapor barrier system won’t just prevent severe damage. It will also help to prolong the lifespan of your plumbing and HVAC system, saving you money in the short term and the long term.
Boosting Energy Efficiency
We’re not used to high humidity in Arizona, but there’s one thing that you should know about it. High humidity makes hot temperatures feel hotter and more stifling. This is in part because when the humidity is high, your body has a harder time regulating temperature.
What does this have to do with energy efficiency? When your crawl space is increasing the humidity in your home, it will make you want to lower that thermostat to stay cool. A crawl space barrier will help you to maintain a consistent indoor temperature without having to adjust your thermostat, which will improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Improving Access to Crawl Space
If you’ve ever had to go into your crawl space without a vapor barrier, you know that it isn’t a pleasant experience. This is especially true in older homes that may have wiring, plumbing, or ductwork that is in questionable condition.
A vapor barrier makes entering your crawl space a more comfortable experience. It also improves the safety of your crawl space which is crucial for you, your family members, and any contractors who come to work on your house.
Making Your Home More Livable
As you can see, living without a vapor barrier in your crawl space opens your home up to all sorts of hazards and discomforts. From an increased chance of pest invasions to an increase in mold, your exposed crawl space can really hamper your home’s livability.
Installing a vapor barrier crawl space is both preventative and restorative. Why wouldn’t you want to take control and make this positive change?
Take Control With a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier
At Sedona Waterproofing, we’ve seen the results of unprotected basements and crawl spaces. We’re here to make sure that your home is at its best by providing you with a crawl space vapor barrier system.
Now that you know how beneficial a vapor barrier can be, it’s time to put a plan into action. Contact us so that we can help you make this crucial improvement to your Sedona home this year.
