Home owners need an inspection for problems due to excess moisture. Preventative maintenance in and around your home can help maximize your efforts in helping to control moisture. Whether you have a basement, crawlspace or slab-on-grade foundation, the potential for moisture problems exist. The entire structure, from the foundation to the roof, should be designed to not only prevent moisture from entering but also allow any moisture that does enter a proper means to escape. Moisture issues that are allowed to persist can have damaging effects such rot, structural damage, premature paint failure and health problems. The best approach to controlling moisture issues will depend largely on the climate and construction design. There are several options to help in the control of moisture such as installing a proper vapor barrier to cover the exposed bare ground of homes with crawlspaces, properly sloping the ground away from the structures foundation and installing automatic temperature vents to allow cross ventilation of the crawl space area. When water diversion is necessary, a sump pump or french drain might need to be installed to correct the problem.
Questions and Answers
Why should I have a vapor barrier installed?
The function of a vapor barrier is to stop the migration of water vapor. Because of excess moisture in your crawlspace a correctly installed vapor barrier will protect your floor framing from dampness and wood decay which can lead to rot and structural problems.
What are some ways you can divert water away from my structure?
Water issues are a problem facing many homeowners throughout the state. There are several options in diverting water such as proper grading of the landscape, gutters, french drains and sump pumps. Our qualified team of inspectors can help you in making the correct determination for your individual situation.
How does an automatic foundation vent operate?
The outside temperature will determine the operation of the foundation vent. The temperature vent opens and closes automatically using a temperature sensitive bi-metal spring. The louvers will be completely open at approximately 72°F and completely closed at approximately 38°F.
