What's Lurking in my Crawlspace?: Protect Your Health

Have you ever heard the term "smokestack effect" used before? It means exactly what it sounds like. Like a smokestack, the air in your crawlspace rises up through your floorboards, cracks, and crevices, while exiting through the uppermost part of your home. And much like smoke of any sort, this air can be detrimental to your health. But have you also ever explored your crawlspace? Probably not, and you're not alone. Most homeowners suspect no reason to unless there's a major leak or they notice a strange odor. Let's take a look at what's lurking in your crawlspace and why you should know about it.

1. Mold and Mildew Particulates
Most if not all crawlspaces are damp environments, especially if they have a dirt floor. As the moisture or standing water begins to accumulate mold and mildew begins to thrive, leaving spores to collect in the air.

2. Radon Gas
Radon is a scent-less gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium in many types of soil. As it forms it moves up through the ground, releasing into the air inside your crawlspace. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, radon gas is actually the number 1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.

3. Rodents & Rodent Droppings
Rodents and other small pests will often find refuge inside the crawlspace beneath your home. Crawlspaces are like gold mines for these unsightly critters because they are often left undisturbed, cold, and damp. Unfortunately, as many cases, we have found their droppings will accumulate and some may even decompose underneath your home.

Now that you're aware of what can affect the quality of the air you breathe inside your home, you're probably wondering how you can prevent this from happening. Here at Adirondack Basement Systems, we have an entire system designed for crawlspaces specifically. Crawlspace encapsulation is achieved with our CleanSpace vapor barrier. The non-organic material prevents mold and mildew from growing as it needs organic materials to thrive. It also aids in reducing the percentage of radon gas that reaches the air you breathe. SmartPipe can be situated underneath the CleanSpace should any leaks from piping occur. SaniDry Sedona is a high-performance dehumidifier designed with a MERV-8 filter that ensures the air is kept dry and free of particulates/pathogens. We also have products that assist in insulation! Perfect for those cold Upstate New York winters, helping you save on energy costs.

Contact us today for your FREE estimate!