How to deal with crawl space humidity level?

High humidity levels can cause problems for many homeowners, especially those who have crawl spaces. When the humidity level in this important part of your home is too high, it has a direct impact on other areas of your house as well. Too much moisture can lead to mold growth and create dampness in your attic or basement. It can also result in damage to wood flooring, drywall, insulation, and furniture stored inside the space. But don’t worry, there are ways to reduce humidity levels and keep everything safe within your crawl space! In this blog post, we will explore why you should monitor line-space humdity levels and give tips on how you can regulate them.

What the recommended humidity levels for crawl spaces?

According to experts, humidity levels for crawl spaces are between 50-55%. You should aim to keep the humidity level in this range at all times. Humidity levels that exceed 65% can greatly increase your chances of having issues with mold and mildew growth, while levels below 40% can cause structural damage.

However, it is essential to ascertain the appropriate moisture levels in your home. A reliable approach is to acquire a hygrometer to measure relative humidity levels. By employing this instrument to monitor your crawl space, you can effectively identify when it is necessary to address excessive moisture levels.

See More: How to dry out a crawl space

What danger does high humidity in your crawl space?

There are several reasons why it is important to be concerned about high humidity levels in your crawl space. Here are a few of them:

Mold and mildew

High levels of moisture in your crawl space encourage mold growth, which is both unappealing and hazardous to your health. Black mold spores are airborne and can easily make their way into other parts of your home, leading to ill effects such as skin irritation and respiratory problems when inhaled.

Structural damage

Too much moisture in your crawl space can cause damage to surrounding structures. Wood beams, floor joists, and other materials may begin to rot or warp over time, leading to an unsafe environment for you and your family.

Rodent infestations

Crawl spaces are one of the most common places that rodents like to hide. They love hiding in moist areas and make it their home, posing a major risk to your home.

Bugs

Similar to rodents, bugs and insects flourish in areas of high humidity. Silverfish, cockroaches, and other pests like to creep into crawl spaces in search of damp places where they can find food and water.

See More: Do crawlspace dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity

Signs of High Humidity Levels crawl space

Before you can take steps to reduce humidity levels, it’s important to be able to recognize when the humidity level is too high. Here are some warning signs that indicate the need for immediate action:

• Mold and mildew growth on wood surfaces:
• Condensation on walls or ceiling joists
• Musty smells
• Warped flooring or buckling of wood boards
• Evidence of rodent infestations
• Visible bug and insect activity

How do I reduce high humidity levels in my crawl space?

Crawl Space Dehumidifiers

The most effective way to reduce high humidity levels in crawl spaces is with a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers are designed specifically for this purpose and come in a variety of sizes, making them suitable for any size space.

Installing a dehumidifier will help to keep your moisture levels within the right range by removing excess water from the air. It’s also a great way to reduce the chance of mold growth, as well as keep rodents and bugs from making their home in your crawl space.

Install a crawl space vapor barrier

Another way to reduce humidity levels in your crawl space is by installing a vapor barrier. This type of barrier will help to keep moisture from entering the air and prevent it from accumulating around your home. It also helps to keep out rodents, bugs, mold spores, and other contaminants that can have an adverse effect on your health.

See More: How to maintain crawl space dehumidifier

Insulate your crawl space

Insulating your crawl space can also help to regulate the humidity levels. If you have an uninsulated crawl space, there is a much higher risk of condensation, since the cooler air from outside makes contact with warm surfaces inside the space. Installing insulation and sealing any gaps in walls or around pipes will help to keep moisture at bay.

Cover vents

In the summer months, warm air from outside can enter your crawl space via vents. To reduce humidity levels in this instance, you should consider covering these vents with mesh or other materials to keep out the hot humid air.

FAQs

Is 40% humidity too low in crawl space?

Yes, humidity levels below 40% can cause structural damage in your crawl space and surrounding areas of your home. You should aim to keep relative humidity between 50-55%.

Will a fan in crawl space help with humidity?

Yes, one of the most effective ways to reduce humidity in your crawl space is by installing a fan. This will help circulate air throughout the space and keep moisture levels down.

Should I install crawl Space dehumidifiers for reduce humidity levels?

Yes, installing a dehumidifier is one of the best ways to keep your crawl space humidity levels within the recommended range. Dehumidifiers are designed specifically for this purpose and will help to regulate moisture in the air.

Conclusion

It’s important to be aware of the humidity levels in your crawl space and take steps to regulate them not just for your comfort but for your home’s health as well. Monitoring humidity levels can help protect other areas of your home from water damage, mold growth, and structural issues, so don’t neglect this important aspect of home maintenance. By exploring why crawl space humidity is a problem, identifying which methods are best for controlling these levels, and knowing the tools necessary to manage moisture, you will be prepared to make any adjustments needed. If you have any further questions or comments about maintaining good airflow in your crawl space or ideas for improvement please leave a comment below!