Moisture Control and Prevention
High moisture levels in the crawl space can lead to fungal growth, damage to the substructure of your home, termite/pest infestations, and poor breathing conditions. Effective moisture control measures can prevent costly damages to your home and to your family's health.
Wood Destroying Fungus in the Crawl Space
Wood destroying fungi spores are present everywhere in Coastal Virginia. They need the perfect conditions to become active. Your crawl space, if not maintained, can be that perfect place.
Our hot, sticky, and wet Coastal Virginia summers create the perfect scenario for fungal growth. The rate of wood decay caused by wood destroying fungi depends on the moisture level, temperature, and type of fungi. Moisture can seep up from the ground and outside humid air can flow into the crawl space via vents.
Once the moisture levels are over 19% you have enough water to promote fungi growth. This fungus eats wooden members causing weakening of the structure. Wood becomes discolored, spongy, and musty. Termites especially love to devour this softened wood.
Air Quality in Your Home
Did you know that you breathe the air in your crawl space? Forty percent of the air in your crawl is circulated into your home. Your home continuously draws air from the crawl and the crawl replaces that air with outside air, this is known as the chimney effect. If the air in your crawl has moisture, fungus/mold spores, and/or insect debris, you could be circulating that dirty air right into your home, which could lead to severe health issues.
Moisture Control the Colonial Exterminating Way
- Inspection - Our inspectors can determine the source of moisture, if the fungus is active or not, how much visible damage has been caused, and the best course of action.
- Treatment – Colonial Exterminating will spray all visible wooden members with a fungicide to kill the active fungus. This treatment will arrest the present fungus, but moisture correction will still need to be completed to prevent new fungus from forming.
- Moisture Correction – Our technicians will seal all foundation vents, install a poly vapor barrier with 100% ground coverage, and if needed, place a dehumidifier in the crawl space.
- Repairs – If damages are discovered, our licensed contractor team can repair them. Our team can also replace your insulation if the moisture has caused it to web and detach.
Why Should You Seal Your Crawl Space?
It used to be thought that allowing air ventilation in the crawl would correct a moisture condition. It has since been found that circulating outside air into the crawl has sustained moisture problems due to the level of humidity in the air. Read more in this study
conducted by Dominion Power.
We proudly offer our termite protection services to the following Eastern Virginia cities.
Newport News, Hampton, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Gloucester, Smithfield, Carrollton, Suffolk,
Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and more!
Testimonial
"Steve found a major leak in our shower floor while performing an inspection. Two of your employees, Mr. Tom Shenk, and Jodi were assigned to replace the shower floor. Because these men are competent employees, they were able to perform their jobs in a friendly and completely professional manner. Not only did Mr. Shenk and Jodi do a profession job on the shower floor and tiled wall, Mr. Shenk expressed concern over the amount water damage to our home that seemed unusual. This concern lead to the discovery of a large leak in the shower wall, his expertise in his field resulted in resolving a serious problem that would have cause extensive damage to our home. I realize how valuable these employees are to me and am grateful to Colonial. Employees like these men are crucial in promoting confidence in Colonial. I appreciate their efforts.
-Robert K.