CleanSpace Crawl Space Encapsulation System

There are three things that destroy materials in general, and wood in particular: water, heat and ultraviolet radiation.

Of these, water is by far the most important. A dirt crawl space under a home is a very bad idea. The earth has very high humidity in the soil. This water vapor moves easily into the crawl space and upwards into the house environment.

A damp environment is very unhealthy and destructive. Mold thrives and reproduces by producing airborne spores by the millions, and some molds are toxic.

Insects and critters of all kinds love damp environments and wet materials. Rot and decay occur in damp environments causing structural damage.

The natural airflow in a house is from bottom to top. This sucks the moist air and everything in it up into the living areas of the home.

Mold spores, odors, humidity and critters create a very unhealthy environment for people. Many people are allergic to these things, and experience a host of symptoms not realizing that their dirt crawl space is affecting their health.

Dirt crawl spaces do not have to be wet or flooded to be extremely unhealthy. Heating and cooling costs are higher in a home with a vented dirt crawl space.

Now there is a real solution to dirt crawl spaces. The CleanSpace System developed by Basement Systems, the world leader in dry basement technology.

MOLD

Mold spores, the seeds of mold, are in the air everywhere. All they need to grow is organic material such as wood, the right temperature range, and moisture. Of these, the only one that can be controlled is moisture.

Dirt crawl spaces have the high humidity levels necessary for mold growth. Humidity levels from 50% to 90% are easily found in dirt crawl spaces that have never flooded.

Mold can grow on dirt, insulation, framing and even under your carpet on the first floor. Mold destroys organic materials as it feeds on them. Mold reproduces by producing millions of floating airborne spores, which some people are very sensitive to. Spores can be dormant for many years, waiting for the right conditions to grow. Some molds produce mycotoxins, such as the black mold Stachybotrys. Many articles can be found on the effects of mold, and toxic mold.

CRITTERS, BUGS, RODENTS

Dirt Crawl Spaces are great places to live, thrive and reproduce if you're a bug. There is an even temperature, moisture, damp wood and shelter. Spiders, beetles, centipedes, termites, and all kinds of other insects are found in dirt crawl spaces. Animals such as mice, (dead and alive) are commonly found in dirt crawl spaces. In some cases, even rats, snakes and small animals have been found.

CONDENSATION

Because of the high humidity level in a dirt crawl space, cool surfaces such as the earth at 55 degrees, concrete and metal surfaces will sweat with water vapor condensing out of the air. This causes rot, smells, and is a water source for critters.

STRUCTURAL DAMAGE

Moisture is the prime factor that causes structural damage. Over time, rot and decay from a moist environment damage wood framing and steel structural members.

Walls made of block or stone often let moisture into a crawl space. That's why it's important for a solution to include the walls as well as the floor.

HEALTH PROBLEMS

As heat rises, the natural air movement in a home is upward. Air escapes out of the upper levels, and is drawn upward from the lower levels.

Dr. Harriet Burge, an expert in airborne diseases at the Harvard School of Public Health says, "Mold in houses is not a good thing. It could lead to asthma. Houses with mold are damp, and have dust mites and other things in them that can cause illness, especially in children.

Don't panic; there is a solution that will stop your crawl space from being a hospitable environment for mold. Mold will not grow when the humidity levels are reduced below 40%.

RADON GAS

Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the ground in most areas of North America. The EPA has identified radon gas exposure with increased risk of lung cancer.

Dirt crawl spaces allow radon gas to enter the home easily. The CleanSpace Encapsulation System is the ideal solution to reduce radon entry from a dirt crawl space. The System can be combined with a fan and exhaust pipe to actively draw radon laden air from beneath the CleanSpace Liner and exhaust it outdoors.