MOISTURE/AIR PROBLEMS
Moisture naturally permeates from the outside through the foundation into the basement and crawl spaces. Normal everyday activities such as cleaning, bathing, cooking and even breathing add to indoor moisture levels that have the tendency to gravitate and saturate into the lower levels. Being that these lower levels have the highest levels of moisture, are the least ventilated, and the coldest areas of the home they become the most problematic areas. Without anywhere to go the moisture saturates into the walls, beams, floors and frame harming the structural integrity. The stagnant moist air and high relative humidity becomes an environment conducive for mold spores, musty odors, dust mites, infestation and other biological growth. Air pollutants and gases are highly concentrated at the lowest levels. The problems in the basement and crawl spaces are not confined there, but rather work their way upwards, spreading mold, odors, and mites into upper levels, ultimately wreaking havoc on your home and health
Nowadays, homes are insulated and sealed so tightly that fresh air exchange is minimal, trapping moisture and contaminants. Even new homes have problems with moisture in the concrete and wood that need to be dried out.
Experts agree that excess moisture can:
- Pose serious long- and short-term health risks such as allergies, respiratory infections, and asthma.
- Cause costly, irreparable property damage.
- Absorb and retain dangerous pollutants and gases.
- Provide a perfect breeding ground for mold, mites and infestation to thrive.
WAVE SOLUTION
The damage caused by excess moisture can be extremely extensive and costly. And in the long run, simple use of dehumidifiers doesn't increase ventilation or cut expense.
With WAVE ventilation, homeowners can be proactive in their approach to protecting their homes and families while enjoying maintenance-free, energy-saving, year-round benefits for about 10 cents a day. For this kind of cost efficiency, you can get crawl space moisture under control and also rid your basement of those musty basement odors.
Take a look at some of the dangerous problems that can result from excess moisture and inadequate ventilation:
