Moisture Control and Waterproofing
Moisture Control is essential to a healthy home. Excess moisture is a key component in Mold Growth in a home.
Waterproofing is easier for people to understand. Waterproofing is any changes or products used to prevent water from entering a basement crawlspace or interior of the home or business. Waterproofing typically starts when the home builder installs the drain system before backfilling. Most of the time this is done incorrectly. Many builders do not use gravel to backfill. Using red clay, which is abundant in our area, holds water and moisture against the foundation. Many builders use a minimal amount of dirt, which can deteriorate over time.
Waterproofing is your first line of defense and diverting or ensuring that water is not entering your basement crawlspace or interior is critical and obvious.
Often what is not so obvious is moisture control.
The most overlooked area of moisture control is simply not having a complete moisture barrier. Many homes or businesses have open soil that was never covered with any plastic. Open soil, even when the soil is dry, allows moisture to enter the crawlspace and then the interior of the property. Moisture will cause deterioration of wood in the form of rot and mold. Moisture increases bacteria and mold causing foul odors, allergens, and poor indoor air quality.
Most people only know that they are experiencing unusual or foul odors. They do not realize that the lack of moisture control is the largest reason for odors. The most critical service than an indoor air quality company may provide is correctly identifying the moisture problem and then resolving it. Many businesses and homes are built to code, but code does not address a standard for indoor air quality.
Codes are getting better and requiring that there are moisture barriers, better heating and air systems, and better building practices thus eliminating many indoor air quality problems.
To drastically improve the indoor air quality in your home, both waterproofing and moisture control must be completed correctly. When you have no water entering your home, you reduce the risk of mold and mildew, creating a safer environment for you and your loved ones.
