Crawlspace Dryer Vent Mold Problems - Poor Ventilation
If the crawlspace isn't vented properly, you could find
yourself having problems with mold, mildew and even termites as moisture
continues to build up in these areas. Your crawlspace can become
infested with mold if these problems aren't taking care of soon enough.
Here's how it all begins. There isn't enough air circulating through
your crawlspace to remove any moisture that could be coming from your
dryer vents or your home heating system. These pipes can stay warm for
long periods of time while there being used. This becomes a problem as
cold air in the crawlspace starts to circulate around the warmer dryer
vent areas.
As the cold air and warm air start to hang around each other, moisture
will form as the moist air starts to evaporate onto nearby floor joist,
metal dryer vents and heating ducts. This moisture will absorb into the
wood and roll off the metal in time.
Any moisture that hangs around the metal will slowly start to rust and
the moisture that absorbs into the wood, can start to rot the wood,
attract fungus and subterranean termites, and even create problems with
mold.
How do you avoid this? How do you avoid mold and dry rot in your
crawlspace or other poorly ventilated areas around your home?
You need to get more air circulating through these areas, if you live in
dryer climates. This could require more foundation vents or even
electric fans. Depending on your climate, you might need to relocate
your dryer vents or even wrap them with insulation, to avoid future
problems.
Check with your local building contractor or city building department
before doing any home repairs like this. They could have some better
advice than I have given you. The type of climate that you live in plays
an important role with how you handle any crawlspace dryer vent
problems.
Some building contractors are using alternative methods in moisture
climates.