Allergies indoors? Insulation might be the answer!

If you're looking for a way to beat indoor allergies, then you've found the right place. This article will help you find out more about the importance of crawl space encapsulation and how insulation can contribute to a healthier home. One popular hiding spot for allergens, such as indoor mold spores and dust mites, is the crawl space. Keeping these indoor allergens at a minimum can be difficult when your crawl space is under insulated. In this article we focus on the crawl space as a source of allergy triggers. Crawl spaces are a popular feature in South Florida homes as they provide easier access to the plumbing and electrical systems. But when was the last time you looked inside your home’s dark crawl space filled with cobwebs? Probably not in a while if you’re like most homeowners!

A problem in your crawl space, like flooding, moisture or pests, could go unnoticed for a long time but have a major impact on your family’s health.

Moisture problems in the crawl space

According to Home Energy Magazine, up to 40% of your home’s indoor air comes in through the crawl space which means that moisture (a breeding ground for mold!) dust, allergens and other pollutants can find their way into your home and cause asthma or allergy symptoms for your loved ones. If your crawl space is damp and humid it is likely already host to a variety of mold and mildew. A humid environment promotes organic growth, including fungus and bacteria, and is a breeding ground for other microscopic pests. Because the home naturally ventilates the air from your crawl space into the living areas, homeowners are susceptible to breathing in these airborne pollutants. With an un-encapsulated crawl space, you lack reliable protection against these and other indoor allergens.

Mold and other humidity problems

Moisture, which is usually already higher in our flooding-prone, tropically humid climate, is the main source for most of the problems. It can lead to mold, high humidity or musty odors in your living space, damage to the structural integrity like rotting wooden framing members and more. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has a wide variety of suggestions for dealing with mold in a home and almost all of them, in one way or another, deal with moisture control. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 30-50% of all structures suffer from damp conditions that encourage these problems. If humidity or odor are not on your mind, mold growth should definitely worry you. Mold can be toxic and spread rather fast into the floors, walls and even furniture of your living space.

The answer to indoor allergies

You can improve the air quality in your home and help prevent allergens from migrating into your living space with crawl space encapsulation. By sealing off the crawl space floor and crawl space walls with encapsulation, you decrease the amount of moisture allowed to enter the crawl space. This, in turn, reduces the amount of water vapor in the air relative to the temperature beneath the house. Lowering the humidity level in a crawl space will diminish the amount of organic growth in the crawl space, preventing mold spores, dust mites, and other living matter from aggravating allergies and worsening health problems.

Radon

According to the Florida Department of Health, Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for nonsmokers and one out five Florida homes have elevated radon levels. Radon (the results of the radioactive breakdown of naturally occurring radium) is a gas you cannot smell, taste or see but it is found in most soils and enters buildings through small openings in the foundation. If left unnoticed, the carcinogen can make its way into your home and increase your family’s risk for cancer.  

Insulating your crawl space can help!

Insulation and air sealing can encapsulate your crawl space and add a layer of separation between it and your home’s living space. The project can yield substantial benefits for your home and family if done correctly but, due to the low and dark nature of most crawl spaces, is a rather difficult process that is best left to the professionals. When there is cleaner air in the crawl space, there is cleaner air in your home.

No more pest infestations

Insulation will not only make your crawl space a very uncomfortable home for any unwanted visitors but also keep them out from the beginning as there’s no more moisture inviting them in. Especially insulation materials like spray foam or fiberglass are very efficient against rodents.

A healthier living environment

Not only does insulation improve your home’s air quality overall, it limits the possibility of mold growth and prevents radon gas from seeping into your home through the cracks in your foundation. As explained above, there are many health risks related to a non-insulated crawl space - everything from allergies to cancer. Of course insulation is never a guarantee for perfect health of your family members but it is a very good measure of precaution and can help limit risks.

Energy efficiency 

All in all, if you're still thinking about whether or not encapsulating your attic with insulation and air sealing. Insulation also prevents air from leaking through cracks, crevices, and windows, this can help to reduce the amount of energy wasted. Also, it prevents the HVAC units from overworking in the summer to keep the space cold. This can help the appliance consume less energy. Moreover, humid air is less efficient at cooling a home so your A/C will have to work very hard on making that air feel cool if your crawl space is not properly insulated. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, insulating your crawl space can save you on average 15% on your energy bills. Additionally, any ductwork that’s running through your attic will also be protected from losing heat.
 

The importance of crawl space insulation

Adding insulation to a crawl space and home in general will not only treat and prevent future mold growth. But it will also regulate its temperature and help improve its overall efficiency. It can also save homeowners money, so consider installing insulation today. Give your allergies a break and prevent indoor allergens from making their way into your home. Enjoy the additional benefits of encapsulating your crawl space by giving us a call today!

Contact us today for a free in-home insulation evaluation and make your home a more energy-efficient, healthy and comfortable space.