Evergreen Basement Systems recommends installing a vapor barrier in the space to help keep moisture and rot out of the area. It's the best and most effective way in the industry to help eliminate crawl space problems due to decaying structures, and it saves an enormous amount of money every year on utility bills.
In fact, the Basement Systems network alone calculates that they've saved people 4.6 million dollars in heating oil, natural gas, and electricity annually! Evergreen Basement Systems can provide a free estimate for your crawl space encapsulation - contact us today to get started on your free written quote!
The theory behind venting crawl spaces in western Virginia is a sound one. It's been thought that they would create a crosswind that would allow air to pass through the space, pushing moisture out as the air circulated.
However, instead of passing from one window to another, hot, humid summer air enters the crawl space, drops humidity on the cool surfaces, and rises up into the rest of the home.
Crawl space vents will also pose a serious problem in the winter. Although humidity will not usually be a problem the crawl space during this time, the Virginia winter cold will affect the water heaters, heating ducts and hot water pipes, which will then require more energy than usual just to function normally. And as this cold affects the flood upstairs, it will become drafty and uncomfortable underfoot.
Along with mold and rot, wet crawl spaces in VA will lead to insects, pests, odors, and potential structural problems. Termites, carpenter ants, beetles, crickets, and other wood-eating insects love the moist, rotting wood that can be found in a crawl space, and they will gladly crawl in through the vent openings and make your space their home.
Rats, mice, snakes, spiders, and other pests will also gladly take refuge in your temperate, safe, and dark spaces. As the live - and die - in your crawl space, they can create a foul-smelling and unhealthy environment. And as their numbers begin to multiply, they'll begin to be seen more and more often in the main area of your home.
As the decay becomes more serious, crawl space supports (known as crawl space jacks) may be needed to hold up the floor and help support the structure. In more extreme cases, a crawlspace repair contractor in western Virginia may be needed to rip out all the old rotting crawl space wood and replace it.
With all the dirt, pests, and mold (not to mention the dark, cramped quarters), it's not going to be cheap to hire a contractor to do a repair job like that!
Evergreen Basement Systems of VA would like to help you repair your crawl space by encapsulating it with the CleanSpace Crawl Space Vapor Barrier System. Click here for a free, no-obligation crawl space encapsulation estimate in VA.

Testimonials from our Valued Customers
Every aspect of the job was done in a very professional manner. From the installation to the call back service...
Testimonial by J. Payne from Charlottesville, VA
Upcoming home show:
Please come see us at Augusta Expo Fall Home & Garden Show in Fishersville, VA on September 10, 2010.