| Some customers have asked me "What would | | | | exposed to moisture for a long period of time, you |
| happen if I continued to allow moisture in my | | | | may have to start replacing rotted floor joists, sub |
| crawlspace?" It's a valid question, what's the big deal | | | | floors, and actual flooring. As a homeowner, it's |
| about a little moisture under your house, right? | | | | important to address your moisture problems before it |
| There are many problems that could arise if you | | | | gets to this point. |
| continued to allow water or moisture to seep through | | | | If you are in the process of selling your home, typically |
| or under your foundation, it most cases, you should | | | | a home inspector is going to make a big mark on the |
| resolve these issues as quickly as possible. In this | | | | report for the lender and buyer to clearly read |
| article, I will exclude the topic of moisture in the actual | | | | addressing the concern about the moisture in your |
| basement; the obvious to allowing this to continue is | | | | crawl space for the reasons stated above. No |
| damage to the contents and interior of your home, not | | | | resolution to problem, no sale of house! |
| to mention mold spores. | | | | If you are a landlord, you are liable for anything that |
| Speaking of mold, even if it is underneath your house | | | | happens from neglect. Based on what I've mentioned |
| and in your crawls space, this fungus can still produce | | | | above, it could include anything from tenants health |
| health problems and some types produce mycotoxins | | | | related problems, tenant injury, or personal property |
| which can cause rashes, respiratory problems, severe | | | | damage. As a landlord, you should and probably have |
| fatigue, and even dementia or memory loss. Toxic | | | | a policy to protect yourself, but often times a policy will |
| mold needs to be removed, followed with the | | | | only protect you to a limit, and in this litigious society, |
| elimination of future moisture problems, often times | | | | you want to do everything you can to avoid such a |
| resolved with waterproofing your foundation. | | | | scenario. |
| The U.S. Department of Interior states: "Uncontrolled | | | | I hope this article answers the question as to why you |
| moisture is the most prevalent cause of deterioration in | | | | need to prevent moisture in your crawlspace, and |
| older buildings. It leads to erosion, corrosion, rot, and | | | | remember you want to have a permanent solution, not |
| ultimately the destruction of materials, finishes, and | | | | a temporary fix. |
| eventually structural components." If your home is | | | | |