How to Check Your Crawlspace for Moisture: A SERVPRO Guide

7/29/2024 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Wood River, we understand the importance of maintaining a dry and healthy crawlspace to protect your home from potential damage. Excess moisture can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and structural issues. Regularly checking your crawlspace for moisture is essential to catch problems early and avoid costly repairs. Here’s our step-by-step guide to help you inspect your crawlspace for moisture:

1. Gather the Necessary Tools

Before you begin, ensure you have the following tools:

• Flashlight
• Moisture meter
• Hygrometer (to measure humidity levels)
• Protective clothing (long sleeves, pants, gloves, and a mask)
• Knee pads (if needed)

2. Prioritize Safety

Crawlspaces can be cramped and potentially hazardous. Before entering, check for signs of wildlife or pests. Wear protective clothing to guard against allergens, mold spores, and debris.

3. Inspect Foundation Walls

Using a flashlight, thoroughly examine the foundation walls for signs of dampness, water stains, or efflorescence (a white, powdery substance). These indicate moisture intrusion from outside.

4. Look for Standing Water

Check the crawlspace floor for standing water or wet soil. Even small puddles can signal a larger moisture issue. If you find standing water, address the source immediately.

5. Measure Moisture Levels

Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of wooden structures in the crawlspace. Insert the meter's prongs into the wood and read the levels. Ideally, moisture content should be below 20%. Higher readings indicate a risk of mold growth and wood rot.

6. Monitor Humidity Levels

Use a hygrometer to measure crawlspace humidity. Aim for relative humidity below 60%. High humidity can foster mold and mildew growth.

7. Check for Mold and Mildew

Inspect the crawlspace for visible signs of mold or mildew, which often appear as dark spots or patches on surfaces. Mold can also produce a musty odor, so note any unusual smells.

8. Examine Insulation and Vapor Barriers

If your crawlspace has insulation, check for signs of dampness or mold. Ensure the vapor barrier (a plastic sheet on the ground) is intact and not allowing moisture through.

9. Address Issues Promptly

If you discover moisture, mold, or water intrusion, take immediate action. This may involve sealing foundation cracks, improving home drainage, installing a dehumidifier, or consulting SERVPRO for professional assessment and repairs.

10. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Check your crawlspace for moisture at least twice a year, ideally in spring and fall. Regular inspections help you catch issues early and keep your crawlspace dry and healthy.

By following these steps, you can ensure your crawlspace remains free of moisture-related problems, protecting your home's structural integrity and health. For professional assistance, trust SERVPRO of Wood River—Your experts in moisture control and home restoration.

Discounted HVAC and Duct Cleaning for the Wood River Valley

4/24/2024 (Permalink)

Real-estate agents trust SERVPRO for duct cleaning prior to listing a property. Contact us for a great discount. Here to Help®

Clean Air Ducts a Must for Sellers and Buyers

Ensuring regular cleaning of the heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) system by certified professionals results in the best indoor air quality (IAQ) for your family. Accumulations of dust, debris, cobwebs, dander, pollen, cooking residues, and more can be circulating throughout your house on repeat, contributing to unpleasant smells and respiratory irritation. Merely dusting or vacuuming the air vents does nothing to eradicate what could be a massive amount of contaminants inside your home’s ducts.

Prepping a Home for Sale Requires Duct Cleaning

Prospective house buyers in the Wood River Valley area respond to a home's “feel” as much as they do to its layout and visual appeal. If odors and dust motes swirling through the house grab their attention before they even venture into the gourmet kitchen or make it to the remodeled master suite, a sale becomes much more unlikely. Avoid this scenario by arranging for expert HVAC and duct cleaning in the Wood River Valley, a beautiful region of south-central Idaho.

SERVPRO® has high-efficiency equipment and well-qualified technicians to deliver the services sellers seek, and buyers expect and deserve. We add the final touch to the deep cleaning done in anticipation of selling a home, which coincidentally disturbed and perhaps increased the contaminants running through your air ducts:

• Borescope inspection to locate problem areas deep within the ducts
• Drill-powered extendable brushes, expandable to full-duct width once inside to dislodge residues mechanically
• Source removal focus, including cleaning of all heating and cooling appliances within the enclosed HVAC system
• Negative air pressure full-system containment during the process to suction all debris out of the house via secure heavy-duty hoses
• HEPA-equipped vacuums to address dirty vents and registers
• Experienced and skilled technicians trained and certified by both the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and the National Duct Cleaning Association (NDCA)

SERVPRO Special Realtor Duct Cleaning Promotion

Take advantage of our 40% off special when getting a property ready to show off to potential buyers. Services include:

• 1-3 hour servicing
• Thorough inspection
• Vent cleaning
• System testing
• Air filter replacement

Full air duct cleaning

Partner with SERVPRO of Wood River Valley for appropriate HVAC/Duct Cleaning when buying or selling a residence or to ensure your system operates efficiently in your current home. One call to (208) 788-0183 is all it takes.