Sub-Floor Void and Vapor Barrier Solutions in the UK
A damp sub-floor void is a haven for mold and pests. Any moisture that comes in contact with an organic material, will rot and form mold. Mold is very unhealthy and dangerous for your home. Even though your sub-floor void is below ground and not a livable area, the odors, pests, and allergens created from the sub-floor void radiate throughout the rest of your home without you even knowing. Pests love to thrive in damp areas and eventually can make their way up into your living space. The real prevention starts with eliminating the damp.
It was once thought that adding sub-floor ventilation was beneficial - that vents would allow moisture to pass in and out and eventually dissipate. This has proved to be wrong. Sub-floor ventilation can actually be the culprit. Vents promote moisture in two ways: they have a tendency to draw air in from the sub-floor void upward into living spaces and they suck damp air in rather than letting damp air out! In addition, vents allow for pests to make their way into the sub-floor void.
Even though you don’t visually see water in your sub-floor void, your home is still at risk. The relative high humidity causes fungus and mold to grow, which in turn eats away at the base structure of your home. Even though you can’t see it, it’s happening. Don’t find out once the damage is done. The best solution to your sub-floor void problem is to install a vapor barrier and encapsulate the sub-floor void.
Steps to Getting a Healthy, Safe Sub-Floor Void in the UK
Trace Basement Systems is a certified Basement Systems dealer. The CleanSpace Crawl Space Encapsulation System by Basement Systems, seals a sub-floor void off from moisture coming up from the dirt and also from the damp air outside. Not only will we create a safe, healthy environment for your home, but you’ll also gain additional storage space too! Below are the steps that we will take to ensure your sub-floor void will be allergen, mold, and pest free. We can give you a free no-obligation sub-floor void inspection and estimate. Contact Trace Basement Systems today!
Step 1: Seal Your Sub-Floor Void from Damp Air While Still
Making it Easily Accessible
The first step to ensure a healthy sub-floor void environment is to seal off the area from any damp air that can potential enter. Our professionals will make your sub-floor void air tight. We will also replace sub-floor void doors with more airtight, durable ones. Vents will be covered, making your home more energy efficient.
Step 2: Encapsulate the Sub-Floor Void
Damp not only leaks through vents and doors, but it also comes in through the sub-floor void walls and floor. We will install a rugged, tear-resistant plastic vapor barrier on the sub-floor walls and floors. This vapor barrier is 20-mil thick and comes with seven layers of polyester cord, high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene. To account for a visible area on block walls for termite inspector access, we will also install a clear plastic cap on the tops of the walls. To ensure moisture stays out of the encapsulated area, a sump pump may be installed.
Step 3: Dehumidify Your Sub-Floor Void
Once your sub-floor void is airtight, it’s recommended to install a dehumidifier in the encapsulated area. Even though the sub-floor void is encapsulated, humidity will retain some of the moisture in the wood. A dehumidifier will dry the moisture out, while making sure that any future moisture is not trapped in the space. The SaniDry Sub-Floor Void Dehumidifier, available in the UK from Trace Basement Systems is an Energy Star Rated dehumidifier that is powerful enough to take care of any moisture in your sub-floor void.
In addition to sub-floor void encapsulation, Trace Basement Systems can also waterproof your basement and convert your cellar. We services throughout the UK in areas surrounding Manchester, London, Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool, Bradford, Mansfield, York, Chesterfield, Preston, Halifax, Bolton, Barnsley, Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Appeal Laboratories, Royal Free Hospital, Hammersmith, London in the UK. Contact us today and you’ll be one step closer to a healthier home!
