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Hygrometer shows 84% Humidity Level in the crawlspace - "WET"
I know this is bad, but just how bad?
Calling the super of the building tomorrow. Any idea what might need to be done here to fix this issue? I feel like a dehumidifier would only be a temporary fix unless it stays down there permanently. Plus that thing is damn noisy right under my bedroom.
Woah, 84% is very high. I know if it was my house (and my previous home's crawlspace did get that high humidity, btw), I would make sure there was a good vapor barrier; the foundation vents were closed and sealed; and install a commercial dehumidifier in the crawlspace. If you have one properly sized for the space, it doesn't have to be directly under the place where the floor is currently cupping; it will dehumidify the entire crawlspace to the required humidity level. I kept my crawlspace at 45% all the time and my house was on soil with a very high water table. This is just my personal experience and recommendation - YMMV.
84% is very high. Just how bad is a function of temperature AND humidity. You can use this calculator to get an idea of what to expect. It definitely needs to be addressed or you'll continue to have floor problems and eventually mold.
is there not a sheet of heavy plastic stapled to the floor joists to seal out moisture from the insulation.
If by that you mean the white "vapor barrier" sheets, no, there is nothing like that down there. I just wonder how it got that bad down there. While the vents are not sealed, 84% seems way too high. When the big leak was cleaned up last year, the levels were checked and it was completely dry and back to normal.
if the crawlspace is vented to the outside, you have to have a barrier preventing moisture from getting to the joists. trying to dry out the crawlspace when open to the outside is futile. go buy a roll of plastic at home depot and staple across the whole underneath of floor- no gaps
Update: The super was told of the super high (84%) humidity level in my crawlspace. He said he doesn't know much about floors but he may have to call a floor guy to come in and assess. He told me that all crawlspaces in the development are likely as hot as mine (Really!???) and there's not much we can do about it. He said no mold has ever grown down there and by law they have to be vented.
He told me that he would be surprised if the humidity/moisture from the crawlspace is coming up through my floors as the fiberglass insulation they used was VERY thick not to mention he said there was some sort of paper barrier put below my floors as well. I told him ok, so why are my floors cupping? He still said he's unsure and would have to call a floor guy.
I don't care what anyone says, 84% humidity down there is playing a factor in what's going on with my floors. In my apartment itself the levels were around 55% when checked with my hygrometer. Now sure I don't keep my AC running every second of every day, but if my floors are cupping at the drop of a hat bc of an occasionally humid living/bedroom, then they must be the cheapest floors of all time.
Update: The super was told of the super high (84%) humidity level in my crawlspace. He said he doesn't know much about floors but he may have to call a floor guy to come in and assess. He told me that all crawlspaces in the development are likely as hot as mine (Really!???) and there's not much we can do about it. He said no mold has ever grown down there and by law they have to be vented.
He told me that he would be surprised if the humidity/moisture from the crawlspace is coming up through my floors as the fiberglass insulation they used was VERY thick not to mention he said there was some sort of paper barrier put below my floors as well. I told him ok, so why are my floors cupping? He still said he's unsure and would have to call a floor guy.
I don't care what anyone says, 84% humidity down there is playing a factor in what's going on with my floors. In my apartment itself the levels were around 55% when checked with my hygrometer. Now sure I don't keep my AC running every second of every day, but if my floors are cupping at the drop of a hat bc of an occasionally humid living/bedroom, then they must be the cheapest floors of all time.
Anyone's thoughts are appreciated...
TBH. it sounds like you're going to have to negotiate a solution with your coop at this point. We can point out the scientific possibilities for the cupping, but your coop has to approve any remediation, am I correct?
TBH. it sounds like you're going to have to negotiate a solution with your coop at this point. We can point out the scientific possibilities for the cupping, but your coop has to approve any remediation, am I correct?
Yes. But just generally speaking there is no reason a crawlspace should be at 84% humidity and remain that way.
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