Moisture isn’t just a problem for the structural health of your home. Many items contained in the home are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and humidity. Use this list of common items to begin making your protection plan.

Wood and Leather Furniture

You probably already know that wood floors are likely to buckle or warp with overexposure to humidity. Floor joists and window frames are also at risk. But did you also know that wooden furniture can be damaged by humidity? When exposed to too much moisture over time, wood can crack, warp or rot.

Leather is also temperamental with swings from hot to cold. Leather in an uncontrolled environment can become discolored or mildew.

If you have a vented crawlspace, high moisture in the summer can cause problems with furniture or other items you want to store in these areas. Remember, if you are saving that crib for your first grandchild, a vented crawlspace isn’t the place to keep it.

Instruments

Your sources of joy and creative inspiration will soon start hitting some sour notes if stored in a humid area. Instruments like pianos, guitars, and trumpets must be kept dry to deliver their best performances. Extra care should be made to protect instruments with strings, wood, glued joints and other components from temperatures that can ruin them.

Electronics

Components are likely to crack or rust with prolonged exposure to moisture from humidity, causing permanent damage. Moisture collected over prolonged exposure to humidity can have the same effect as a direct water spill. Rusting, corroding and damage to wiring integrity can happen.

Closing a crawlspace creates a conditioned space under your home. With temperature and moisture levels similar to your home, the crawlspace now becomes the perfect place for storage.

Using air inducers and or dehumidifiers in the crawlspace insures items stored in the crawlspace remain at temperatures and humidity conducive to safe storage

Valuables / Collections

Anything you value and cannot replace should be stored where the climate is well controlled. This could be anything from books to important documents and photos that are meaningful to you. You may also want to protect financially important valuables, such as artwork, wine, antiques or collector’s stamps.

Making exceptions

As we acquire more things we need more storage. What better place to store those extra items than in your own home. There you will have easier access to the items without the expense of a monthly storage bill. But what about concerns about moisture damage? Consider closing your crawlspace and installing shelving and pallets to keep stored items off the floor. Encapsulating the crawlspace is an excellent moisture management strategy that protects not only your home but also your health. Get better air quality and more efficient heating and cooling. You’ll also reduce the risk of pest infestation and moisture damage.

Let Crawlspace Depot help you devise a crawlspace encapsulation plan. We have everything you need to get started. Give us a call with your questions today.