With the temperatures already going into the triple digits, it’s easy to see that this summer is going to be a hot and humid one in Northern Virginia, Maryland and the DC area. Unfortunately, when high humidity and moisture make their way into your home, several comfort, health, and efficiency issues come with them.
The Fifth Fuel offers reliable solutions that keep your home protected with our comprehensive insulation and air sealing services. We use building science as the foundation for every project, which enables our team to not only identify the source of issues in your home but also to find the most impactful solution.
The Problem with Too Much Moisture in a Home
Moisture can wreak havoc on your home any time of the year, but it can be especially present during the warmer months, resulting in several issues including:
- Unhealthy Indoor Air – High levels of moisture create an ideal breeding ground for mildew and mold growth, along with other pollutants and even pests. This leads to poor indoor air quality in your home, which can have a lasting impact on your health.
- Increased Energy Usage – When moisture levels are high, your cooling system will have to work harder to both cool down and dehumidify your home. This will result in high energy bills throughout the summer, especially on the more humid days.
- An Uncomfortable Home – Despite the fact that your cooling system is running more often to keep you cool, high levels of humidity will make your home feel warmer (and stickier!), making it difficult to stay comfortable.
- Property Damage – In addition to mold growth, high moisture levels in your home can lead to wood rot, peeling paint, warping floors, and other damage. When moisture accumulates in areas like your crawlspace it can even threaten the structural integrity of your home!
Whole-Home Moisture Solutions with Insulation & Air Sealing
The Fifth Fuel has over 30 years of experience helping homeowners in the area find long-lasting ways to combat moisture through insulation and air sealing. We like to start with an energy audit because it allows our team to build a customized plan of action that targets the specific problem areas in your home.
Crawlspace Encapsulation
Your crawlspace may not be the first place you think of when it comes to improving your home’s performance, but it can have a significant impact on your whole home—especially when it comes to moisture. In fact, crawlspaces are one of the most common areas of moisture intrusion in DC area homes!
Crawlspace encapsulation involves strategic insulation and air sealing paired with moisture control methods like dehumidification, drainage, or ventilation if necessary. Our expert team can determine which steps are necessary for your home depending on the extent of moisture in your crawlspace.
Attic Insulation
Attics are another common area for moisture intrusion because poor insulation and ventilation can trap it inside. At The Fifth Fuel, we often use cellulose insulation in attics, in tandem with air sealing, to ensure full protection from moisture, heat flow, and air movement. In some cases, we’ll also use spray foam insulation for attics, which can insulate and air seal in one product.
Improve Your Home with The Fifth Fuel
One of the best things about protecting your home from moisture with insulation and air sealing is that you’ll experience several other benefits as well, like lower energy bills and improved comfort throughout your entire home.
Regardless of where moisture is coming into your home, our team can help! In addition to our comprehensive services, we’re also up-to-date with the incentive programs available in our service area and can help make your upgrades more affordable. From Dominion Energy Age & Income Qualified Rebates to federal tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act, we’ll be there for you every step of the way.
