The Science Beneath Your Home: Why Heartstrong Leads the Way in Crawl Space Solutions

We Understand the Science Better Than Anyone Else

Our commitment to superior crawl space repair stems from a thorough understanding of building science. As early as November 2007, leading industry research, such as the ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Journal article titled "Vented Crawlspaces as Mold Amplification and Delivery Systems?", clearly outlined the fundamental flaws of traditional vented crawl spaces.

This pivotal research, by Melissa Makin-Webster, Jonathan Coulter, Bruce Davis, and Tracy Silsbee, confirmed what we at Heartstrong Crawlspace have long understood:

• Outdoor humidity and temperature are the primary drivers of moisture issues in crawl spaces.
• Vented crawl spaces, far from "breathing," actually increase moisture loads and create conditions conducive to mold growth and wood decay.
• Crucially, they demonstrated that significant amounts of water vapor and contaminants move upward from the crawl space into the living space above.

This scientific insight, shared over 18 years ago, forms the bedrock of our repair philosophy. While the research was unfolding, our team was already on the ground, applying these evolving understandings to real homes, accumulating almost 20 years of hands-on experience solving these very problems in Huntsville, Madison, Athens and surrounding areas.

Our Comprehensive Solutions: Backed by Science, Built for Results

Because we deeply understand how vented crawl spaces function as "mold amplification and delivery systems," our repair plans are specifically designed to address these core issues:

• Expert Mold Remediation: The ASHRAE article clearly details how vented crawl spaces become breeding grounds for mold. Our mold remediation process doesn't just clean; it eliminates existing mold and, more importantly, removes the environmental conditions that allow it to thrive and return. We stop the "amplification."
• Strategic Drainage Systems & Sump Pumps: When the article notes "significant amounts of water vapor" and moisture loads, it points to a need for robust water management. Our drainage systems and high-capacity sump pumps are engineered to efficiently remove standing water and prevent hydrostatic pressure, keeping your crawl space dry from the ground up.
• Heartstrong Encapsulation: This is the cornerstone of our approach and directly aligns with the article's conclusion that unvented crawl spaces provide optimal conditions for moisture control. Our encapsulation process involves sealing off all outside air, installing a heavy-duty vapor barrier, and conditioning the air within the crawl space. This transforms your crawl space into a dry, stable environment, stopping the entry of humid air and preventing "delivery" of contaminants into your home.

Still Have Questions About Your Crawl Space? We're Here to Help!

Reach out to Heartstrong Crawlspace for a consultation, and let's get your crawl space healthy and happy. What concerns do you have about your crawl space?