Hello,
We live in coastal N.C. & have a dehumidifier in my crawl space; what R.H. % should I keep it at?? I’ve read below 60% and others state below 55%. If 60% is good, I don’t want to waste elect. by setting the unit on 55%.
Thank you, in advance, for any help!!!
Bob
Replies
Is it not common to have crawlspace ventilation there? Here it's required and having a dehumidifier would be futile.
Hello,
Thank you very for your reply; coastal Carolina has unique moisture problems in crawl spaces. All houses are built on land that was a once a swamp (developers call it "wetlands") so just a few feet below the surface is moisture. The best way to deal with moisture in crawl space with existing houses is with a dehumidifier. This is one of the prices we pay for living near the beach where we can play tennis, golf, etc. 365 days/yr..
Bob
What's more important than the RH is the moisture content of the floor joists above. 9 - 12% is a good reading. You can get a hand heald moisture meter, but they are a little expensive. When you buy a termite warranty, that's what they check here in Raleigh - moisture content of the framing.
Hello,
Thank you for your reply. I have a moisture guage and the readings for Douglas Fuer(sp?) are all below 13 and I want to keep it that way; that's why I put in the dehumidifier in my 1.5 yr. old house. One person suggested R.H. below 40% & that # is way off from what experts say. It looks like 55% R.H. will be my target and this will keep the wood moisture in check, as you suggested is so important.
Bob