Table of Contents
How to Keep Your Crawl Space Moisture Free Make Sure Your Foundation Is Insulated. Basement waterproofing should be the first step to take if you want to keep your crawl space moisture-free. Get a Dehumidifier. Drain Your Crawl Space Better. Cover the Floor of Your Crawl Space. Use A Fan.
Are crawl spaces supposed to be dry?
The goal: Keeping the crawl space dry Groundwater leaks and pooling water add humidity to your crawl space. A home with a dry crawl space is less attractive to mold, dust mites, termites, and other pests. Getting rid of crawl space humidity can save you 15-25% on your heating and cooling costs.
How do I protect my crawl space from water?
5 Tips to Prevent Water in a Crawl Space Know Your Home. How familiar are you with your home? Install a French Drain. Many homeowners protect their crawl spaces by installing a french drain. Seal Cracks. Use a Dehumidifier. Install a Sump Pump.
Will a fan help dry a crawl space?
Use Fans Fans are an incredibly effective way to dry out an area that has condensation and moisture. Using fans in your crawl space drain system will help dry out the area thoroughly and quickly, and will help prevent the growth of mold. Afterward, be sure and have a dehumidifier in place to keep the area dry.
Do I really need a dehumidifier in my crawl space?
So, do you need a dehumidifier in your crawl space? Yes, One of the best ways to prevent moisture from being in your crawl space is a crawl space dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers reduce the humidity by pulling water from the air. The air is then filtered and cooled, which turns into condensation.
Is it normal to have water in crawl space after rain?
It’s not uncommon to have some water under the home after a heavy rain. Any water that does make it into the crawl space should drain away or evaporate in a short time. It is important to regularly inspect your crawl space. Water intrusion that goes undetected for a long time can cause serious damage if not remediated.
How do I fix moisture under my house?
What are the main ways to control moisture in your home? Fix leaks and seepage. Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawlspaces to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture to the outside (not into the attic).
What is encapsulation of a crawl space?
Crawl space encapsulation is a sealing technique that involves lining the foundation walls and the floor with overlapping sheets of thick polyethylene plastic. This creates an airtight vapor barrier that locks moisture out of this subfloor area.
Should I run a fan in my crawl space?
Fans should be running when they are beneficial to the crawl space. So, you may be asking yourself, how do I know if the air is beneficial? Outside fresh air will almost always help with air quality concerns, since it is exchanging stale air. However, the other main goal is to reduce moisture.
Should a crawl space be vented?
Building codes generally require working vents in the crawlspace to allow outside air to circulate under the floor in the summer to prevent moisture buildup that, among mildew and mold, encourages wood rot.
Will any dehumidifier work in a crawl space?
You may be wondering, “Can I put a regular dehumidifier in my crawl space?” The answer is ‘No’. Small, portable dehumidifiers are a great, temporary solution for problematic areas of your home, such as rooms with poor ventilation.
How long does a crawl space dehumidifier last?
Q: How long will my crawl space dehumidifier last? Dehumidifiers don’t require much maintenance other than cleaning or changing the filter every 6 to 12 months. If maintained properly, you can expect your dehumidifier to last around 5 years.
Does insurance cover water in crawl space?
Oftentimes, water damage that is found in areas like a crawl space are caused by leaky pipes, flooding from groundwater or run off from rainfall. If the damage in your crawlspace is caused by water seeping up through the ground or coming in at ground level then standard homeowners insurance will not cover the costs.
How do I stop standing water under my house?
Here are a few ways to eliminate water under your house: Install French Drains. A French drain is a trench that holds a perforated drain pipe surrounded by gravel. Install a Moisture Barrier. Moisture barriers hinder or stop moisture from moving from one place to another. Install Area Drains. Install Swales.
What is the ideal crawl space humidity?
It’s important that you keep to a 30-60% humidity in your crawl space, ideally leveling out at around 55%.
How do you seal a crawl space with a dirt floor?
Dirt floors allow moist air and water to enter the crawl space. You need to hold back this moisture. And the best way of doing this is by encapsulating the crawl space. It involves laying down a 20-mil polyethylene plastic vapor barrier over the crawl space floor and walls.
Why should you not encapsulate a crawl space?
An un-encapsulated crawl space can introduce mold, mildew, and other contaminants into your living space. Contaminated air does not only make your indoor space uncomfortable to stay in but could also be harmful to your health. Once you seal the crawl space, you stop this problem in its tracks.
Is crawl space encapsulation worth the cost?
Crawl space encapsulation cost is not cheap but is worth the money, effort, and time. You will save money on your energy bills, decrease pest infestation and build-up of mold and mildew, and protect the foundation of your home for many years to come.
Can I encapsulate my own crawl space?
A humid crawl space also significantly reduces the efficiency of your HVAC, but you can solve all this with a simple encapsulation. A handy individual doesn’t even need professionals; crawl space encapsulation DIY is difficult but anyone with the right tools and supplies can do it.
