Are you dealing with moisture in your crawl space? If so, it’s important to take steps to keep it out. Moisture in the crawl space can lead to mold and mildew growth, poor air quality, and structural damage.
Moisture can sometimes be an unwelcome guest in your home.
Unfortunately, in some homes, moisture and dampness often gravitate toward the crawl space, which can create a number of problems. Luckily, there are several solutions to eliminate excess water or condensation from entering your crawl space.
In this post, we will go over everything you need to know about how to keep moisture out of crawl space, liners, and other products that can help spruce up the look while also inhibiting the accumulation of dampness. Keep reading for all the details on how you can keep any unwanted moisture from invading your home!
What Will You Need?
In order to keep moisture out of your crawl space, you will need the following supplies:
- Crawl Space Liners: These are plastic liners that can be used to cover walls and floors in the crawl space. They help prevent water vapor from entering the area while also providing insulation and a dust barrier.
- Dehumidifiers: These devices can reduce the humidity level in your home, making it less likely for moisture to enter through the crawl space.
- Ventilation Fans: Installing ventilation fans in your crawl space will help circulate air and prevent condensation from forming on walls or floors.
- Drainage System: A drainage system can be installed to ensure that any water that does enter the crawl space is quickly and safely removed.
10 Easy Steps on How to Keep Moisture Out of Crawl Space
Step 1. Install Liners:
Installing a liner in your crawl space will help keep moisture from entering through walls or floors. It’s also important to make sure there are no gaps or openings in the liner that would allow moisture to enter. Don’t forget to use a caulking gun and sealant for better efficiency.
Step 2. Seal Gaps:
Take a look around your crawl space and seal any gaps or cracks in the walls or floors that may be allowing water vapor to enter. You can use expandable foam, caulk, or weatherstripping to do this. If there are any gaps around pipes or vents, use a silicone sealant to fill them in.
Step 3. Install Dehumidifiers:
Installing a dehumidifier will help reduce the level of humidity in your home, making it less likely for moisture to enter through the crawl space. Make sure you check on the unit regularly and empty its reservoir when needed. Try to maintain a humidity level between 30 and 50%.
Step 4. Install Ventilation Fans:
Ventilation fans are a great way to circulate the air in your crawl space. This will help prevent condensation from forming on walls or floors and keep out any unwelcome pests. Additionally, make sure you duct your fans to the outside so they can help pull out any excess moisture or humidity.
Step 5. Install a Drainage System:
A drainage system can be installed to ensure that any water that does enter the crawl space is quickly and safely removed. This should include a sump pump to collect water and remove it from the area. Otherwise, water can accumulate and cause damage.
Step 6. Check for Leaks:
Make sure you check all plumbing lines and pipes in your crawl space for leaks or cracks. If you find any, ensure they are fixed immediately to prevent excess moisture from entering the area. You can use a sealant or an epoxy putty to fix any minor leaks.
Step 7. Clean Gutters Regularly:
Cleaning your gutters regularly can help reduce the amount of water that accumulates around your home’s foundation. This will reduce the chances of any water seeping into your crawl space. Moreover, it’s also important to make sure your downspouts are directed away from home.
Step 8. Add Insulation:
Adding insulation to your crawl space walls and floors can help keep out moisture and lower the risk of mold or mildew growth. It will also help keep the area at a more consistent temperature. Don’t forget to seal any gaps or cracks in the insulation as well. Because of this, consider using spray foam insulation. It will provide a great seal and protect your crawl space from moisture.
Step 9. Landscape Around Your Home:
Make sure you landscape around your home in a way that directs runoff away from the foundation, reducing the chances of water entering through the crawl space. Be careful about planting trees and shrubs too near the foundation as well, as their roots can cause damage. As an added bonus, this will also help keep your home looking great!
Step 10. Check for Humidity:
Finally, make sure you check for humidity levels in your home on a regular basis, especially during humid months, as this can lead to an increase in moisture levels. Because of this, it’s important to have a dehumidifier installed and regularly maintained. Remember, investing in the right equipment and getting regular maintenance can help you keep your crawl space dry.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to effectively keep moisture out of your crawl space and maintain a healthy home environment. Even if water does manage to enter your crawl space, the drainage system should help remove it quickly and efficiently.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Install Vapor Barriers: Vapor barriers should be installed to keep moisture from entering your crawl space. A professional can help ensure that the installation is done correctly and effectively.
- Seal Air Leaks: Sealing any air leaks around windows, doors, or vents will prevent warm, moist air from entering the crawl space and causing moisture accumulation.
- Install a Sump Pump: A sump pump can help collect water in a wet crawl space and then discharge it outdoors away from home.
- Repair Plumbing Leaks: Plumbing problems are one of the most common sources of moisture buildup in a crawl space, so make sure all plumbing fixtures are leak-free to avoid this issue.
- Install Dehumidifiers: Dehumidifiers can help reduce humidity levels in the crawl space and prevent moisture buildup. Be sure to clean and maintain them regularly for optimal performance.
By following these tips, you can effectively keep moisture out of your crawl space and avoid damage caused by mold or mildew growth. With regular maintenance and vigilance, you’ll be able to keep your home’s crawl space in tip-top shape!
5 Things You Should Avoid
1. Avoid Storing Items in the Crawl Space: Storing items such as cardboard and other paper products, paint cans, and insulation can act like a sponge, absorbing moisture and creating a damp environment.
2. Avoid Leaving the Crawl Space Open to Rain: Rain can easily enter through an unenclosed or defective crawl space, causing significant water damage if not addressed quickly.
3. Avoid sealing the Vents: Sealing off the vents completely may seem like a good way of preventing moisture from entering your crawl space. However, it can do more harm than good by trapping in humidity and causing other issues such as condensation buildup and mold growth.
4. Avoid ignoring signs of moisture: Pay attention to signs such as musty odors, colder floors, or wet spots on walls that could indicate possible moisture accumulation in your home’s crawlspace. If you see any of these signs, take the necessary steps to address them quickly.
5. Avoid Using Bleach: Bleach may be a common cleaning product, but it’s not suitable for crawl spaces. If used incorrectly, it can cause corrosion and other long-term damage to the area. Make sure you use a product that is specifically designed for use in crawl spaces instead.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure your home’s crawlspace remains dry and free of moisture buildup. With regular maintenance and preventive measures, you can keep your home safe from water damage while saving time and money down the line!
Conclusion
As we have seen, there are several methods for keeping moisture out of crawl spaces. Regular maintenance and inspection of the foundation or walls near the crawl space are best to prevent any water or moisture from entering. Adding a ventilation system or dehumidifier can also help reduce moisture levels, bearing in mind that proper air circulation is essential. The use of sump pumps can also prove beneficial to divert any rainwater from the area that cannot be absorbed into the soil.
Proper insulation is also important to reduce warmth loss resulting from air leakage into your home from the crawl space, causing dampness and condensation. Other solutions, such as sealing openings and cracks in the walls, can also help combat this issue. Ultimately, with careful planning and attention, you should be able to keep your crawl space dry for years!
Hopefully, the article on how to keep moisture out of crawl space has been informative and helpful in allowing you to make informed decisions when it comes to protecting your home from water damage. We wish you a dry and happy home!