How To Keep Your Crawlspace Moisture Free

Crawlspace Encapsulation Project by Crawlspace Solutions NJ

Learning how to keep your crawlspace moisture-free does not have to be a difficult task. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Keeping the humidity levels in your crawlspace balanced is key to having a healthy and structurally sound home. Sometimes, however, we run into unforeseen amounts of moisture, leading to a whole series of problems for your home.

How Does So Much Moisture Get Into Such a Small Space?

There are many ways that water can get into your crawlspace. Some of the most common ways are through open foundation vents, exterior access, leaks in your plumbing, poor or damaged drainage systems, or cracks in your home’s foundation.

So, how can we keep our crawlspace's humidity under control? Here are a few of our favorite tips!

1. Make Sure Your Home Is Properly Insulated - Installing proper insulation should be the first step to take if you want to keep your crawlspace free of excess moisture. From adding insulation behind the walls to sealing up any cracks with caulk, leave no stone unturned if you want to keep your crawlspace healthy. If you need an expert's help to make sure this is done properly, Crawlspace Solutions is well-versed in setting up environments where moisture can come and go as necessary.
   

2. Cover the Ground - An exposed crawlspace ground, specifically if the ground is either dirt or sand, can cause a conducive environment for moisture issues. As moisture rises up from the ground, the wood structures within (i.e., main girders, floor joists, and floorboards) are susceptible to the moisture content in the crawlspace, which can eventually lead to mold growth. Properly covering the ground with a vapor barrier can significantly change the moisture content in your crawlspace.
   

3. Get a Dehumidifier - If the crawlspace ground is covered but the moisture content in your crawlspace remains high, it may be time to consider a dehumidifier. Depending on the length of time humidity levels remain consistent in the crawlspace throughout the year, a professionally installed commercial grade dehumidifier may be necessary. If you're concerned about what will work best for your crawlspace, it may be time to schedule your crawlspace inspection with a seasoned expert.
   

4. Make Sure Your Crawlspace Has Proper Drainage - The overall drainage condition of your house can determine just how much moisture seeps into your crawl space. Ensure that rainwater flows away from your home, not towards it, and into your crawl space. A sump pump with a crawlspace drainage system may be required in severe cases, depending on how much water is infiltrated throughout the year.

Remember to Find Before You Fix

Now that you have a basic understanding of how to keep your crawlspace dry, it's important to remember that none of these tips will work in the long term if you can't locate the source of your moisture problem

The Ideal Crawl Space Humidity Level

Your home's ideal crawl space humidity level is anywhere between 60 to 70 %. This range may change slightly depending on where you live. This level allows your air to be healthy and decreases any negative side effects of high humidity levels.

Keep your home healthy for years to come by keeping your crawl space dry!

Crawl Space Moisture Removal

Those were a few things that can work in your favor for keeping your crawl space dry. But when a problem does arise, it’s also important to understand what to do if you need crawlspace moisture removal. That includes knowing who to call. If your crawlspace is experiencing negative side effects, reach out to the expert technicians at Crawlspace Solutions today at 1-800-411-0335!

As a family-owned and operated business since 1987, we have the experience necessary to keep your crawlspace healthy. Online booking is available according to service areas by county.