Crawl Space Moisture Solutions

Undoubtedly outside water is a danger to the integrity of any building. Furthermore most people first think about roofs, windows and basements when worrying about water damage. But many forget about the crawl space as an easy entry for moisture into their homes.

In addition moisture can accumulate in crawl spaces thanks to cool pipes, walls and flooring. Especially in the humid summer months of the year potentially causing damage and weakening structures. As well the crawl space moisture is also a culprit in mold and mildew accumulation. Unfortunately common health issues caused by poor crawl space air include headaches, fevers, and respiratory problems.

The ill effects of a flooded crawl space don’t stay in the crawl space. Enclosed and sheltered from the drying effects of sunlight and air circulation, once a crawl space floods, pooled water and dampness tend to persist unless professional water damage specialist address the issue. As the lowest point in the house, the crawl space is the final destination for almost any source of water accumulation. Weather-related outdoor flooding, a water supply line rupture inside the house, or a backed-up sewer line are all potential causes of a flooded crawl space.

5 Common Causes of Water in Your Crawl Space

1. Poor Grading Around Home
2. Clogged or Disconnected Downspouts and Gutters
3. Over-Watering Flower Beds
4. Water Line Leaks
5. Underground Water

Is It Bad To Have Water In Crawl Space?

Puddles of water in the crawl space aren’t good, but the water itself won’t ruin your home. It’s the water vapor (or moisture) that causes rot, mold, energy loss, and attracts pests. And these problems don’t just stay in your crawl space. As much as 50% of the air upstairs comes from below – this means mold spores, musty smells, and humid air that dust mites love.

Humidity is your crawl space’s enemy. As the water in your crawl space evaporates, it turns into crawl space humidity. Crawl space humidity doesn’t stay in your crawl space; it rises through the rest of your home leaving a path of destruction. Humidity of 55% and greater is breeding ground for mold. Yes, that four letter dreaded word, M-O-L-D!

A wet crawl space creates humidity which will damage floor joists, promote mold growth and even increase your energy bill.

How Can Water In The Crawl Space Be Fixed?

Standard solutions when dealing with water in the crawl space include:

1. Proper grading around the home directing moisture away from the structure.
2. Installing, repairing or cleaning gutters and downspouts.
3. Adding downspout extensions and exit lines to move water further from the home.
4. Interior or exterior waterproofing.
5. Installing vapor barriers or encapsulation systems to isolate the crawl space from the earth.
6. Installing crawl space ventilation- crawl space dehumidifiers and/or crawl space ventilation fans.

Benefits of Healthy Crawl Spaces

1. Health

When you have mold or mildew issues in your home, it can cause serious health problems for everyone in your household. Conversely, a healthy home will enable you to also be healthy.

2. Money

Fixing crawl space problems quickly will save you money in the long run. The longer you wait, the more damage you’ll have.

3. Foundation

Is a Vapor Barrier Need to be Installed?

If you have crawl space issues and you get them fixed, you won’t have to worry about your foundation creating cracks. When your foundation begins to develop cracks, it can be extremely pricey to get it fixed.

It should be noted according to the EPA, a vapor barrier will keep your home drier and is especially recommended for older homes to control dampness. Not to mention in Cincinnati, where humidity is a big issue, your crawl space likely has moisture and damp issues. And a vapor barrier will help keep the moisture down because it will prevent moisture from escaping from the soil. In addition to a damp free home, a vapor barrier will also reduce your utility bills because your air conditioner will operate more efficiently. As mentioned earlier, mold can cause health problems; moisture control is imperative in both your home and crawl space.

Firstly it must be installed correctly and spread uniformly across the soil. Secondly the the walls of your crawl space, the vapor barrier creates a barrier between moisture and your home.

Overall the best solution for this is a professionally installed vapor barrier and dehumidification by a trained technician from Dry Effect.

Prevention is Key

Protect your home and your family, your two greatest investments. Inspect your crawlspace! We recommend looking in your crawlspace at least once per season since conditions can change with the seasons especially in Cincinnati. A crawlspace that is dry in the summer may have standing water in the winter. It is ever too common for homeowners to turn a blind eye to such hidden damages until they sell their home. Don’t let a home inspector be the one to notice such damage. Contact Dry Effect at the first sign of moisture in your crawl space.

All in all Dry Effect is your premier building moisture specialist and will solve any crawl space moisture problems you have.  So call today to schedule a free inspection and estimate with a trained and certified technician.

Learn more, Is Basement Waterproofing Needed.