A crawl space is easily ignored, but it actually plays an important role in the overall longevity of your business or home. Crawl spaces are highly prone to moisture issues. If left unchecked, excess moisture can lead to structural damage, mold growth, or poor air quality. To prevent these issues, make an appointment with a waterproofing and foundation repair company like Bluebird CFW to inspect your home and identify the source of excess moisture. An expert will be able to identify the source of the moisture and recommend the appropriate solutions to maintain a dry, safe environment throughout your home.
Steps to Dehumidify a Crawl Space
Crawl spaces are more prone to excess moisture, which can lead to structural impairment as well as mold infestation. It is vital to dehumidify crawl spaces, following proper steps, to avoid permanent damage to your home or business.
Step 1: Identify the source of moisture
The first step is to identify the source of the moisture in your crawl space. Moisture can penetrate crawl spaces in multiple ways. Before we begin any dehumidifying or waterproofing processes, we first inspect your home to discover the root cause of the moisture. This enables us to choose a repair solution that will effectively target the source of excess moisture.
- Groundwater: Crawl spaces in areas with high water tables are more prone to groundwater seepage. To determine whether this is the issue, the soil and foundation must be evaluated to discover signs of moisture infiltration. We look for damp soil, water stains, or puddles.
- Rainwater: We examine the crawl space to find out whether there are any cracks or leaks in the foundation, vents, or even walls, which might allow rainwater to seep through. Specifically, during rainy seasons, we look for damp spots or trails of water to point out the intrusion of water. We also check outside for gutters and downspouts to make sure they are working properly.
- Humidity: High levels of humidity are caused by moisture or standing water in the crawl space. We use a hygrometer to measure the levels of humidity. If the levels exceed 55%, humidity might be the primary cause of moisture in your crawl space.
We are qualified to carry out a detailed inspection of your crawl space. This will help us choose the appropriate solution to keep your crawl space dry long-term.
Step 2: Stop Moisture at Its Source
Once we discover the moisture source, we will recommend proper repairs to avoid further infiltration. The steps to fight this leakage will depend on the source. We offer a variety of solutions depending on the issue your crawl space is experiencing. We place a drainage system that includes sock tile, stone, and fabric around the interior perimeter of the crawlspace. This system directs any water towards a sump pump. If your crawl space does not currently have a sump pump, we install a high-quality sump pump to evacuate any water from your crawl space consistently.
Step 3: Encapsulate and Insulate the crawl space
To make sure that moisture is controlled long-term, it may be necessary to encapsulate and insulate the crawl space. This is particularly useful for areas with high humidity or extreme temperatures. Not every crawl space requires both encapsulation and insulation; inspecting your crawl space will help us determine which solutions are right for your home. Here’s how encapsulation and insulation works:
- Crawl Space Encapsulation: Encapsulation is done by sealing the whole space with a durable vapor barrier. Encapsulation will help reduce structural damage and the growth of mold and also keep pests away. Encapsulation also involves sealing off vents, gaps, and cracks to avoid air infiltration. This process helps maintain a controlled environment and may even reduce energy costs.
- Insulation: Insulation can also help reduce energy waste. Insulating the walls, sill plate, and bond board will seal off any small gaps that allow hot or cold air into the crawlspace. Insulation helps to address any issues you may have with cold floors above the area or freezing pipes.
Step 4: Keep the Crawl Space Dry
Once the sources of moisture have been addressed, the next step is to maintain a dry environment continuously.
- Choose the Right Dehumidifier: Investing in a quality dehumidifier for your crawl space is important. These devices are highly effective in closed areas like crawl spaces.
- Proper Placement: Place the dehumidifier in the crawl space to ensure equal distribution of the dry air. In order to maximize its reach, placing it in a central place is suggested.
- Monitor Humidity Levels: Once your dehumidifier is installed, aim to keep humidity levels between 50-55%.
- Regular Maintenance: Keeping your dehumidifier properly maintained is essential. You may need to clean or replace the filters as per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Conclusion
Preserving a healthy and dry crawl space is important for the well-being of your home or business. Since excessive moisture can lead to the growth of molds, a dehumidifier is one of many ways to make sure that your crawl space remains moisture-free. If you notice any signs of excess moisture, call Bluebird CFW. We specialize in creating a healthy crawl space environment. Take proactive measures to ensure a healthy environment by protecting your crawl space from water damage.