Keeping Crawl Space Moisture Out of Your Home

50% of household air can flow up from your crawl space.

This is why it’s important to keep this unseen space as clean and dry as possible. Crawl space conditions can cause moisture to enter homes and have a negative impact on indoor air quality.

The process to address this is with encapsulation and creating a barrier between the earth and your home. Water vapor travels from the ground and even through cement. A heavy-duty polyethylene barrier and dehumidifier will greatly improve indoor air quality. With less humidity seeping into your home, you will also see energy improvements.

The sealing involves covering the dirt, foundation walls and sometimes the ceiling. This is most effective when the edges of the barrier are closed off with sealing tape. The last step is adding a dehumidifier. Combined, the encapsulation and humidity control will keep the moisture away and all the problems that come from it.

COMMON SIGNS THAT LEAD TO SEALING A CRAWL SPACE:

  • Mold
  • Mildew/musty smell in basement
  • Soft or separating floors
  • High cooling costs
  • Wet insulation
  • Sweating windows
  • Insect problems

BENEFITS OF CREATING A VAPOR BARRIER

  • Improved air quality in your crawl space and home
  • Creates inhospitable area for pests and wood-destroying insects
  • More comfortable living conditions
  • Avoid fungi/mold issues and structural damage
  • Greater energy efficiency in your home