How to Solve Crawl Space Moisture Issues the Right Way

A home costs money to maintain, and with the rising costs of materials, it is understandable why a homeowner might seek out a contractor offering the lowest price or venture into a DIY job to repair it. Finding a money-saving deal or fixing a repair yourself can be rewarding, and potentially save you hundreds or thousands of dollars…or it could end up costing you more than the original problem itself.

This homeowner simply installed a thin 6 mil plastic on the dirt floor in an attempt to control the moisture in the crawl space. Moisture issue solved, right?

Not even close. The problem is that moisture comes from two sources – the ground and the outdoor air. Here in the south, high humidity is the enemy of a vented crawl space. In the summer, the crawl space is vented with hot air and on damp days, the crawl space is vented with damp, humid air. Vents are also good for letting in water too.

When warm humid air enters a cool crawl space, condensation builds up on the floor and surfaces. The floor joists, girders, and insulation get wet. When wood gets wet, mold and fungus begin to grow on it. The wetter the air gets, the wetter the wood gets. Before too long, the wood framing will get so rotted that it will need to be replaced. If the homeowner waits too long, it could lead to sagging, bouncy floors, or broken floor joists.

Fixing your crawl space moisture issues right will add value to your home, give you peace of mind and save you money in the long run. There are four steps that you need to follow-

1. Fix the groundwater leakage. Depending on the extent of water you need to control, this could involve installing a sump pump and drainage pipe to direct the water out of the crawl space.
2. Isolate the house from the earth. You need to stop the water vapor from flowing up from the soil and through the walls. It is best to use a durable vapor barrier that doesn’t get ruined if someone crawls on it.
3. Seal the vents and other outside air leaks. You need to keep the outside air out by sealing the vents, access door, cracks and gaps.
4. Dehumidify your crawl space air. A sealed crawl space will still have some air infiltration. To eliminate condensation, you will need to install a crawl space dehumidifier.

Remember, you are going to spend more if you don't fix it, don't fix it now, or don’t fix it right! Contact the crawl space and foundation repair experts at Lowcountry Foundation Repair for a free inspection and estimate.