Humidity in Your Crawl Space

Humidity is inevitable during the summer. The summer humidity creates condensation in your crawl space. Condensation can lead to mold and much more. The rains will fall hard this summer, but that does not mean your crawl space has to be wet or have high humidity. Emptying a flooded crawl space is imperative to preventing health problems, foundation damage, and lessening wood rot. Don’t let a flood overtake your crawlspace. Here is how you stop flooding in your crawl space.

Prevention With Encapsulation

Encapsulation is when you shut the condensation out of your crawl space. High-density moisture barriers along with dehumidifiers can control the condensation. Add in fans for circulation and it stops radon from building up and prohibits mold growth and wood rot from invading your crawl space. Here are the different levels of moisture vapor barriers for encapsulation.

• • • 6-mil vapor barrier
    • 10-mil
    • 12-mil
    • 20-mil (this level is a 3-ply barrier)

Depending on the ruggedness of your crawl space will determine the thickness needed for your moisture vapor barrier.

Other Crawl Space Preventative Measures

There are preventative measures you can implement aside from encapsulation. You may need to implement these measures despite encapsulation. Here are some additional tips on keeping your crawl space dry.

• • • Sometimes you may need a sump pump. Install your sump pump in the basement or crawl space before encapsulation; so you won’t undo all that work.
    • Some people try dehumidifiers. Sump pumps are the most reliable way to empty your crawl space of water, but their costs can range upwards of $1,980. Dehumidifiers may be an effective alternative for drier climates.
    • Before encapsulating, ensure that your basement or crawl space is sealed and stable. Any foundation problems need attention before you encapsulate.
    • Once you repair your foundation, seal any cracks or crevices with epoxy resin or carbon fiber straps. Ask your foundation team if they recommend this course of action.
    • Installing a drainage system enhances the effects of encapsulation. Systems like French drains are effective alongside encapsulation. Companies that specialize in encapsulation install drainage systems to compliment it and keep your crawl space dry.

If you currently have a flooded crawl space and no sump pump, you can still drain the water. Devices like sewage pumps are effective in draining your crawl space. Encapsulation is the most effective way to prevent condensation in your crawl space. Backing encapsulation up with a drainage system, sump pump, or dehumidifier will ensure that condensation does not leave puddles in your crawl space. If you need help determining whether or not you should encapsulate your crawl space, contact Atlantic Foundation for our free evaluation.

Sources-

What Type of Crawl Space Encapsulation is the Best for My Home? – Innovative Basement Authority, Flooded Crawl Space: What You Need to Know and Do (sedonawaterproofing.com), Do You Need to Install a Sump Pump in Your Crawl Space? (baycrawlspace.com)