Dealing with Crawlspace Moisture
A wet crawlspace can cause a number of problems for a homeowner. Perhaps the most serious problem is that a wet crawlspace will likely develop mold. Once mold starts growing in the crawlspace, it will not take it long to find a path into the living area of the home where it can cause serious health problems. In addition to causing the growth of mold, moisture can also cause floor joists and other wood structures to begin to rot. Moisture may also attract insects, rodents and other pests into the crawlspace. While some crawlspace moisture problems will require professional repair, there are some things that a homeowner can do to eliminate crawlspace moisture problems.
Check the Gutters
Though moisture can enter a crawlspace from many sources, rainwater is a common contributor to crawlspace moisture problems. Check the gutters to make certain they are not leaking. Most importantly make certain that the downspouts drain the water onto a downhill slope away from the home. The ground around the home should also slope away from the foundation to aid in removing water away from the foundation. In many developments, the yards are perfectly flat making it difficult to get water to stay away from the home. In this case, drainpipes should be used to move water from a downspout to an area away from the home.
Water Proofing
If water is seeping into a crawlspace through the walls of the crawlspace, a water proofing paint such as Dryloc can be used to waterproof the walls. While it is better to remove the moisture from the outside of the walls, waterproofing the walls is a better solution to the problem than doing nothing. For crawlspaces that have pools of water, a sump pump can be added to the crawlspace to pump the water outside. Though not an overly complicated project, it may be best to hire a professional to install the pump.
Other Strategies
Insulating the metal water lines in the crawlspace will reduce condensation that occurs on these pipes. By removing this buildup of condensation, a homeowner can reduce the amount of moisture in the crawlspace. A homeowner can also experiment with the vents in the crawlspace. Leaving the vents open will allow air to move through the crawlspace which can help dry moisture in the crawlspace. However, the moisture in the crawlspace may be caused by outside humidity, in this case it is better to close the vents and prevent outside air from entering the area. A dehumidifier can also be placed into the crawlspace to help dry the crawlspace. If you use a dehumidifier, you must choose a dehumidifier designed for this purpose and close the crawlspace vents.
