4 Basic Crawl Space Repair Tips

Although there are many problems that arise with crawl spaces, moisture seems to be the main cause of the majority of them.  So how can you avoid running into moisture problems?  We’ll go over some basic precautions you can take to ensure your crawlspace stays odor, mold, and other fungus free and isn’t draining your pocketbook, as well as go over some easy crawl space repairs that you can do yourself.

Proper Ventilation

Crawl spaces need vents (not just for ventilation but also a building code requirement).  This allows the air inside the crawl space a way to flow out and fresh air to come in.  Air circulation is important in preventing mold buildup.  However, vents alone are not enough to keep moisture out.  Moisture in crawl spaces comes from the soil itself.  The solution?  Cover the soil with a vapor retarder!  Vapor retarders block water vapor which greatly reduces the moisture in the crawl space.

Vermin Problem

Spiders, snakes, centipedes, silverfish, cockroaches, rats, mice, tiny dust mites and termites all love living in the shady, damp crawl space under your home, not exactly where you would like them to live.  However, once you have exterminated these nasty vermin, if you have not eradicated the moisture problem, they’ll be back.  The best solution to ensure they will not return is to disrupt the ideal living conditions you have provided them with.  If a vapor retarder is not the route you wish to take, you can purchase a crawl space dehumidifier.  A crawl space dehumidifier sucks the moisture out of the air and drains it outside through the use of a condensation pump and hose.

Cold Air Seeping Up From Below

If the ceiling of your crawlspace is not insulated, then you probably experience some extremely cold flooring in the winter time on the lower level of your home.  The best way to solve the problem with your cold feet, as well as wearing wool socks, is to insulate the ceiling of your crawlspace.  Not only will this keep your feet a little warmer, but it will also cut down on the energy your home uses and help you save money on your utility bills.

Standing Water in Your Crawl Space

First you should take a look at your gutters.  If the water falling from the sky is landing right next to your foundation, then the ground around your home is absorbing.  During rainfall, this will create puddles to accumulate in your crawl space.  The best solution is to make sure your gutters are not clogged and that they have downspouts that drain into pipes that extend a minimum of 10 feet away from your home.  If you live in a humid area on flat ground, look into installing a French drain.  A French drain is a drain system that removes water from the site of your home to a place some safe distance away.

Crawl spaces need vents (this is a building code requirement). This allows the air inside the crawl space a way to flow out and fresh air to come in. Air circulation is important in preventing mold buildup. However, vents alone are not enough to keep moisture out. Moisture in crawl spaces comes from the soil itself. The solution? Cover the soil with a vapor retarder. Vapor retarders block water vapor which greatly reduces the moisture in the crawl space.

Spiders, snakes, centipedes, silverfish, cockroaches, rats, mice, tiny dust mites and termites all love living in the shady, damp crawl space under your home, not exactly where you would like them to live. However, eradicating these pests is not enough. You have to remove the environment they love or they'll be back. The best solution to ensure they will not return is to disrupt the ideal living conditions you have provided them with. If a vapor retarder is not the route you wish to take, you can purchase a crawl space dehumidifier. A crawl space dehumidifier sucks the moisture out of the air and drains it outside through the use of a condensation pump and hose.

If the ceiling of your crawlspace is not insulated, then you probably experience some extremely cold flooring in the winter time on the lower level of your home. The best way to solve the problem with your cold feet, as well as wearing wool socks, is to insulate the ceiling of your crawlspace. Not only will this keep your feet a little warmer, but it will also cut down on the energy your home uses and help you save money on your utility bills.

First you should take a look at your gutters. If the water falling from the sky is landing right next to your foundation, then the ground around your home is absorbing it. During rainfall, this will create puddles to accumulate in your crawl space. The best solution is to make sure your gutters are not clogged and that they have downspouts that drain into pipes that extend a minimum of 10 feet away from your home. If you live in a humid area on flat ground, look into installing a French drain.  A French drain is a drain system that removes water from the site of your home to a place some safe distance away.