How To Dry Out A Damp Crawlspace

If your house has a crawlspace, it is important to keep it relatively dry and free from moisture. A damp crawlspace is the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Furthermore, it could be an invitation to termites – not to mention other vermin that like the dark  and damp: snakes, rats, spiders and other unwanted guests. There will be occasions when your crawlspace does become damp; therefore, you will need to know how to dry it out. Here are some ways to do it:

Number 1- Create Better Drainage

Improving the drainage around your house will help to prevent rainwater from seeping under your foundation. Be sure that your soil is graded at about 1/2 inch per foot. If necessary, you should purchase additional soil to improve the grade. Even if you have gutters, this will help in preventing rainwater from entering your crawlspace through your foundation.

Number 2- Insulate Your Foundation

Insulate your exposed foundation walls with moisture proof insulation. One a half-inch rigid insulation is best for this type of application. Make sure to tape the seams to prevent air and moisture from passing through. In addition, you should also insulate the rim joists that sit atop your foundation walls and caulk the seams to prevent moisturized airflow.

Number 3- Cover Your Crawlspace Floor

Another way to help dry out your crawlspace, and avoid future moisture problems is to cover the floor of your crawlspace with heavy-duty plastic known as moisture barrier. Moisture barrier comes in thicknesses which are about 10 to 20 mm thick. The thicker the barrier is, the better it will be. When covering the floor of the crawlspace, you should try to do it in continuous runs. However accidental holes or punctures will not cause the barrier to be ineffective - so long as there are not any huge or gaping holes.

Number 4– Cap the Foundation Wall Interior

By capping the interior of the foundation wall with a strip of plastic sheeting, and then adding galvanized flashing, this creates an effective moisture barrier. The galvanized flashing will also help in combating termites.

Number 5– Use an Electric Fan

If your crawlspace has a lot of ventilation, and has become damp, you may be able to dry out the crawlspace with a large electric fan. Place the electric fans at the opening of the crawlspace, turn it on and leave it to run for at least 8 to 10 hours. Sometimes, simply moving air around in the crawlspace will allow it to dry rather quickly.

Number 6– Use a Dehumidifier

Many people have reported success at drying out their crawlspace with the use of a dehumidifier. In fact, there are specialty commercial grade dehumidifiers manufactured just for this purpose. However, if your crawlspace is not terribly wet, or soaked, then a large room humidifier may work for you. Simply plug in the humidifier and allow it to run for several hours. In most circumstances, you will notice a substantial reduction in the amount of moisture in your crawlspace.