Waterproof Your Dirt Crawl Space in 5 Steps

Any crawl space with an exposed dirt floor is a hotbed for moisture. Underground water and moisture-laden air can get in and cause problems.

Because it’s unsealed, it’s going to attract mold and deteriorate, lowering the structural integrity and value of your property. This is why it is critical to invest in crawl space waterproofing to prevent these issues from occurring in the first place.

Professionals like Ohio Basement Authority can help you keep your crawl space dry by installing essential solutions in five easy steps. Read on to learn how!

5 Steps to Waterproof a Dirt Crawl Space 

While there are some crawl spaces with concrete floors, dirt crawl spaces are the most common.

You might think this area works against you and your quest for a healthy living environment. But it doesn’t have to. That’s why it’s important to find the right waterproofing measures to protect your crawl space.

The solutions our experienced crews at Ohio Basement Authority install in crawl spaces every day are specifically designed to meet the challenges of this space of your home, as well as your unique repair needs. 

1. Seal Off Vents and Openings to the Outdoors 

Open vents allow humid outdoor air to enter your crawl space, leaving it damp and prone to wood rot and mold growth.

One way to prevent moisture buildup in your dirt crawl space is by sealing off all vents. We accomplish this by cutting sections of our insulation panels to fit inside the interior opening. Exterior vent covers also can be installed upon your request.

Similarly, seal off any cracks and gaps, including, those between the crawl space and the floor above it. 

2. Install Water Management Solutions 

Next, the actual waterproofing happens by installing interior drainage and a sump pump.

We’ll first create a drainage trench along the perimeter of your interior crawl space walls. These trenches help capture and direct water from your crawl space dirt floor to a sump pump. To avoid clogging from the soil in the dirt floor, invest in a drainage system that features a filter fabric with holes on the front to filter out dirt. 

It’s imperative to pair the drainage system with a specially designed crawl space sump pump. This device drains any water that enters your crawl space. For best performance, install it at the lowest point in your crawl space floor with the drainage system pitched at a downward slope toward it. 

3. Insulate the Crawl Space 

Materials like fiberglass insulation can easily fail and harbor pests and mold.

Instead, install a waterproof, mold and pest-resistant system like ExTremeBloc™. These rigid, expanded foam panels have superior R-rating and will keep warmth in and cold out of the crawl space. 

4. Encapsulate the Crawl Space 

A dirt floor absorbs moisture from the outdoors and releases it into your crawl space, leading to high humidity levels. To protect your crawl space from water damage, completely encapsulate it.

We use a heavy-duty 20-mil polyethylene plastic vapor barrier that deflects water from the ground rather than absorbing it. The liner covers your dirt floor and goes up the walls to keep moisture out of your crawl space. 

5. Condition Your Crawl Space Air 

Even after waterproofing your crawl space, dampness can still collect in the space. A dehumidifier provides the perfect final line of defense against any potential humidity in your crawl space. This device dries out a damp crawl space and automatically maintains a pre-set humidity level. 

Experience Crawl Space Waterproofing Benefits from the Pros

Once your crawl space has been properly waterproofed and sealed, it will be a safe, dry, and healthy area. Your air quality automatically improves, and you won’t have to worry about mold, pests, or nasty smells.

Want to prevent moisture issues that degrade the crawl space? Get in touch with the waterproofing experts at Ohio Basement Authority to schedule a free crawl space inspection and repair estimate today. We take time to determine the source of the water in your home before implementing the necessary solutions.

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for over 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.