How To Dry Out Crawl Space Quickly: Avoid These 7 Mistakes
Maintaining a home is a big responsibility, and it can be even more difficult if your house is above a crawl space with moisture issues.
Water in crawl space areas can spell trouble in many ways for your home and your family, so keeping it dry and healthy is all-important.
This article examines some common yet flawed wet crawl space repair techniques, explores effective solutions, and discusses how local professionals can provide trusted crawl space moisture solutions.
Wet Crawl Space Repair: What NOT to Do
Not only can water in crawl space areas negatively impact your health, but it can endanger your home’s structural stability. The key to a safe and healthy home is drying out your wet crawl space and using proper crawl space moisture control.
While many options exist for wet crawl space repair and encapsulation, some just don’t stand the test of time.
Here’s a list of what not to do when considering how to dry out crawl space quickly.
1. Do Nothing
Your crawl space is generally out of sight and out of mind, and it may be tempting to not pay any attention to it.
But your wet crawl space will not dry out on its own, and any water or moisture issues lingering in this space will only continue to get worse. This also puts your health and the structural integrity of your home at risk, and repairs down the road may be even more expensive.
2. Spread Sand and Place Fans
While sand can be used to cover the dirt floor and help absorb water, this does nothing to address the lingering crawl space moisture. Fans placed under your house will only circulate this moisture and the unconditioned air in the crawl space and throughout the rest of the home.
3. Install 6-mil Plastic Only on the Ground
The plastic liners and vapor barriers often sold at big-box stores are very thin and generally do not cover the entire crawl space area. These barriers can also puncture easily while condensation continues to form.
This method also does not address the unconditioned air that enters through the walls, vents, dirt floor, and rim joists.
4. Apply Spray Foam
Spray foam can be a great insulating material to help improve energy efficiency, but it does not belong in a crawl space.
It locks moisture in the wood flooring system, which can accelerate rot and decay. The foam can also cover and obstruct utilities, wiring, and piping running through the crawl space, as well as impede termite and other inspections.
5. Seal Vents and Install a Dehumidifier
It’s important to cut off a major source of crawl space moisture and outside air, as well as condition the air in your crawl space, but these are only part of the solution.
Also, typical dehumidifiers are not powerful enough to handle crawl space humidity, and they do not address any leaking or standing water in crawl space areas. These methods also do not fully address the various ways unconditioned air can enter the crawl space.
6. Invest in Improper or Partial Encapsulation
While many companies claim to offer crawl space encapsulation, it may not be an all-encompassing project, and corners may be cut for the sake of a quick installation.
Wet insulation may not be removed; vents, pipes, and penetrations may not be sealed; vapor barrier seams may be stapled instead of taped; walls may be left bare and not insulated; groundwater may not be addressed; a termite inspection gap may not be left after solutions are installed; a cheap dehumidifier may be installed; and piers may not be properly wrapped.
7. Attempt DIY Projects
The crawl space is a tight, delicate, and dangerous area underneath your home. Your safety could be at risk if you venture there alone. It could also be difficult for you to install any repairs.
We at Ohio Basement Authority care about your personal health and safety, as well as that of your home. That’s why it’s best to rely on our expert team to inspect your crawl space and deploy the best permanent wet crawl space repair solutions based on its needs.
Signs Your Crawl Space Needs to Be Repaired
If venturing into your crawl space alone is a bad idea, how can you tell when something is wrong?
Look for these warning signs throughout your home that may indicate crawl space moisture issues:
- Sagging or bouncy floors
- Unpleasant musty smells
- Mold and mildew growth
- Elevated indoor humidity and moisture problems
- High energy bills
- Pest infestation
How To Dry Out Crawl Space Quickly: The Professional Way
When you work with the professional team at Ohio Basement Authority, you will get a complete, customizable solution for your crawl space moisture problems. We thoroughly inspect your home and crawl space before recommending any plans for repair. We want to make sure the solutions we install are the right fit for what’s going on in your house.
The process can vary depending on the situation in your crawl space, but we typically address wet crawl space repair in the following ways:
- Remove Water: An interior drainage system and a sump pump intercept and remove leaking water and groundwater.
- Seal Vents: Vents sealed off from the inside prevent air and water intrusion and make it difficult for pests to get inside.
- Properly Insulate: Our insulation panels are thick and durable for proper wall insulation. They also carry a Class A Fire rating and have an integrated termiticide.
- Fully Encapsulate: Our 20-mil vapor barrier completely seals your crawl space from the earth. It is thick and durable, puncture-resistant, and covered by a long-term warranty.
- Dehumidify: Our energy-efficient dehumidifier controls humidity and improves air quality.
Trust Ohio Basement Authority With Your Wet Crawl Space Repair Needs
Along with drying your crawl space, Ohio Basement Authority can help you create a safer and healthier living environment. Contact us to schedule a free crawl space inspection and repair quote with our experienced professionals.
Our team has many years of experience repairing and protecting crawl spaces in homes throughout Ohio. We’re excited to help you, too! Simply contact our friendly and knowledgeable staff today to get started!
Crawl Space Moisture FAQs
Yes, investing in crawl space moisture remediation is worth it. Addressing these issues protects your home’s structural integrity and contributes to a healthier indoor environment you can enjoy for many years. Otherwise, ongoing moisture issues lead to sagging floors, mold growth, and pest infestations, threatening your home and your family’s well-being. Contact Ohio Basement Authority for a free crawl space inspection and no-obligation repair estimate.
We do not recommend addressing crawl space moisture alone. Entering your crawl space by yourself can be hazardous, and DIY solutions from big-box stores are temporary at best. Professional services ensure a comprehensive and long-lasting solution. Ohio Basement Authority has the right tools, training, solutions, and protective gear. Contact us to learn more and to schedule a free inspection.
The price varies based on the severity of the damage, the size of the crawl space, and the needed repairs. During a free crawl space inspection with an Ohio Basement Authority expert, we recommend tailored solutions and provide an accurate cost breakdown in a no-obligation estimate. We also consider your budget and offer various financing options.
Related Resources
Holly Richards-Purpura
Publish Date:
Last Modified Date:
Our Locations
429 Portage Blvd
Kent, OH 44240
1270 Hillsmith Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45215
7950 Bavaria Rd.
Twinsburg, OH 44087
2421 McGaw Rd.
Obetz, OH 43207
70 Birch Alley, Suite 240
Beavercreek, OH, 45440
5650 Blazer Memorial Pkwy, #124
Dublin, OH 43017