In the state of Virginia, the older your home is, the more likely it was built over a crawl space. Whether a crawl space is better than a solid slab might depend on who you ask.
One thing we can all agree on is that a wet crawl space isn’t a safe crawl space. What can you do to keep a crawl space dry?
How to Keep a Crawl Space Dry?
To keep your crawl space dry, there are a couple of things that you can do to your home.
Around Your Home
One thing that will contribute to maintaining a dry crawl space is a good gutter system. Make sure to inspect that there is no damage to any part of the system. The water from rainfall should lead to areas that will make water flow away from the home’s foundation.
Many homeowners love to have plants and flowers to add to the aesthetics of their home. But be careful not to place them too close to the foundation and be aware of how you water the greenery.
The Actual Crawl Space
The first thing, inspect the crawl space for any holes or cracks through which insects or other animals can get in. Once they find a way in, they will damage the insulation, the wood, and even the electrical wiring.
You will also want to be aware of the vents around your crawl space. These should have airtight covers to keep air, water, and pests out.
Every crawl space should be equipped with a draining system for the moisture that does accumulate. Placing sandbags in the area that this system is will also help absorb moisture.
Already Have a Wet Crawl Space?
Has a storm caused flooding into your crawl space? There are three steps to dry out your crawl space.
Step 1: Remove wet materials
Don’t try to dry out the insulation that has gotten wet. Remove it along with any other wet material and any debris left behind. By doing this first, the drying out process will be easier, faster, and safer.
Step 2: Remove collections of water
Remove any puddles of water that have formed in your crawl space. There are special pumps, known as sump pumps, that can be used for this task. If your crawl space isn’t leveled, then you might need more than one pump.
If you want to avoid the need for multiple pumps in the future, you can level out the floor of your crawl space.
Step 3: Remove moisture
Remove moisture from all areas of your crawl space, which include:
- Wooden frames
- Subfloor overhead
- Floor surface
To accomplish this final step, you have to install a dehumidifier in your crawl space. If the previous step isn’t done, then the dehumidifier will not do its job.
Got Mold?
Have you discovered that your crawl space is wet and in need of serious repair? You might want to think about testing for mold in your crawl space and your home.
At Air Quality Inc. we understand the effects of mold on the health of your family. Contact us today and let us help your home be safe again.
