Crawl Space Moisture Issues: Tips For New Homeowners

Buying a home with a crawl space means having to pay extra attention to moisture issues. Unfortunately, many homeowners are unfamiliar with the best practices that can help to control moisture in a crawl space, leaving them with mold, mildew, and structural issues as a result. Here are a few things that you should consider when it comes to addressing moisture in your home's crawl space.

Vents Aren't Always Helpful

You might think that having a vented crawl space will help keep it dry. After all, air flowing through the area should do just that, right? Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. That same air that you'd expect to dry things out could actually be introducing moisture to the area. This is particularly the case during times of high humidity because the moisture in the air will settle on the surfaces of the crawl space. Not to mention, open vents are also an invitation for rainwater to get in the crawl space, too.

Plumbing Issues Can Affect Your Crawl Space

Your home's plumbing is another important consideration. If you have pipes that are old, damaged, or weak, they can cause leaks in your crawl space. Make sure to have all of the plumbing evaluated to ensure that it is in good condition. At the same time, have your plumber check the drainage system in the crawl space. There should be sufficient drainage to help any accumulated water flow directly out of the space.

Be Careful About Insulation

Insulating your crawl space may seem like a good idea for home energy efficiency, but it can actually introduce more problems with moisture. Whether you choose spray foam, fiberglass, or any other type of insulation, it can actually trap moisture between the structure and the insulation layer. This will lead to mold growth in areas that will be extremely difficult to reach for remediation.

Consider Encapsulation

Encapsulating your crawl space will seal it off completely from any potential moisture issues. This is one of the most effective waterproofing methods you can choose. Your crawl space waterproofing contractor can look at the space you have and help you understand how they would seal it off. Then you can decide from there if it's the right investment for you.

These are just a few tips to help you avoid and address moisture in your home's crawl space. The more proactive you are, the better condition your home will stay in. Contact a company like Central Penn Waterproofing for more information and assistance. 

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