TIPS FOR CRAWL SPACE WATERPROOFING

Crawl Space Waterproofing

Crawl spaces don’t get as much attention as basements and other areas of the home that need waterproofing, but they are just as important. If you want a dry, clean, and safe home, your crawl space needs to be waterproofed.

Ideally, your home will be built with a sealed crawl space. This stops the problem before it starts by providing the greatest level of energy-efficiency and keeping the risk for moisture and mold growth low.

If you are in the process of building a new home and moisture is a concern for you, it’s important to consider the location where you are going to build your house. Analyzing the terrain and determining if flooding is frequent in the area can save you a lot of hassle in the long-run.

Problems tend to happen in areas where the ground rests just above the water table. This might not be a problem for homes built on a slab, but if your home will have a crawl space or basement, this isn’t the best area.

Existing Homes with Crawl Spaces

Not all houses had their crawl spaces sealed, so they need to find a solution now. Working with an expert who understands the importance of a dry crawl space makes the process easier and ensures your home has the protection it needs.

What do you need to know if you need crawl space waterproofing?

One of the most important factors in waterproofing a crawl space is creating exterior drainage and waterproofing around the foundation. This is especially important if the soil in the area is damp or if your home is located near a waterway, such as a river, lake, or pond. In these cases, it’s also a good idea to install a sump pump that has a battery backup. This way if your electricity goes out (as it tends to do during storms with heavy rains) your sump pump won’t stop working.

Finally, you’ll want to have gutters and drain pipes that allow rainwater to travel at least 8 feet away from the foundation of your home. The goal is to keep water away and out and to get it out as quickly when it gets in.

How Does the Air in Your Home Play a Role?

In addition to keeping floodwaters from draining into your home, it’s also important to consider the air in your crawl space. Moisture-controlled air is an essential part of keeping your crawl space dry.

You can do this by using a dehumidifier. This keeps the air in the crawl space dry, so even if water seeps into the area it won’t hang in the air and promote mold growth.

What Should You Do If There is a Flood and You Need Crawl Space Waterproofing?

Should the unthinkable occur and you find your crawl space flooded, don’t panic. You’ll need to take care of the problem as quickly as possible, but chances are with the right support you can fix it.

In general, if there are more than two inches of water for an extended time in your crawl space, it’s a good idea to call for professional waterproofing assistance. Less water in the space might not be a problem, but you can still request an evaluation if you are concerned.

Crawl space waterproofing professionals can identify a problem and devise a solution to fix it. Though there are DIY methods available for fixing a flooded crawl space, it’s not a good idea to tackle this project on your own. It’s easier to make the problem worse and you’ll end up spending more money and doing more damage in the long-run.

To learn more about crawl space waterproofing or to schedule a consultation with a professional after a flooding incident, contact Rapid Dry Restoration at 303.710.8423.