How can I get moisture out of my crawl space?

How to Keep Your Crawl Space Moisture Free

1. Make Sure Your Foundation Is Insulated. Basement waterproofing should be the first step to take if you want to keep your crawl space moisture-free.
2. Get a Dehumidifier.
3. Drain Your Crawl Space Better.
4. Cover the Floor of Your Crawl Space.
5. Use A Fan.

How much ventilation should a crawl space have?

Ventilation. According to the IRC, a crawl space should have one square foot of screened vent for every 150 square feet of space. To further reduce moisture, homeowners can cover bare ground with an approved vapor-barrier material.

Should you ventilate a crawl space?

Building codes generally require working vents in the crawlspace to allow outside air to circulate under the floor in the summer to prevent moisture buildup that, among mildew and mold, encourages wood rot.

What should moisture reading be in crawl space?

As a general rule, you should typically keep your crawl space humidity level under 55%. This level may change a little bit depending on where you live and the season you’re in. However, it’s a good idea to measure this humidity level year-round.

Is moisture in crawl space normal?

Aside from structural problems with your house, moisture in your crawl space can lead to the growth of mildew and mold. While a small amount of moisture in your crawl space can be normal, especially if you live in a humid climate or a region with high annual rainfall, it is not a good idea to allow it to remain there.

Can I put a regular dehumidifier in my crawl space?

You may be wondering, “Can I put a regular dehumidifier in my crawl space?” The answer is ‘No’. A crawl space dehumidifier will work well in combination with vapor barriers. Together they will be attacking two main sources of humidity: ground and air.

How do I make my crawl space moisture free?

8 Essential Things You Can Do Keep Your Crawl Space Moisture-Free

1. Inspect for damage and repair.
2. Install a crawl space vapor barrier.
3. Insulate your crawl space.
4. Get a dehumidifier.
5. Cover vents.
6. Position gutters and downspouts properly.
7. Install a sump pump.
8. Be vigilant.

How bad is moisture in a crawl space?

Puddles of water in the crawl space aren’t good, but the water itself won’t ruin your home. It’s the water vapor (or moisture) that causes rot, mold, energy loss, and attracts pests. As much as 50% of the air upstairs comes from below – this means mold spores, musty smells, and humid air that dust mites love.

What kind of ventilation do you need for a crawlspace?

Either mechanical exhaust ventilation or conditioned air supply. These strategies are illustrated below. An exhaust fan located in a crawlspace wall removes a small amount of air from the crawlspace; this is replaced by conditioned air that is drawn in from the living space through cracks and other small penetrations.

What to do if the humidity in your crawl space is too high?

Unhealthy air in the crawl space means unhealthy air in your daily living space. Measure the humidity level in your crawl space first. If it’s too high, identify the problem and fix it. If there’s a dirt floor, install a vapor barrier. If the humidity level is still too high, consider installing a crawl space dehumidifier.

What do you need to know about crawl space insulation?

The traditional, “old-school” crawl space has openings or vents in crawl space walls that allow outside air to circulate below your living space. If insulation is installed, it’s usually in the form of fiberglass batts that are placed between crawl space joists.

What causes mold in a vented crawl space?

Over time, a vented crawl space develops a number of serious problems. In the summer, warm and moist outside air enters the crawl space and condenses on cooler crawl space surfaces. This steady dose of moisture causes mold to grow and wood to rot.