The crawl space is the vacant space beneath your home that prevents it from resting on the ground while also providing shelter for wiring conduit and plumbing. The issues with crawl spaces are that one, they are often not adequately sealed, and two, most owners do not visit or even consider the crawl space because there is little overhead room to allow walking.
As a result, the area might quickly get moist and humid throughout the winter without anyone noticing. However, the repercussions can be harmful to your home. If you don’t address the dampness and moisture, you can end up with
- Mildew and mold
- Rotten support beams and floor joists
- Termites, mice, cockroaches, spiders, and other unwanted pests
The air within your home circulates from bottom to top within your home. Therefore, the presence of moisture in the crawl space can exacerbate the problems mentioned above, leading to issues in your living space. Dampness can erode the strength of the beams and joints that support your home, posing a significant threat to the stability of your home.
So, what can you do to keep water out of your crawl space? Here are some steps that you can follow:
Steps to a Dry Crawl Space in 4 Easy Steps
Examine Your Crawl Area
Check for signs of dampness and pests in your crawl space and ensure any crawlspace openings are securely closed. Regular foundation inspections and ensuring that your home is safe from water and vermin are critical. Make sure you accomplish this as quickly as possible, as inclement weather might hit at any time.
Clean the Gutters
When you keep your gutters clean of debris, water may flow freely away from your house instead of gathering near the foundation. However, when water collects near the foundation of your home, it can lead to foundation damage, floods, and flooded crawl space.
Shut the Air Vents in the Crawl Space
Air vents circulate through the crawl space. However, we now understand that it is simply another entry point for water and moisture into your home. Therefore, close your air vents this winter if you have not already. You might even consider caulking your ducts to keep your crawl area warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Invest in A Good Dehumidifier
Installing a dehumidifier is another vital step in keeping your crawl area dry. It removes up to 400% more moisture from a crawl space than the average dehumidifier does without consuming additional energy. It can also eliminate mold and dust particles as small as 2 microns.
Reach Out To Experts
Do you want to keep the moisture out of your crawl space? Bruno Guerriero Construction can keep your home dry after a heavy snowfall, or against moisture caused by any other reason. Contact our team for a quote today.
