How to Get Rid of Moisture in a Crawl Space
Moisture in the crawl space can cause structural problems for your house as well as real health concerns for the people living in it. Mold and mildew can cause respiratory problems, and rot can cause problems with the structural integrity of your home. You do not need to despair though; it can be easy to get rid of the problem. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- EPDM membrane
- 4-inch drainpipe, optional
- Polyethylene sheeting
- Waterproof tape
- Dehumidifier
- Drain hose
Instructions
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1
Check for any pooling outside of the crawl space around your home the next time it rains. Route gutters so they empty away from the house and slope the fill near your home so it drains away from the foundation.
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2
Install a vapor barrier in the crawl space. Use an EPDM membrane to keep moisture inside the wall to a minimum in the crawl space.
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3
Figure out whether the floor of the crawl space is below ground level outside. If it is, dig a ditch and lay a 4-inch drainpipe running from inside the crawl space to the outside. Surround the pipe with gravel and cover the drainage system with filter fabric.
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4
Lay polyethylene sheeting across the floor of the crawl space. Overlap seams by least 12 inches and apply the sheeting 6 inches up the walls. Tape all of the seams with polyethylene tape.
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5
Place a dehumidifier on a wood or cement block in the crawl space and attach a garden hose to the outlet on the bottom of it. Make sure the hose drains downward away from the foundation. Plug it in. You may need a condensate pump if any part of the hose has to go uphill for any part of its journey out of the crawl space.
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