Controlling Crawl Space Moisture

It's very important to invest in preventative measures against crawl space water damage and in above ground living levels.

Regardless if your crawl space is dirt, vented, or unconditioned, these lower levels of homes tend to suffer the most due to the many changes in weather and the high temperatures and humidity levels.

Humidity easily travels through your crawlspace and upwards into your above ground living levels, making the space damp where mold can grow.

Damp or wet environments are perfect for insects and animals, but this space underneath your home can be extremely unhealthy and destructive. Mold grows, spreads and thrives under these conditions. Decay or dry rot from damp, wet conditions can cause structural weakening or damage to the organic building materials; the same materials your home is constructed of. 

There are three main sources that have been known to destroy organic materials: heat, ultra-violet radiation and water. Organic materials include wood, carpeting, paper, and other materials that were once living. Of these destructive elements, water is the only element we have the ability to control. A waterproofing expert can help keep water out, keep your crawl space dry and create a healthy environment.

Once moisture, water and high levels of humidity have been removed from the space, it is time to address the problem. In the case where homes are affected by damp or wet conditions, the first step to solving the problem is to install a vapor barrier.

A vapor barrier is designed to block out water in liquid or vapor form through the concrete walls or floor, as well as block the passage of water in or out of the space with a layer of plastic sheeting.

Most dehumidifiers are inefficient and are not powerful enough to dehumidify your entire crawl space. Most have issues with weak motors and their collection trays are insufficient and constantly need to be emptied on a daily basis. On an average, these systems remove 30-40 pints of water per day, in the event the air is wet and needs to circulate to be dried.

There is one that can actually remove 110 pints of water per day, is very powerful, and strong enough to blow air into your entire finished basement space. This is called the SaniDry.

For crawl spaces and basements with low ceilings, the SaniDry CSB is the perfect option. This unit allows you to control the humidity level removing 90 pints of water per day from the air and it is also self-draining, a plus for any homeowner. 

The best and most effective way to protect your home from moisture is to contact a certified crawl space contractor. A certified contractor will complete an on-site inspection, provide a professional consultation, provide a free estimate and recommend the best and most cost efficient way to solve the problem. This expert will also discuss your options and give you plenty of time to make the best decision to remove moisture from your crawl space.

At MidAmerica Basement Systems, you'll find patented basement waterproofing products!  Contact them today for a free estimate for crawl space repair in Peoria!