How Do I Stop Moisture in My Crawl Space?
A home’s crawl space serves important practical functions, such as housing plumbing and utility equipment. However, this area can fall victim to moisture accumulation, which can damage your home’s foundation while also causing major problems such as mold and mildew, infestations, and poor air quality in the home.
Our skilled contractors at Align Foundation Repair provide multiple services aimed at alleviating moisture accumulation in crawl spaces and keeping your property in top condition. We create a custom solution for each home, avoiding unnecessary products and allowing for future adjustments if required.
Keeping Crawl Space Moisture at Bay: Proven Methods Used by Align Foundation Repair
Many properties throughout North Texas rest upon clay soil. This soil type is notorious for poor drainage, which can lead to major moisture issues under and within your pier and beam home. For the best possible defense against moisture problems, Align Foundation Repair offers the following professional solutions:
Crawl Space Encapsulation
Crawl space encapsulation in Dallas Fort Worth is a highly effective way to protect your home from all types of moisture damage. This process involves the placement and installation of barriers and equipment, which work in conjunction to stop moisture in the soil from leaching into your home or damaging your foundation. Our approach customizes your encapsulation to address your home’s specific needs, employing only the methods you need and none that you don’t.
Vapor Barrier Installation
Vapor barrier installation is a key component of the encapsulation process. Here at Align Foundation Repair, we use a durable StegoCrawl Water Vapor Barrier that’s constructed from special resins to provide lasting protection. This tough, puncture-resistant barrier fully seals the crawl space to stop soil moisture from wreaking havoc.
Drainage Solutions
In some cases, a drainage system is needed to manage excess water. Align Foundation Repair prefers an exterior or gravity-based drainage system for the crawl space. However, if elevation or fall issues prevent natural drainage, a sump pump and cistern may be required to remove the excess water. These drainage solutions effectively divert water away from your home, protecting your foundation.
Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are only installed when there is significant water intrusion due to elevation or fall issues. These pumps collect and redirect water away from your home, helping to manage water accumulation after heavy rains. While not always necessary, sump pumps are a reliable solution for crawl spaces that experience consistent water buildup.
Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers can be useful in preventing moisture damage, but at Align Foundation Repair, we prefer to test other solutions before recommending them. In many cases, passive or boosted ventilation combined with a vapor barrier is sufficient to control humidity. Wherever possible, we prefer to keep our systems free of electrical components, which lowers cost and reduces the need for ongoing maintenance. A dehumidifier is only suggested if testing shows that it’s necessary for maintaining proper humidity levels.
What Homeowners Can Do on Their Own to Keep Crawl Spaces Dry
While professional encapsulation offers the highest level of protection, there are a few additional steps homeowners can take. It’s important to note that Align Foundation Repair does not provide these services, but they are highly recommended for homeowners:
- Repair Leaking Pipes – Plumbing pipes are often located in crawl spaces, and leaks can exacerbate moisture damage. In this case, timely repair of leaks is crucial to preventing worsening water damage under your home.
- Perform Gutter Maintenance – As gutters become clogged, they will no longer disperse water away from homes as intended. Instead, clogs cause water to spill over the sides of gutters and pool around your property. Cleaning gutters at least twice per year can help you avoid this issue.
- Check Downspout Positions – While checking gutters for clogs, pay attention to the position of your downspout. If it’s depositing water near the foundation of your home, moisture issues are practically guaranteed. You can reposition or reinstall the downspout to rectify the issue.
These simple steps, when combined with professional crawl space encapsulation, offer excellent protection from moisture damage.
Learn More About Keeping Your Crawl Space Moisture Free
Align Foundation Repair has the tools, knowledge, and experience to help homeowners throughout the Dallas Fort Worth area. If you have concerns about water damage in your home’s crawl space, we’re the team to call. Contact crawl space encapsulation experts to schedule an inspection today and receive a free crawl space repair estimate.
