Use a hygrometer to measure the humidity in the area and check if it's above 60%. If it is, then it's likely that you're dealing with a moisture issue. An easy way to keep humidity levels down in your crawl space is by installing a dehumidifier.
Proper drainage is another great way to keep moisture away from underneath your home. Drainage could include cleaning out your gutters and downspouts, adding more downspouts, grading the yard away from your home, or installing a sump pump to remove any standing water.
Is It Normal to Have Moisture in a Crawl Space? Please keep in mind moisture in the crawl space is actually very common. In most cases, people don't worry about a little condensation. When it becomes more than a little, it's something that needs to be dealt with.
The way to reduce these risks is to install a dehumidifier that will effectively draw out excess moisture from the air. If you detect musty odors, standing water, or visible mold in your crawl space, then a dehumidifier is definitely what you need.
To remove the standing water from your home, you need a device that will soak up the water and put it elsewhere. This is what a sump pump does. There are two types: pedestal sump pumps and submersible sump pumps.
Install a drainage system with a sump pump to effectively remove moisture from the soil surrounding your home. This system collects and removes water, keeping the crawl space dry even during heavy rains. One of the most effective drainage systems is a drain tile system.
The average cost to replace a vapor barrier in a crawl space ranges from $1,500 to $4,000. Vapor barriers are an essential element when you want to reduce humidity and moisture inside it, helping lower humidity and reduce the risk of problems like mold, rot, and water build-up.
Whole house dehumidifier cost depend on the size of the dehumidifier, the drainage options, and labor for installation. An installed cost of a whole house dehumidifier can range between $1,000 and $2,800 or more.
Yes, A Dehumidifier In The Crawl Space Is a Good Idea, But Only If The Area Is Encapsulated. A dehumidifier is essential to manage moisture levels in certain areas of your home, including crawl spaces.
If you're wondering how to check humidity levels in your home, the most reliable method is to use a hygrometer. It measures the amount of water vapor in the air. The number it displays is the relative humidity, which is the percentage of vapor in the air compared to the highest possible amount.
Using a general purpose pump, however, will get the job done more efficiently and it's the only practical option if the space is severely flooded. To remove water from your crawl space with a pump, place the pump's suction hose into the flood water and direct the drainage hose outdoors away from the house.
You may have considered dehumidifiers a potential solution, thinking the maximum cost would be about $200. In reality, a crawl space dehumidifier will cost at least $1,500. Since the right dehumidifier will cost thousands, encapsulation itself is worth considering.
Check Wood Moisture Levels in Crawlspace
One way to determine if your crawlspace has a moisture issue is to check the wood moisture content using a wood moisture meter. These handheld devices are able to tell you if your subfloors and floor joists are holding excessive moisture.
Sub floor ventilation systems are very effective in homes that experience a continuing musty odour or where there is mould on shoes and clothes in wardrobes or on furniture in living spaces. Subfloor ventilation can remove ground moisture from underneath raised floors, creating a drier and warmer sub floor area.
Moisture can cause severe mold and rot issues
Puddles of water in the crawl space are a problem, but you also have to worry about humidity and moisture in the crawl space. Moisture can cause severe mold and mildew growth and rot. These problems can negatively impact your home's indoor air quality.
Probably one of the fastest and most practical ways to decrease humidity in the house is to open a window. A fresh, dry breeze will quickly absorb moisture in spaces like your bathroom or kitchen. Turn your air conditioner down if you open a window to prevent your unit from working too hard.
Cover the ground in the crawl space with a plastic sheet to prevent moisture evaporation. Block and seal all vents and cracks in the crawl space so that no outside air enters. Permanently install a crawl space dryer that maintains humidity at such a low level that mould, fungus etc. is prevented.
Cost by Size
Your crawl space's size has one of the biggest impacts on price since larger areas require more materials and labor to encapsulate. A basic encapsulation project costs between $3 and $7 per square foot, but the cost can go up to $10 per square foot for crawl spaces with an extensive moisture problem.
Diy: Consider All the Costs, Tools, and Skills Required
For this reason, we always recommend Trust the Experts. At BAY Crawl Space & Foundation Repair, we purchase our crawl space dehumidifiers in BULK so we can install a dehumidifier for a lower cost than you can install it yourself.
Even though your floor looks dry, chances are moisture is still lurking beneath the surface. Moisture can and will find its way into the cracks and crevices of your hardwood flooring. An easy way to remove moisture from your wood floors is to use a dehumidifier.
Dehumidifiers for Under 2,000 Square Feet Crawl Spaces
The Aprilaire E070 (formerly 1820) is our preferred crawl space dehumidifier for spaces smaller than 2,000 square feet. The Aprilaire E080 (formerly 1830) dehumidifier processes 10 more pints per day than the E070 and is a little quieter but the cabinet is larger.
Unfortunately, most homeowners insurance plans don't cover water in a crawl space. Instead, the homeowner will be responsible for dealing with the foundation water problem.
Most sewer backup cleanup and restoration services cost between $2,000 and $10,000. However, other factors such as the extent of the damage and other plumbing issues can add to your expenses and burn a hole in your pocket.