Crawlspace Waterproofing

Dirt crawlspaces are common in many homes and present unique problems for the homeowner. The natural airflow in the home is called the “stack effect”. The air travels toward the roof, creating a suction type effect on the crawl space dirt. This process will cause dampness and humidity to rise in the living space.  Dirt or crawl space floors inside the home transmit humidity, odors and radon gas. They may provide rodents and insects an easy path into the upper living portions of the home. The humidity and dampness that is inherent in a crawlspace may also cause structural damage to the wood framing, carpets, floors and walls. This environment is a breeding ground for mold and mildew, all of which present a real problem.  The best method is to use proper crawl space encapsulation techniques using a crawl space vapor barrier and a drawl space dehumidifier.

A crawl space vapor barrier  is a physical shield placed around a crawl space to keep moisture from escaping into other parts of your home. It must cover the entire floor as well as the foundation in order to be effective.The crawl pace vapor barrier consists of outer layers of white high strength polyethylene film laminated together with a black layer of polyethylene. Both outer layers contain UV inhibitors and thermal stabilizers which gives long outdoor life. The white layers are designed to reduce heat build up and condensation and to provide excellent diminutional stability. A layer of polyester reinforcement placed between these plies greatly enhances tear resistance and increases service life.

The unfinished crawl space might also be increasing energy costs. Many crawl spaces have built-in ventilation to allow airflow. The latest studies on crawl space ventilation indicate that, in some climates, ventilation is actually contributing to moisture and humidity in the crawl space. Furthermore, ventilation allows winter cold to have free passage under the home, which can result in higher heating bills. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to “finish” the crawl space to reduce the moisture issues and increase energy efficiency.