As a homeowner, you know that there are a lot of things you have to do in order to keep your home in good condition. One thing you may not have thought about, however, is waterproofing your crawl space.
A crawl space is an essential part of a home, but it can also be a source of problems if it’s not properly waterproofed. Waterproofing your crawl space is important to keep the foundation and structure of your home dry and protected from moisture damage.
So how do you waterproof a crawl space? Here are our top 5 tips on how to waterproof your crawl space:
1. Check For Leaks
The first step in waterproofing your crawl space is to check for leaks, cracks, or openings. You can do this by going into your crawl space and looking for any signs of water damage. If you see any mold or mildew, this is a sign that there is a leak somewhere.
Even if you don’t find any damage yet, it’s important to check for leaks regularly. A small leak can turn into a big problem quickly, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Water from the ground and the humidity in the ground can seep into your crawl space through cracks and openings. This water can then lead to mold, mildew, and structural damage. Keep reading to find out how you can prevent water from getting into your crawl space in the first place. (Hint: It’s crawl space encapsulation!)
2. Seal Cracks And Openings
Once you’ve found the source of the leak, it’s time to fix it. This may involve patching up holes in the foundation or repairing cracks in the walls. You can use a concrete sealant or hydraulic cement to fill in the cracks. If the leak is coming from an opening, such as a pipe, you’ll need to seal it up with caulking. Be sure to let the area dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
If you’re not sure how to fix the leak, you can always call a professional for help. A crawl space expert, specifically, can help you identify the source of the leak and recommend the best course of action. That might include additional waterproofing measures, such as installing a sump pump or vapor barrier.
Once the space is dry, you can really begin crawl space waterproofing.
3. Install A Sump Pump Or French Drain
If your crawl space is constantly getting wet, you may need to install a sump pump or French drain. This will help to keep the water level down and prevent it from flooding your crawl space. Sump pumps are installed in the lowest part of the crawl space and work by pumping water out of the space and away from the foundation. French drains are installed around the perimeter of the crawl space and work by collecting water and directing it away from the foundation.
The device you choose will depend on the amount of water that is present in your crawl space and the layout of your home. A professional crawl space waterproofing company can help you determine which system is right for your home. Installing a sump pump orFrench drain is a big job, and it’s best to get it done by a crawl space expert.
Both sump pumps and French drains require regular maintenance to ensure they are working properly. Be sure to check them regularly and clean them out as needed. That might mean crawling under the home periodically or hiring a professional to do it for you.
4. Slope The Ground Away From The Home
Another way to prevent water from leaking into your crawl space is to make sure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation. This will allow water to drain properly and prevent it from pooling around the base of your home.
Many homes are initially built on level ground, but over time the soil around the foundation can settle and cause the ground to slope toward the house. This can be corrected by excavating the area around the foundation and adding new soil to create a proper slope.
This type of work must take careful consideration of the foilage and what might be underground when digging. It’s always best to consult with a crawl space waterproofing professional or landscaping expert before beginning any excavating work.
5. Seal The Crawl Space With A Vapor Barrier
One of the most effective crawl space waterproofing methods is to install a vapor barrier. A vapor barrier is a heavy-duty sheet that’s placed on the floor of the crawl space. The vapor barrier will prevent water vapor from passing through the crawl space and into your home, effectively stopping moisture in its tracks.
Installing a vapor barrier is a crawl space waterproofing method that’s best left to the professionals. But if you’re handy and up for a (dirty) challenge, you can certainly do it yourself. Just be sure to use a high-quality vapor barrier that’s specifically designed for crawl spaces.
Once the vapor barrier is in place, your crawl space should be sealed completely from the elements. When considering a crawl space waterproofing company, make sure they offer a satisfaction guarantee and warranty on the work they’ve done. A vapor barrier should last for many years, but it’s always good to have peace of mind knowing that your crawl space waterproofing is covered.
If you’re not interested in a do-it-yourself project, there are crawl space waterproofing companies that will do the job for you. Be sure to find a company that not only cares about your crawl space, but your home as a whole. A crawl space waterproofing company should be able to provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate and answer any questions you may have.
When it comes to crawl space waterproofing, there are many options available. But if you want a crawl space that’s dry, mold-free, and free of mildew, a vapor barrier is the way to go.
The Best Crawl Space Waterproofing Methods
Waterproofing your crawl space is an important step in protecting your home from water damage. There are many methods for crawl space waterproofing, but the most effective method will be to hire a crawl space waterproofing expert. This will help you avoid costly mistakes (not to mention crawling in the dirt under your home).
Here at Crawl Space Brothers, we specialize in crawl space waterproofing and crawl space encapsulation. We would be happy to come out to your home and take a look at your crawl space, free of charge. We’ll then recommend the best crawl space waterproofing solution for your home. Contact us today to get started!
