Have you noticed a strange, musty odor in your basement or crawl space? Often, these odors are due to excess crawl space or basement moisture, compromising your home’s structure and your health. Left untreated, moisture can weaken foundations, floor joists, and cause wood rot; and in some cases, it can promote mold growth and compromise your health.
If you’re experiencing excess moisture in your home, don’t turn to internet forums and try to tackle the issue on your own. Although some forums offer great advice, you need to contact a basement waterproofing expert. At Jerry’s Waterproofing, we have professional waterproofing contractors that can locate the source of your moisture problems and eliminate them for good.
7 Steps to Prevent Crawl Space & Basement Moisture
Fortunately, there are ways you can help prevent crawl space and basement moisture. Here is a list of common mistakes homeowners make, and maintenance tips you can follow:
- Gutters: Clean gutters to divert rainwater from accumulating around your foundation and leaking in.
- Drainage: Install a drainage system to effectively drain water away from the foundation. Installing a sump pump may not resolve the issue, especially if there is no way to divert water around the perimeter to drain the pump.
- Crawl space vents: Outdoor air entering a crawl space can contribute to humidity and condensation under certain conditions. The right approach to ventilation depends on the design and moisture conditions of the crawl space.
- Fiberglass insulation: Damp or damaged insulation can lose effectiveness and may indicate an ongoing crawl space moisture problem. Wet insulation should be evaluated along with the source of the moisture.
- Vapor barriers: A properly installed crawl space vapor barrier helps reduce moisture entering from exposed soil. Professional installation can help ensure the barrier is appropriate for the crawl space and installed correctly.
- Air conditioning systems: A/C units can drain condensation into the foundation. Make sure the air ducts are properly insulated to prevent condensation.
- Poor grading: Soil that slopes toward your home can direct rainwater toward the foundation. Proper grading should help direct surface water away from the house.
Get Help With Basement and Crawl Space Moisture
If moisture keeps returning despite regular home maintenance, there may be a larger drainage or waterproofing problem. Jerry’s Waterproofing can help identify the source and recommend the right solution for your home. Contact us today to request a free estimate in Nebraska or Iowa.
