Should You Worry About A Damp Crawlspace?
Most people don’t stress out when they discover their crawlspace is damp. After all, it’s not exactly a part of the house. It’s located between the ground and the bottom of the home, so it’s sort of an indoor space as well as an outdoor one. One might think that a little bit of moisture is no big deal, but actually the opposite is true.
Your crawlspace is located right below your home, so moisture that is there will eventually travel upward into your home’s floorboards, drywall, and insulation. This will damage the structural integrity of your home and can also cause unsightly and unhealthy mold and mildew. Even worse, a damp space can attract termites, rodents, and parasites, especially during hot and humid Maryland summers. And since crawlspaces are inherently hard to get around in, it can be hard to notice water accumulation. In many crawlspaces it’s not possible to even stand up, let alone look around for pools of water.
To prevent a damp crawlspace, you have a few options. First, you could encapsulate the entire space by installing a vapor shield along the floor, making it considerably harder for moisture to enter. You could also install a self-emptying dehumidifier, so that you don’t have to constantly check the mechanism and empty out the receptacle. Additionally, you could seal off unnecessary vents to prevent moisture from entering the area.
All of these are quick fixes, though. If you’re really wanting to protect your crawlspace and the entirety of your home, you need to get it waterproofed. Just think of what a pain it is to get rid of mold, mildew, termites, rodents, and other parasites. The best way to avoid having them take over is to truly never have to deal with them in the first place. While you may initially spend more on waterproofing your crawlspace than the other methods listed, waterproofing the space will save you money in the long run. Whether you’re thinking of a hot and humid summer or the harsh snowfalls of wintertime, the most reliable way to keep your home dry is waterproofing it.
In addition to keeping your home safe and dry, a clean crawlspace without any traces of moisture can be used for storage of your valuables. Nothing is worse than putting belongings down there, only to discover they’ve been ruined from water pooling around. A nice dry space is the perfect spot to put your things without you having to worry about water damage. Learn more about waterproofing your crawlspace at AA Action Waterproofing.