Whether your house is prone to flooding, leaks, or mold-inducing moisture, water can cause a great deal of damage to your property. This is especially true in a crawl space because it's one of the lowest spots in your house. In fact, if water enters a crawl space that isn't well-protected, the structural integrity of your home can substantially weaken every day that the problem isn't addressed. These tips will ensure that the foundation walls of your crawl space are fortified against any unforeseen water issues to help maintain the strength and sturdiness of your home.
1) Consider exterior waterproofing
By focusing on the exterior of the crawl space foundation, you'll be making sure that water can't enter your home from the outside. To do this, you will need to create a barrier that deflects water from the walls. Typically, a special dimple board is installed that will prevent water from breaching the crawl space walls, but you can also apply a waterproofing sealant to the foundation. Either way, you may also wish to excavate the dirt around the exterior walls and place a drainage system that will guarantee the water is redirected away from your home.
This approach does require a fair amount of labor, but it is an excellent way to prevent water damage at its origin. Always reach out to a skilled contractor if you need guidance with getting started on an exterior crawl space waterproofing project.
2) Use interior waterproofing
If you do not want to invest in exterior waterproofing, then interior waterproofing is another option. This is often a less expensive method than exterior waterproofing, and it is generally still as reliable as the protection you would attain on the outside of your home. Interior waterproofing involves building a system to repel and drain water inside your crawl space; sump pumps and gravity discharge solutions are the most common ways to achieve this. Additionally, you can use moisture-resistant paints and similar products directly on the walls of your crawl space to keep water outside. For the best results, you may want to try a combination of drainage systems and paints to protect the interior of your crawl space.
3) Don't forget about managing excess moisture
Once you take measures to keep water out of the crawl space, it's important to manage extra moisture that may build up in the small area as well. Too much humidity in your crawl space can encourage mold growth, and poor air quality can exacerbate adverse health conditions. For this reason, you should utilize a mix of waterproofing methods and AC systems, such as dehumidifiers. Taking the time to improve the airflow will prevent moisture accumulation and preserve the strength of the crawl space foundation walls. Reach out to a professional contractor for recommendations about ways to maintain a constant healthy atmosphere in your particular home.
To decide which waterproofing solution is ideal for your crawl space, be sure to weigh out costs, required labor hours, and the size of the space itself. A construction contractor is the best resource to help you determine how best to safeguard your crawl space foundation walls from every possible water problem or situation. To learn more about crawl space waterproofing, contact a local contractor.
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