As winter approaches, the weather in Baltimore, MD, is only going to get colder and wetter. This might suit you just fine (we’re not all sun worshippers, after all), but it could spell real trouble for your home. Your crawl space, in particular, at risk of dampness and flooding as heavy rain and snowfalls begin (this risk will come around again with the spring thaw). Thankfully, there are some simple precautions you can take to keep your crawl space free from standing water and dampness.
How to Keep Your Crawl Space Dry This Winter
Waterproofing your crawl space needn’t be an overly costly or messy process. While there are some things that you will definitely need professional help for, there are many waterproofing solutions that you can buy and install yourself quickly and cost-effectively. Here are some of the best things you can do to protect your home this winter.
Insulate Your Crawl Space
Rigid foam insulation is an easy way to improve the climate in your crawl space. Not only will it help you keep out moisture (thanks to the waterproof nature of the foam), but it will control the temperature in your crawl space. This means that your crawl space will stay dry, you’ll be less likely to face a burst pipe as a result of a snap freeze, and your home will be more energy-efficient.
Encapsulate Your Crawl Space
Completely encapsulating your crawl space with a durable vapor barrier may seem like a lot of hassle, but it really isn’t. Most hardware stores sell good vapor barriers at a relatively low cost, and the installation process is very straightforward if time-consuming. Once you have a vapor barrier in place, you will notice a decrease in humidity, dampness, and odor in your crawl space (this will also make it a perfect place to store seasonal items).
Install a Dehumidifier
If you have insulated and encapsulated your crawl space and still find that you are having issues with dampness and humidity, installing a dehumidifier will make all the difference. If you already have a dehumidifier but it is not controlling the climate in your crawl space to your satisfaction, it may be time to consider an upgrade. When choosing your dehumidifier, be sure you know the size of your crawl space and the levels of relative humidity (on average) that your dehumidifier will have to deal with.
This will help you to get the right model for your needs. These simple tasks can have a huge impact on the health of your crawl space and the climate inside your home as a whole. While you can undertake these tasks without help, it is best to consult with experts if you should ever feel out of your depth. After all, it’s far better to get something right the first time than to double your expenses by botching a DIY job.
Call JES Foundation Repair to Care for Your Crawl Space
JES Foundation Repair has been serving the communities of Baltimore, VA, since 1993. We know what it takes to keep your crawl space and basement dry and healthy. Our team is experienced, knowledgeable and dedicated to giving each customer they come into contact with service with a smile.
Whether you already know what work needs to be done, you want some general advice, or you are worried that there may be underlying issues to deal with in your basement, we are here to help. That’s why all of our inspection appointments are free. All you need to do is contact us, and our team will happily arrange a no-obligation consultation appointment for you.
When your inspector attends your house, they will begin by checking your crawl space and basement for signs of damp, structural weakness and damage. If they identify any warning signs, they will investigate and let you know what they find. Every inspection ends with a written quote that details all of your inspectors’ recommended repairs, changes and work as well as the cost of this work so you can shop around.
Be sure to ask about our flexible financing options.
