While crawl space encapsulation is a great way to reduce moisture from getting into your crawlspace, it is best to prevent your crawl space from needing encapsulation in the first place. Here are a few things you can do in order to avoid crawl space encapsulation and keep your crawl space dry.
- Gutters and Downspouts: Sometimes a gutter or downspout will direct water somewhere that allows it to get the crawl space wet. Fixing gutters and downspouts to direct water to a better place can help prevent moisture in your crawl space when it rains.
- Grading: Grading can be used to better direct moisture away from the structure of your home, which means less moisture in your crawl space.
- Ventilation: Adding ventilation to your crawl space can mean dehumidifiers or fans which keep the crawl space drier by circulating air. Allowing your crawl space to breath means there will be less moisture in the air as well as allowing any water to evaporate faster.
- Waterproofing: Whether on the inside or the outside, waterproofing the crawlspace will make it much more difficult for any water to get into it.
- Seal Cracks: If there are any cracks or weak points where water can seep in, make sure to seal and fix them. This can be good for the construction of your house in addition to stopping water from getting into problem spots.
Crawl space encapsulation is sometimes necessary, but there are things you can do beforehand to prevent your crawl space from ever needing it. Make sure to follow these tips to keep your crawl space dry.
