Crawl Space Dehumidifier Installation

Some homeowners believe that a dehumidifier on its own can keep their crawl space dry. While this appliance is an important part of your waterproofing system, it cannot protect your foundation against water damage by itself. 

A Dehumidifier Cannot Remove Flood Water 

When large volumes of water suddenly rush into your crawl space due to heavy rainstorms or pipe leakage, they will remain there even if you have a dehumidifier. While this device can remove excess humidity from the air, it cannot remove water. 

Therefore, apart from installing a dehumidifier, you will also need to invest in other waterproofing solutions such as a sump pump and a drainage system. Only with these systems in place, you will be able to protect your crawl space against water damage. 

Ensuring Regular Maintenance 

Installing waterproofing systems is not the only thing you can do for your home. Also, make sure that your yard is properly graded. When it rains, water should rush away from your home, not toward it. If your yard has a negative grade, you will need to regrade it as soon as possible. 

Furthermore, make sure you regularly maintain your gutters and downspouts. These pipes can easily get clogged by leaves and debris, so inspect them at least once a year and see that there are no blockages. In addition, check them for cracks and holes. Gutters and downspouts can get damaged by tree branches or hail, so make sure they are in good condition. If they malfunction, all the rainwater that has ended up on your roof will soak the ground around your foundation and enter your crawl space.

Even with encapsulation, it is impossible to keep out all the moisture, all the time. If you live in a humid area that is prone to frequent rainfalls, you should consider adding a dehumidifier to your waterproofing system. Besides this, there are several telltale signs that installing a dehumidifier should be on your list of priorities. 

Signs You Need a Dehumidifier 

Has your home started to smell musty? If so, the culprit may be high moisture levels in your foundation. Increased humidity levels trigger mold growth, which will turn your crawl space into a smelly mess. By drying out this space you can easily avoid this problem. Frequent asthma attacks can also be a sign that there are allergens and mold in your crawl space.  Some people develop allergic reactions or experience flu-like symptoms due to the contaminated air rising from the crawl space. 

You should also consider getting a dehumidifier if you notice damage to the structure of your home. Problems such as insect damage, wood rot, buckling hardwood floors, rust, sagging insulation, and swelling of doors and windows can alert you that there is excess moisture in your foundation. Keep in mind that you need to address these problems on time, otherwise you will end up with extensive repairs on your hands. 

Perks of Installing a Dehumidifier 

Even if you have not noticed mold or wood rot in your crawl space, it doesn’t mean that they are not there. After all, crawl spaces are dark places with a lot of columns and beams, so it is difficult to inspect every corner thoroughly. With a dehumidifier, you will not only ensure that these harmful fungi never show up in your crawl space, but you will also improve the air quality down there, which will automatically reflect on the air quality upstairs. 

Also, it is important to keep in mind that a simple appliance such as a dehumidifier can help you turn your musty crawl space into a pleasant area convenient for storing your belongings. A lot of homeowners use their crawl spaces as backup pantries or even tool sheds. However, if this space is humid, all of your possessions will get damaged or destroyed. On the other hand, with a dehumidifier, you will have all this extra space at your disposal. 

Have you ever noticed a white residue on your crawl space walls? That is efflorescence, and while it won’t harm your walls on its own, it is often a sign that there are moisture problems in your crawl space. 

Why Does Efflorescence Appear? 

White or grayish stains on your masonry walls can leave you confused and worried. Luckily, this crystalline deposit is efflorescence, and it shows up when water from the bricks begins to evaporate. On its way out it collects salts, and leaves them on the surface of the brick or concrete. These stains will not compromise your home’s structural integrity in any way, but they can be a sign of underlying foundation problems. Excess water can end up in the building materials in multiple ways. In some cases, there is excess water in the concrete mix itself, other times sprinklers, underground seepage, and roof runoffs can lead to efflorescence. 

Increased humidity levels in the crawl space can also cause efflorescence. When moisture-laden air enters the crawl space, it causes condensation to form on the masonry walls. Those moisture drops are then absorbed into the porous materials. 

How Can a Dehumidifier Help? 

Efflorescence is often a telltale sign that there are high moisture levels in your crawl space. To prevent those unsightly crystalline deposits from appearing on your walls you should take the necessary steps to keep your foundation as dry as possible. 

With a dehumidifier, you can remove excess moisture from the air. Therefore, apart from preventing mold and mildew growth as well as wood rot, you can prevent efflorescence from showing up. Of course, you will need a strong and efficient dehumidifier that is powerful enough to dry out your crawl space. To make sure you choose the best dehumidifier for your needs, contact your local contractor and see what your options are.