How well do you know your basement?
Whether you’re a brand-new homeowner or you’ve been living in your house for decades, it might be surprising to learn that you’re at high risk for expensive water damage — in fact, more than 98% of homes with basements will see some type of water damage. In many cases, a house’s crawl space is where that water damage begins.
Many homeowners are deterred from the sticker shock of a traditional basement waterproofing service. But when water damage-related services like mold removal can cost you up to $4,000, the need to keep your home’s crawl space dry this summer is readily apparent. And it’s possible to do so without making the major investment of a basement waterproofing.
If you’re wondering how to keep your crawl space dry without investing in a basement waterproofing, take a look at these three tips:
Pick up a crawl space dehumidifier
A great first step to learning how to keep your crawl space clean is to install a dehumidifier in the space. A large room dehumidifier is often sufficient, unless you have major moisture problems in your crawl space — in which case you may need a commercial-grade dehumidifier. After running the dehumidifier for a few hours, you’ll notice a big difference in the amount of moisture in your crawl space.
Consider capping the foundation wall exterior
Another great way to combat moisture in your home’s crawl space is to cap the interior of your foundation wall. This is done with a strip of plastic sheeting, to which galvanized flashing is added. This won’t just protect your crawl space from moisture; it will also help keep the rest of your basement dry, and the galvanized flashing will even protect against termites. It’s a win-win.
Start making changes to keep your basement moisture-free
Did you know that small, simple changes like placing plants at least two feet away from your foundation can help keep your crawl space dry? Additionally, staying vigilant against moisture — cleaning up and drying out your crawl space within 24 to 48 hours of flooding — can help keep your crawl space dry in the long run.
Summer may have already started, but it’s never too late to learn how to keep your crawl space dry to prevent thousands of dollars in water damage to your basement.
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