Crawl Space Moisture

Hi. This is Teresa. I am new to this forum, and I'm hoping someone might have a solution for me...

I need help with a crawl space that was flooded about 5 years ago. We got all the water out and dried it up, and even installed drain tile and a sump pump in the basement next to the crawl space. This eliminated any water from coming into the basement, and there has been no flood since, but it smells moldy and the soil is damp. In the summer, I have a dehumidifier running 24/7 to suck up moisture, and that seems to take care of things...but in the winter this is not feasible, and the smell comes back in full force. I need a permanent solution that doesn't cost thousands of dollars and that I can do myself. Some of us always seem to be getting cold symptoms and I'm wondering if that crawl space is responsible.

We've been told that it might be a good idea to put a layer of lime over the crawl space dirt. Does that make any sense? I'm sure we can't afford to pour concrete. When we first moved in, there was plastic sheeting on top of what appeared to be tar paper, but it was in nasty shape so we threw it out.

Does anyone have a good idea for us? I'd appreciate any help you could offer.

Thanks,

-Teresa

Let's keep this discussion in your other post, in Floors.

Sorry, just learning the rules here. I realized that after I posted this, so I re-posted it over there instead. Thanks, -Teresa

Welcome Teresa:
The dirt in the crawl space needs to be covered with 6 mil. Polyethylene allowing it to run up the walls about 1' then use roof cement to stick it to the walls. The idea is to seal the moisture in the ground and keep it from the crawl space.
Next step; there must be adequate ventilation which is, 1 square inch of ventilation for each 1 square foot of space. Of course, the vents should be closed off for the winter months so the floors can stay warm.
Glenn

Teresa said:

Sorry, just learning the rules here. I realized that after I posted this, so I re-posted it over there instead. Thanks, -Teresa

Click to expand...

Sorry, I didn't mean to admonish you, just trying to prevent a double discussion.

Welcome to the board!