Sometimes a footer tile needs to be installed. This is a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel which leads to a sump pump or foundation drain. As water enters thru the foundation, the gravel and perforated pipe channel the water quickly to the sump pump or foundation drain.

A vapor barrier should be installed over the open dirt. This keeps moisture from rising up into the floor, joist and carpet above. When the crawl space is completely covered with a heavy weight plastic vapor barrier and sealed to the walls and block piers, it stops mold, fungus, bugs, and even radon gas, from doing damage to your home and health!

STEPS TO A DRY CRAWL SPACE

(1) The water problem must be solved first. Before you begin to think about moisture barrier of any type, or a dehumidifier system, the water in the soil must be addressed.

STEP ONE - Footer Drain Tile must be installed around the perimeter of your crawl space. A Footer Drain Tile consists of perforated pipe encased in washed gravel. As water moves under the crawl space and thru the soil, it will enter the gravel / perforated pipe. A Sump Pit and Sump Pump will also be needed to collect the water from the Footer Drain Tiles. The pump will lift it up and out of the crawl space. - - (See Photos)

(2) Because the crawl space soil is usually lower than the outside soil, the Downspout Drains Must be put underground and piped away from the foundation walls out to the street or storm drain.

STEP TWO - Install Downspout Drain Lines from all downspouts to the street or storm. 4" SOILD PVC #3000 S&D type pipe is recommended for the downspout drains. Also attach the sump pump discharge line from the crawl space to this drain pipe.

(3) Once the water problem has been solved, you may still want to use a moisture barrier to cover the dirt floor in the crawl space. Several types of moisture barriers are available from 6 mil plastic sheeting to a total encapsulation 20 mil plastic with sealed seams and sealed to all walls, sill plates and piers.

STEP THREE - Add moisture barrier to help control the air moisture flow upwards towards the floor joist and floor.

(4) A Dehumidifier can now be used to remove the remaining moisture in the air. It also will help prevent mold and bacteria from making your home unhealthy.

STEP FOUR - Add commercial dehumidifier to control the remaining moisture in the air of the crawl space.

The most important thing to remember is, Solve the Water Problem First!