If your crawl space is unfinished or otherwise has a dirt floor, you may not want to start your waterproofing process with an encapsulation job. Instead, you should consider whether or not you want to finish off the space. A simple crawl space lining, for example, can make your space more comfortable while also providing it with a simple protection against invasive tree roots, unwanted infestations, and even light water damage.
Check the Soil
You always, however, want to try and limit the amount of dirt-to-air exposure that your crawl space has. When you live in a home with a dirt-floor crawl space, you open yourself up to more structural risks. Shifting soils can disrupt the placement of your structural supports, and critters like termites and even moles can more easily make their way into your space. While some of these creatures aren’t inherently malevolent, they can still cause a lot of damage throughout your crawl space. Flooding is more common in homes with dirt floor crawl spaces, as these spaces often lack the protection they need to ward away water and prevent long-term damage to the aforementioned structural supports, not to mention an attached foundation.
Protecting Your Dirt Crawl Space
Note that there are also some things you will want to avoid doing in a dirt crawl space. For example, do not install vents in a crawl space with a dirt floor. Dirt floors already breathe or allow moisture and gases into your home on a regular basis. By installing vents, you put your crawl space at greater risk for significant water damage.
If you’re purchasing a home that has crawl space vents, or if you haven’t taken note of your own vents before, you can close these vents off with exterior accessories designed to improve the water seal around your space.