Crawl Space Problem #1 - Humidity | Why It's There and What to Do

[@kylekelley213]

Awesome video. As a contractor and home inspector this is great information. Can wait for the next one.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Wow, thank you so much.

[@richardhugginsrealestateph7132]

Always appreciate the information. We live in Raleigh, NC, and purchased a new construction home last year with a vented crawlspace. We sealed our crawlspace and installed an Aprilaire E080 with 3 different Hydrometers in various locations. Amazing outcome. I sleep better at night knowing we’re around 50% humidity. Last summer prior to installation I noticed our HVAC system was leaving massive puddles of water underneath the ductwork and unit. It wasn’t a problem at the time but would have 100% been an issue after a few more summers. We sealed the crawl with 2 inducers first before installing the dehumidifier and were still consistently at 70%+ in the crawl. The inducers did nothing to condition our 2000sqft crawl. So we installed the Aprilaire unit and within 2hrs of installing it, our crawl was at 55% from 75%. Instant gratification. Then a BONUS to our crawlspace project was that our HVAC system is working less to cool our home. Prior to installation, our HVAC thermostats on the lower level was set to 70 degrees most days to keep the humidity levels down (lol 75%!). Now that the crawl is sealed with a dehumidifier our HVAC system is set at 3 degrees higher (73). So our house feels so much more comfortable at 73 degrees than it did at 70 degrees. The savings in energy are going to wash away any cost accrued from running the dehumidifier. We are absolutely blown away at how much more comfortable the interior of our home is along with knowing that the crawlspace isn’t turning into some type of Petri dish science experiment. Here's my next question. We still have the insulation installed under the subfloor. With the humidity levels taken care of is it a problem to leave it? The only reason I'd like to keep it is for a sound barrier between the living space and the crawl. We've got a Radon Fan, 2 sup-pumps (one for the HVAC and another for the dehumidifier). At night when sleeping we do hear things going on down below our master bedroom so I left the insulation in as a sound barrier. Is the insulation still a problem? Granted our home is only 12 months old. Thank you again for all the videos which really helped me make the decisions needed in sealing and dehumidifying our crawl.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Wow, that is a great testimonial. Would you be interested in joining me on a zoom style video so you can share your experience with others? If so, please reach out here, Thanks! crawlspaceninja.com/ask-a-ninja/

[@nikolutsbrihada6]

When you said you installed dehumidifier in the crawl space, does it only dehumidifies your crawl or the whole house so you get better HVAC efficiency?

[@ggriffey]

Thank you so much for the educational videos. I've learned so much from your channel as I've been inspecting, cleaning, and taking measures to provide better care of my crawl space.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

You are welcome! Thank you for watching.

[@Crypto-Cod]

Hi. I live in the UK. Just came across your channel. Love it! I bought a bungalow built in 1930. It has a low crawl space. It had problems with flooding. Installed footer tile and sump pump. Which fixed the problem. The crawl space has concrete across the whole floor area about 2" thick straight on top of the dirt. It has open vents. The concrete gets very dark and damp after heavy rain. Would you recommend installing a vapour barrier over the concrete? Thanks... Dave. Uk.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

I would since it's a crawl only space. I don't like plastic over concrete if you can walk on it due to potential fall hazards. Thanks for watching in UK.

[@sjpropertyservices3987]

Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to other videos in the series.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Thank you so much

[@maxmanx1294]

A dog dad! ❤❤❤ Golden doodle? Thank you for your informative videos! I think I could pass a comprehensive exam about crawlspaces based on your videos + my independent research!

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Thank you! Yes, 2 Golden doodles.

[@daniel-sv3jm]

I'm on your site for encapsulation materials. Any chance of getting a full list of materials I need? I live in Virginia

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Yes! Email us here - [e-mail]

[@chrispalmer9802]

I have a brick home with a poured wall foundation. The walls are insulated with blueboard, the pipes are all foam insulated, there is a plastic vapor barrier and the heating/ac ductwork is in the crawlspace. I live in Indiana where it's pretty humid, so my question is should I seal up my foundation vents? Would really appreciate your input on this. Thanks

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

If you plan to use a dehumidifier to control humidity, yes.

[@philipoakley5498]

85% average humidity year round here in highland Scotland. Maybe it's no wonder we've got some rot in the flooring... Dream of 70% RH and below ;-)

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Goodness and hello from the U.S! Just where you live can be a harsh area for moisture in your home.

[@philipoakley5498]

Said to be a Cat 5 climate zone.@@CrawlSpaceNinja

[@robbinschmidt3656]

I have automatic vents ,and live in a mountain valley in Montana.Our humidity fluctuates, what's the best way to clean them to work properly when it hit -40 ?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Oh wow, sorry I don't have any advice for that. We shop vac bugs and spider webs but never see them freeze over. So sorry I can't assist on that one.

[@christianwhitten4281]

We need a green screen for this man lol.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

LOL

[@kingbee4474]

​​​@@CrawlSpaceNinjawhen I apply butyl tape to the walls, what happens to it when I replace my poly vapor barrier in the future? Will it be possible to remove old tape? Can I put new tape on top of old tape or I put a new strip above or below the old tape? Thanks

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

@@kingbee4474 It would probably be better to remove the old tape and replace it. Or put new above it. It loses its stickiness after a while.

[@kingbee4474]

@@CrawlSpaceNinja oh so it is possible to remove it after a while? I was afraid it would be a mess to remove. 😂

[@kingbee4474]

@@CrawlSpaceNinja is it necessary to use fasteners for the vapor barrier or can I use butyl tape only? I do not like having holes in the foundation.