Can I Waterproof a Crawl Space Myself?

A waterproofed crawl space will typically bring your energy bills down. If you’re accustomed to repairing things around your home, you might be wondering what you’ll need in order to fix it. Repairing and waterproofing a crawl space is a lot more complicated than you would expect, so it’s best to leave it to the experts. 

• The Problem With DIY 

There are many reasons you should not try to waterproof a crawl space on your own. If your crawl space has pest, mold, or structural problems, you could be putting yourself at risk by being in a contaminated space that is structurally unsound. You also run the risk of breaking something in your foundation and making the problem worse. 

It takes special equipment and knowledge to understand how to properly waterproof a crawl space. Without the necessary tools and proper application, you could end up doing a poor job. Your energy efficiency problems will either persist or will come up again after some time, so you end up wasting your time and money by not calling a professional. 

• How Professionals Can Help 

Professionals have all the right tools and materials to do the job properly. After a one-time investment, they can make sure that you never have to worry about crawl space issues again. Professionals can also detect if there are any repairs that need to be done before you even think about waterproofing the crawl space. Certain foundation repair jobs can be extremely complicated, and it’s something only an expert can spot and fix. 

Waterproofing a space is more than just applying a vapor barrier and insulation. It also involves installing an interior drainage system, a sump pump, and dehumidifier if you don’t already have one. Some crawl space repair companies have sump pumps and dehumidifiers that are of much higher quality than any of those you can buy commercially.