Having a nice home means taking care of every part of it. The crawl space is an area that many homeowners do not think about very much. However, if moisture gets into the crawl space, it can cause big problems. Mold and rotting wood may happen if the crawl space is not waterproofed properly. Waterproofing stops moisture from getting in and damaging the crawl space. Installing retractable screen doors also helps with this issue. The screens allow air flow so humidity does not build up in the crawl space. The screens also block bugs, animals, and outdoor dirt from entering the crawl space. Though they seem like small projects, waterproofing and adding retractable screens work together to protect your home’s crawl space area. Read on to learn the benefits of making these improvements to your overlooked crawl space.
Combined Benefits of Crawl Space Waterproofing and Retractable Screen Door
It is a good idea to waterproof the crawl space. It is also a good idea to install retractable screen doors. Doing both of these things together provides some important benefits, such as:
1. Improved Air Quality
The air you breathe inside your home comes from the crawl space underneath. If that area is damp, it allows mold growth, which is unhealthy to breathe in. Waterproofing the crawl space keeps it dry to prevent mold. And retractable screen doors let in fresh outdoor air when desired, improving overall air quality.
2. Lower Energy Costs
Humid air makes it harder to heat or cool your home efficiently. After waterproofing removes moisture, drier air allows your HVAC system to run better. Opening the retractable screen doors helps increase airflow, too, putting less strain on heating and cooling and saving you money.
3. Increased Home Value
Buyers avoid homes with crawl space moisture issues that require costly repairs. A properly waterproofed crawl space is a selling point that adds value. The functionality of retractable screens is also appealing to potential buyers.
4. Structural Protection
Over time, moisture can damage a home’s foundation and structural elements. Crawl space waterproofing prevents this deterioration. Periodically opening the retractable doors allows airflow to remove any remaining dampness, further protecting the home’s integrity.
5. Pest Prevention
Damp, humid crawl spaces attract pests like termites, rodents, and bugs that can spread disease and cause damage. Waterproofing eliminates the moist conditions they need to survive. And the retractable screens physically block pests from getting inside.
How to Dry out Wet Crawl Spaces in Your Home?
Getting rid of moisture in the crawl space under your house is important. Too much dampness down there can cause big problems like rot, mold, and damage to the house itself. Here are some common ways to dry out a wet crawl space:
1. Install Drainage Pipes
You can put pipes under the ground all around the crawl space to carry away any water that gets near it. The pipes have little holes that let the water in, and then the pipes move it out and away from the house. Doing this kind of drainage system helps keep groundwater from getting into the crawl space.
2. Put in a Sump Pump
If your crawl space frequently has puddles or pools of water, you may need a sump pump. This is a special pump that sits in a pit at the lowest point under the crawl space. It uses electricity to actively pump out any water that collects in that pit, keeping the whole area nice and dry.
3. Use Vapor Barriers
When the dirt floor in a crawl space gets wet, the moisture evaporates up into the air. A thick plastic vapor barrier is like a giant sheet you roll out on the ground to block moisture from getting in. It’s an affordable way to keep dampness from coming up through the soil.
4. Install a Dehumidifier
Even if you stop water intrusion, the air in a closed crawl space can still get really humid. A dehumidifier is a machine that pulls moisture out of the air to lower humidity levels down there. This prevents dampness from causing mold, rot, and other moisture issues after you’ve waterproofed the crawl space.
5. Insulate the Walls
In addition to the vapor barrier on the floor, you can put up rigid insulation panels on the crawl space walls. These have plastic coverings that don’t allow moisture to pass through from the outside. Insulating walls, along with the floor vapor barrier, seal the entire crawl space area.
6. Seal Up Any Vents
Some crawl spaces have vents to allow airflow, but those just let humid outside air in, causing more moisture problems. Closing up those vents and any other openings is necessary to control moisture and keep the area dry after crawl space waterproofing.
Right Retractable Screen Door Considerations for Your Home
Retractable screen doors may seem basic, but there are several key things you need to consider when choosing one. Looking at these factors carefully will help ensure your screen door works smoothly and lasts a long time.
1. The Right Size
Measuring is super important to get a screen door that fits your door opening just right. Typical single-screen doors are around 80 inches wide and 36 inches tall. But if you have double doors or French doors, you’ll need a bigger size. Make sure to carefully measure the width and height so there are no gaps when you install the new screen door.
2. Strong Materials
Look for screen doors made from really sturdy, long-lasting materials. The frames should be coated with aluminum to prevent rust and damage from weather like rain and sun. The screen mesh part should be made out of tough fiberglass or polyester fabric that won’t rip easily and won’t fade or get worn down quickly from the outdoor elements.
3. Installation
Some screen doors are designed for do-it-yourself installation if you feel handy enough to install it properly yourself. Other doors will require hiring a professional to come to install them for you. Think about your skill level and whether you can follow the installation guidelines and do it right or if you’ll need to pay someone.
4. Style
Don’t forget to choose a screen door style and color that looks nice with the exterior of your home and matches your existing doors. You want it to blend in well with the design and architecture instead of sticking out like a sore thumb.
Conclusion
Waterproofing crawl spaces and installing retractable screens are game-changers for homes. These basic projects deliver huge benefits. Keeping moisture out stops mold, wood rot, and nasty pests in their tracks. Proper venting circulates fresh air to reduce stuffiness. Plus, you get peace of mind knowing the structure underneath is protected and won’t need pricey repairs later. Retractable screens even make your place feel more open and secure at the same time. All in all, tackling the crawl space area with waterproofing and ventilation is a simple yet impressive way to overhaul your home’s health and comfort.
