Hey everyone! I'm a first-time homeowner, and I've been navigating some crawlspace challenges in my 70s house. I had a company install a vapor barrier and dehumidifier, but there's still a musty smell coming from the crawlspace. After some inspection, I discovered they didn't do the greatest job, especially further back in the crawlspace. They keep trying to sell me on additional solutions, but I've just realized there's standing water in different spots, likely due to gaps in the vapor barrier.
I've had multiple crawlspace specialists out to assess the situation. Two recommended an interior french drain and sump pump to handle the groundwater, while another said I could just repair the vapor barrier and seal the gaps in the foundation walls without needing the drain. I feel like addressing the gaps is key to solving the issue. I've spent a good bit already, and I want to know if I should go for the sump pump, do both, or stick to sealing the gaps. Plus, I'm glad the wood looks fine for now! Any advice would be awesome!
2 Answers
A french drain is usually a solid choice, especially if you're dealing with water pooling. It can help redirect any water away from your foundation effectively. Just make sure your yard's grading is in the right direction too! If you're concerned about sealing gaps, doing both might be the best long-term fix, but you definitely want to prevent water from accumulating in the crawlspace in the first place.
I’m a fan of addressing the source first! If the water is due to runoff during rain, make sure to focus on exterior work to direct the water away from your home—like sealing those foundation gaps. Internal solutions can be helpful, but they won’t stop water from sneaking in if you don't tackle the infiltration issue first.
Thanks! What do you mean by exterior work? Would sealing the gaps in the foundation walls do the trick?
Feels inevitable, right?