How to Choose the Best Crawl Space Dehumidifier

A Homeowner’s Guide to Crawl Space Dehumidifiers

Your crawl space allows easy access to electrical wiring and water pipes, but it’s also essential in providing airflow throughout your home. When the air in your crawl space is humid, it can create a whole host of problems that affect the integrity of your home and the health of the people living inside.
A crawl space dehumidifier can eliminate moisture so that mold, mildew, and other harmful substances won’t grow and spread. At Smouse Bros, we’re happy to help you choose the right dehumidifier for your crawl space, and we’ll help with the installation process, too! Let’s look at the many benefits of investing in a crawl space dehumidifier and how they work to keep your space clean and dry.

Signs Your Crawl Space Has Excessive Moisture

Many of the signs of moisture are easy to spot, like unsightly mold or the musty smell of mildew. Other signs may not be as prevalent, but they’re just as likely to cause damage to your home. Here are some clear signs that your crawl space has excessive moisture:

• The presence of mold or mildew
• Carpets that are damp and have an odor
• Higher heating and cooling bills
• A musty smell
• Shingles and roofing materials that deteriorate quickly
• Hardwood flooring that buckles

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to call the pros for advice so you can eliminate the moisture and clean up the damage quickly.

What Size Dehumidifier Do I Need For My Crawl Space?

Crawl space dehumidifiers come in a range of sizes to accommodate homes with varying coverage areas and the amount of moisture that needs to be removed. Most manufacturers provide the square footage that each dehumidifier can handle, along with the “pints per day” of moisture that can be removed. For example, a dehumidifier may say that it has a water removal capacity of 70 pints per day during typical conditions. According to the experts, typical conditions are 80 degrees F and 60% humidity.
Determine the square footage of your basement and consult a crawl space professional who can help you pick the right size for your space. They will consider your moisture level, your foundation condition, and how sealed your crawl space is to help you select a dehumidifier that’s right for your home.

Can a Dehumidifier Handle All Excessive Moisture in a Crawl Space?

A dehumidifier works extremely efficiently at removing moisture from a tightly sealed crawl space. Problems arise when the space has open vents and spaces that allow outside air to get in. When this happens, moisture will continue to permeate the space, which causes the dehumidifier to work overtime, and it will never be able to keep the space 100% dry. To avoid this, it’s best to cover vents, spaces around pipes, and cracks in the foundation so the crawl space is tightly sealed and moisture-free.

Smouse Bros Offers Comprehensive Crawl Space Services

Is your crawl space showing signs of moisture? Do you see mold or notice a musty smell every time you go inside? Don’t drag your feet and wait for a major problem to appear, like a deteriorated roof or crumbling foundation. Instead, be proactive about moisture removal by purchasing a dehumidifier for your crawl space.

At Smouse Brothers, we’re proud to serve the Nixa, MO, community by offering reliable services and quality workmanship. If you’re interested in learning more about crawl space humidifiers or you’d like to purchase one for your home, contact us online or give us a call at 417-988-8201. We offer free estimates with no obligation, so you can make an informed decision for your home.

Featured Image: grandbrothers / Shutterstock

While concrete is long-lasting, it does not stay in good condition forever. Old concrete is prone to damage, such as sinking, cracking, or unevenness. A cost-effective way to fix these issues is through concrete leveling. Polyjacking and mudjacking are the two most common concrete leveling methods today, and while these two concrete leveling methods share many similarities, it’s important to understand their differences, especially when deciding which best suits your needs.

At Smouse Brothers, we offer top-of-the-line concrete polyjacking services in Southwest Missouri. Keep reading to see the difference between polyjacking and mudjacking and which is better for your home today!

What is Polyjacking?

Polyjacking, or polyurethane injection, is today’s most popular concrete leveling method. It is a newer concrete leveling form that involves injecting liquid foam via small holes drilled into a concrete slab. After the foam is injected, it goes through a chemical reaction, causing it to expand. As it expands, it fills the gaps and exerts enough pressure on the slab to make it level again. The polyurethane foam hardens quickly, leaving you with level, stable concrete.

Pros of Polyjacking

Some of the benefits of polyjacking include:

• Smaller drill holes: The holes required for polyurethane injection are smaller than the ones needed for mudjacking.
• Time: Polyurethane foam hardens quickly, and the site can be ready for use in as little as 15 minutes.
• Lightweight: Polyurethane foam weighs around 2 pounds per cubic foot.
• Waterproof: Polyurethane foam is hydrophobic and will not wash away.

Cons of Polyjacking

• Higher cost: Polyjacking is more expensive due to the high cost of polyurethane.
• Less control: Since polyurethane expands, you need precision to fill the voids.

What is Mudjacking?

Mudjacking uses a mixture of soil, sand, clay, cement, and limestone. This mixture is pumped into drilled holes at high pressure and speed to fill the gaps. This mixture eventually builds enough pressure to raise the slab to a level position.

Once the process is complete, the holes are closed, and the area can be used again after 24-72 hours.

Pros of Mudjacking

Mudjacking has the following advantages:

• Cost-effective: Mudjacking generally costs less than polyjacking, making it a cost-effective leveling method.
• Strength and durability: Mudjacking lasts long when done by a knowledgeable concrete leveling expert.

Cons of Mudjacking

Mudjacking has the following disadvantages:
Drill hole size: When mudjacking, the process requires fairly large drill holes about two inches in diameter.
High pressure: The mudjacking process involves using high pressure to fill voids, which may lead to some not getting filled, causing a weaker repair.

Mudjacking Vs. Polyjacking, Which is Better?

Appearance

When polyjacking, the holes drilled into the concrete slabs are fewer and smaller. Mudjacking, on the other hand, requires more holes that are much larger. Ultimately, polyjacking results in a cleaner, more polished look.

Expedited time

Polyurethane takes minutes to cure and can be ready to be walked or driven on that same day. Mudjacking, on the other hand, can take 24 to 72 hours to cure and does not allow any traffic to use the fixed concrete during that time frame.

Water and moisture resistance

Polyurethane can be used in wet conditions or underwater. The foam-like material creates a barrier resistant to water and moisture penetration. Mudjacking, on the other hand, isn’t hydrophobic, so it doesn’t protect your concrete from water and moisture, leaving it at risk.

Weight

Concrete problems are typically a result of poor soil conditions. As such, you need a lightweight substance to deal with these issues to avoid further weakening the soil. Mudjacking typically weighs about 100 lbs per cubic foot, while polyurethane weighs 2-4 lbs. per cubic foot, making it an ideal option.
For the above reasons, polyjacking is undoubtedly a better option for concrete leveling.

Concrete Foundation Repair in Missouri and Arkansas

Smouse Brothers is an award-winning company with over 15 years of experience in concrete lifting and leveling across Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri. We are dedicated to ensuring our concrete repair services exceed your expectations.

Contact us today for a free quote.

Featured Image: Syazwani Pardi / Shutterstock