KnowHow

Processes For Growing Restoration Companies

This guide provides new water damage technicians with a step-by-step overview of how to properly inspect, dry, and protect crawl spaces following water intrusion. It includes crawlspace-specific hazards, necessary equipment, strategies for containment and evaporation, and tips for preventing future moisture problems. Based on the IICRC S500 standards and Reets Drying Academy best practices, this guide is designed to help you safely and effectively manage even the most challenging crawlspace drying jobs.

Dry Out a Crawl Space

<h3 data-start="308" data-end="346">1.&nbsp;Confined Space Standards</h3>
<ul data-start="347" data-end="889">
<li data-start="347" data-end="425">
Standard: <a target="_new" data-start="363" data-end="425">29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA</a>
</li>
<li data-start="426" data-end="698">
OSHA may classify a crawlspace as a confined space or even a permit-required confined space if it meets these criteria:
<ul data-start="558" data-end="698">
<li data-start="558" data-end="578">
Limited entry/exit
</li>
<li data-start="581" data-end="620">
Not designed for continuous occupancy
</li>
<li data-start="623" data-end="698">
Potential hazards (e.g., toxic atmosphere, engulfment, oxygen deficiency)
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li data-start="699" data-end="889">
Employers must:
<ul data-start="719" data-end="889">
<li data-start="719" data-end="762">
Evaluate if the space is permit-required.
</li>
<li data-start="765" data-end="791">
Provide proper training.
</li>
<li data-start="794" data-end="841">
Use air monitoring and ventilation as needed.
</li>
<li data-start="844" data-end="889">
Follow entry permit procedures if required.
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="891" data-end="894">
<h3 data-start="896" data-end="937">2.&nbsp;Air Quality and Ventilation</h3>
<ul data-start="938" data-end="1263">
<li data-start="938" data-end="994">
Standard: 29 CFR 1910.134 (Respiratory Protection)
</li>
<li data-start="995" data-end="1121">
If there&rsquo;s potential for:
<ul data-start="1025" data-end="1121">
<li data-start="1025" data-end="1031">
Mold
</li>
<li data-start="1034" data-end="1044">
Asbestos
</li>
<li data-start="1047" data-end="1060">
Sewer gases
</li>
<li data-start="1063" data-end="1121">
Carbon monoxide (e.g., from nearby combustion equipment)
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li data-start="1122" data-end="1263">
Employers may need to:
<ul data-start="1149" data-end="1263">
<li data-start="1149" data-end="1168">
Test air quality.
</li>
<li data-start="1171" data-end="1217">
Provide ventilation (mechanical or natural).
</li>
<li data-start="1220" data-end="1263">
Supply appropriate respirators if needed.
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

Safety First

<img style="width: 500px; height: auto;" src="https://d1d4x9xaxq9e85.cloudfront.net/image/draftjs/crawl space.jpg" alt="crawl space.jpg">
Key Objectives:
<ul>
<li data-start="930" data-end="953">Identify safety hazards</li>
<li data-start="956" data-end="978">Determine drying scope</li>
<li data-start="981" data-end="1008">Define containment strategy</li>
</ul>
What to Inspect:
<ul>
<li data-start="1033" data-end="1092">Electrical hazards, pests, sewage, and structural stability</li>
<li data-start="1095" data-end="1128">Presence of standing water or mud</li>
<li data-start="1131" data-end="1183">Condition of vapor barrier, insulation, and subfloor</li>
<li data-start="1186" data-end="1227">Microbial growth on framing or insulation</li>
</ul>
Reets Tip: Crawlspaces often lack light and power. Bring a headlamp and ensure safe power access.
PPE Required:
<ul>
<li data-start="1357" data-end="1372">Full Tyvek suit</li>
<li data-start="1375" data-end="1425">N95 or respirator (if mold or sewage is suspected)</li>
<li data-start="1428" data-end="1473">Head protection, gloves, and waterproof boots</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

Inspect the Crawlspace

<img style="width: 500px; height: auto;" src="https://d1d4x9xaxq9e85.cloudfront.net/image/draftjs/crawl space with water.jpg" alt="crawl space with water.jpg">
Goal: Get the space as dry as possible before introducing drying equipment.
<ul>
<li data-start="1524" data-end="1619">Use a&nbsp;truck mount extractor for large volumes or a submersible pump for standing water.</li>
<li data-start="1622" data-end="1690">Follow up with a wet vac for small puddles or difficult corners.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

Extract Standing Water

<h4 data-start="2468" data-end="2509"><img style="width: 500px; height: auto;" src="https://d1d4x9xaxq9e85.cloudfront.net/image/draftjs/crawl space drying fan.jpg" alt="crawl space drying fan.jpg"></h4>
<h4 data-start="2468" data-end="2509">Dehumidifiers (LGR or Desiccant)</h4>
<ul>
<li data-start="2512" data-end="2552">Use to pull excess moisture from the air</li>
<li data-start="2555" data-end="2616">Place outside the crawlspace if necessary and duct air inside</li>
</ul>
<h4 data-start="2618" data-end="2637">Air Movers</h4>
<ul>
<li data-start="2640" data-end="2715">Increase evaporation by circulating dry air along wood framing and concrete</li>
<li data-start="2718" data-end="2777">Place strategically to create even airflow across structure</li>
</ul>
<h4 data-start="2779" data-end="2810">Power Distribution Box</h4>
<ul>
<li data-start="2813" data-end="2848">Most crawlspaces lack power outlets</li>
<li data-start="2851" data-end="2931">Use a properly rated box to safely distribute power and prevent circuit overload</li>
</ul>
<h4 data-start="2933" data-end="2973">Fans for Ventilation (Optional)</h4>
<ul>
<li data-start="2976" data-end="3032">Use exterior fans only if not running a dehumidifier</li>
<li data-start="3035" data-end="3105">Open vents during dry weather, close them when using mechanical drying</li>
</ul>
Don&rsquo;t let ventilation fight your drying strategy - control the environment.

Setup Drying Equipment

<img style="width: 500px; height: auto;" src="https://d1d4x9xaxq9e85.cloudfront.net/image/draftjs/crawl space moisture reading.jpg" alt="crawl space moisture reading.jpg">
Track These Key Areas:
<ul>
<li data-start="3268" data-end="3307">Moisture content of subfloor and joists</li>
<li data-start="3310" data-end="3350">Relative humidity (RH) of crawlspace air</li>
<li data-start="3353" data-end="3412">Dew point and grains per pound (GPP) with your psychrometer</li>
</ul>
Check and document:
<ul>
<li data-start="3436" data-end="3458">Every 24 hours minimum</li>
<li data-start="3461" data-end="3511">Reposition equipment as needed to target wet areas</li>
</ul>

Monitor Drying Progress

<img style="width: 500px; height: auto;" src="https://d1d4x9xaxq9e85.cloudfront.net/image/draftjs/crawl space vapor barrier.jpg" alt="crawl space vapor barrier.jpg">
Goal:&nbsp;To dry the structure, not the soil. Soil in crawlspaces constantly releases moisture.&nbsp;
Installation Guidelines:
<ol>
<li data-start="1972" data-end="2048">Use a minimum 6-mil plastic barrier (10+ mil recommended for long-term).</li>
<li data-start="2051" data-end="2121">Overlap seams by at least 12 inches and tape with waterproof tape.</li>
<li data-start="2124" data-end="2199">Extend barrier up foundation walls to block lateral moisture migration.</li>
</ol>
Reets Suggestion: Use a radon fan or containment exhaust under the barrier to create negative pressure and allow natural soil decontamination&mdash;without mucking out the entire space.

Install Vapor Barrier

<img style="width: 500px; height: auto;" src="https://d1d4x9xaxq9e85.cloudfront.net/image/draftjs/crawl space with pump.jpg" alt="crawl space with pump.jpg">
Drying alone won&rsquo;t stop the problem from recurring. Make these recommendations to the property owner:
Exterior Protection:
<ul>
<li data-start="3701" data-end="3747">Regrade soil to slope away from foundation</li>
<li data-start="3750" data-end="3796">Extend downspouts 6&ndash;10 feet from the house</li>
<li data-start="3799" data-end="3848">Seal foundation cracks using hydraulic cement</li>
</ul>
Interior Protection:
<ul>
<li data-start="3877" data-end="3917">Install sump pump in low-lying areas</li>
<li data-start="3920" data-end="3988">Encapsulate crawlspace (permanent vapor barrier + wall coverage)</li>
<li data-start="3991" data-end="4053">Install dehumidifier system for long-term moisture control</li>
</ul>
Long-Term Win: Crawlspace encapsulation + dehumidifier = permanent protection.

Prevent Future Crawlspace Damage

<img style="width: 500px; height: auto;" src="https://d1d4x9xaxq9e85.cloudfront.net/image/draftjs/AdobeStock_505129293.jpeg" alt="AdobeStock_505129293.jpeg">
<ul>
<li data-start="4192" data-end="4234">Don&rsquo;t try to dry soil. Focus on structure.</li>
<li data-start="4237" data-end="4344">Never introduce airflow faster than your dehumidifier can handle&mdash;it will drive moisture into the structure.</li>
<li data-start="4347" data-end="4449">Use containment if only part of the crawlspace is affected to reduce drying time and energy costs.</li>
<li data-start="4452" data-end="4535">Document everything: photos, meter readings, equipment settings, and daily updates.</li>
</ul>

Bonus Tips

<ul>
<li data-start="4563" data-end="4626">Reets Drying Academy Blog: <a href="https://reetsdryingacademy.com/blog/how-to-dry-out-a-crawl-space/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to Dry Out a Crawl Space</a></li>
<li data-start="4629" data-end="4717">IICRC S500: Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration</li>
</ul>