Crawlspace Dehumidification
Dedicated Crawlspace Dehumidification Services in Portland, OR
Even with a high-quality vapor barrier installed, the Pacific Northwest air and any moisture penetrating the foundation walls can keep the relative humidity (RH) in your Portland crawlspace above the critical 70% threshold. At this high humidity level, mold begins to grow, wood structures remain vulnerable to rot, and the environment attracts pests. Passive measures like venting are often ineffective in our climate and can sometimes make the problem worse, leading to ongoing structural damage and poor air quality upstairs.
Our Crawlspace Dehumidification service provides permanent, active moisture control. We install specialized, commercial-grade dehumidifiers that are specifically designed to operate efficiently in the cooler, dirtier environments of a crawlspace. This unit actively and continuously strips moisture from the air, maintaining RH below 55%—the critical level hostile to mold and rot. This crucial investment protects your structural integrity, eliminates musty odors, and completes the encapsulation process, ensuring a healthy, dry environment beneath your Portland home for years to come.
REVIEWS
Our 3-Step Crawlspace Dehumidification Process
Humidity Assessment and Sizing
We conduct a final moisture assessment of the wood and air (RH) to ensure the structure is dry and all water leaks are fixed. We then professionally size the dehumidifier unit based on the crawlspace volume and the specific moisture conditions found in your Portland home.
Professional Unit Installation and Drainage Setup
We install the dedicated, low-grain dehumidifier unit in a centralized location for maximum effectiveness. We set up a continuous, safe drainage system, typically routing the condensate to an exterior sump pump or condensate pump, ensuring water is removed safely and never pools.
System Calibration and Monitoring
We calibrate the unit to maintain the ideal humidity level (below 55% RH) and permanently seal the remaining crawlspace vents, completing the encapsulation. We verify that the unit is operating efficiently, providing immediate, long-term climate control and structural protection.
Q&A
Why is a dedicated dehumidifier needed if I already have a new vapor barrier installed?
The vapor barrier only stops moisture from evaporating out of the soil. A dehumidifier handles the moisture that comes from other sources, such as ambient Portland air entering during vent opening, moisture absorption into foundation walls, or residual moisture deep in the structural wood. Active dehumidification is the only way to consistently control the relative humidity below the 60% threshold required to completely prevent mold growth and wood rot.
How does a crawlspace dehumidifier affect the energy efficiency of my entire home?
By controlling the humidity in the crawlspace, you are dramatically reducing the amount of moisture the stack effect pulls into your home. It takes significantly more energy to heat or cool moist air than dry air. Therefore, maintaining a dry crawlspace makes the rest of your home’s HVAC system more efficient, resulting in lower energy consumption and ultimately, lower overall heating and cooling bills.
Should I seal my crawlspace vents or leave them open when installing a dehumidifier?
When installing a dedicated dehumidifier, it is imperative that all crawlspace vents are sealed (a process called encapsulation). Leaving the vents open allows the humid, outside Portland air to pour into the crawlspace, which forces the dehumidifier to run constantly and inefficiently, wasting energy and failing to maintain a consistent dry standard. Sealing the vents creates a closed system that the dehumidifier can effectively condition.
Are crawlspace dehumidifiers noisy or difficult to maintain once installed?
The commercial-grade units we install are specifically designed for low-noise operation in crawlspace environments and are generally very quiet. They are simple to maintain, requiring periodic cleaning of the air filter (usually once or twice a year). We use professional units with automatic drain pumps, eliminating the need for you to empty a bucket, making them virtually maintenance-free for the homeowner.
How do you handle the water that the dehumidifier pulls out of the air?
The dehumidifier collects water (condensate) from the air. We install an automatic condensate pump system that collects this water and safely routes it to the exterior of your home, typically into a French drain, a designated sump basin, or a properly installed yard drainage system. This ensures that the water collected is safely removed and never allowed to pool in or near the crawlspace, maintaining the dry environment.
