Crawl Space Drying
Pump-out, dehumidification, vapor barrier solutions & odor control for homes and businesses in Los Angeles & Ventura Counties.
- IICRC-Certified Technicians
- Pump-Out & Structural Drying
- Vapor Barrier Repair/Replace
Why crawl space drying matters
Moisture in crawl spaces drives odors, mold growth, wood rot, warped floors, pest activity, and poor indoor air quality. Drying the structure — not just the air — prevents recurring problems and costly repairs.
- Reduce odors & microbial risk
- Protect framing, subfloors & insulation
- Stabilize humidity to help prevent future growth
Common crawl space moisture sources
Groundwater & storms
Heavy rain, high water table, poor grading, or missing French drains.
Plumbing leaks
Leaking supply or drain lines running through the crawl space.
HVAC & condensation
Condensate line failures or sweating ducts in warm, humid periods.
Vapor barrier issues
Damaged, missing, or poorly sealed plastic sheeting (6–12 mil).
Vent & air flow problems
Uncontrolled outside air raising humidity and dew point.
Site drainage
Downspouts dumping toward the home; clogged gutters.
Our crawl space drying process
- Assessment & Safety: Confined-space evaluation, electrical checks, moisture mapping & thermal imaging.
- Pump-Out & Extraction: Remove standing water and saturated debris.
- Cleaning & Prep: Remove compromised insulation where required; address wet vapor barrier.
- Structural Drying: LGR/desiccant dehumidifiers + low-profile air movers; directed airflow to subfloors/joists.
- Air Filtration / Odor Control: HEPA filtration and deodorization strategies as needed.
- Vapor Barrier: Repair/replace sheeting; seams sealed; penetrations addressed.
- Verification & Documentation: Daily psychrometric readings; moisture targets met; photos & logs provided.
Equipment we deploy (plain-English)
LGR / Desiccant Dehumidifiers
Lower humidity to pull moisture from framing, subfloors & insulation.
Low-Profile Air Movers
Drive evaporation in tight spaces without blocking access.
HEPA & Negative Air
Capture particulates and control odors when conditions require.
When is crawl space encapsulation recommended?
Encapsulation may be a good fit when:
- High humidity or condensation returns after drying
- Soil consistently damp or water table is high
- Persistent odors impacting living spaces
What it includes: sealed vapor barrier (often 10–12 mil), sealed vents/penetrations, dedicated dehumidification, and drainage improvements (French drains/sump) as appropriate. We’ll explain options and work with trusted trades if a full encapsulation is desired.
What to do before we arrive (if safe)
- Keep people & pets out of the crawl space.
- Avoid running HVAC if strong odors are pulling into living areas.
- Walk the exterior: clear downspouts & ensure water flows away from the home.
- If you see plumbing leaks, shut off the fixture or main if you can do so safely.
Insurance & documentation
- We provide photos, moisture/psychrometric logs, and equipment lists.
- Coverage depends on cause and policy terms (sudden/accidental vs. ground water exclusions).
- We can coordinate with your adjuster to streamline approvals.
Related services
See also: Structural Drying & Dehumidification, Emergency Flood Cleanup, Water Damage Restoration, Mold Removal & Remediation, Odor Control & Sanitizing.
Service areas
Proudly serving Los Angeles, Long Beach, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, Torrance, Pomona, West Covina, Norwalk, Downey, El Monte, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Culver City, West Hollywood, Hawthorne, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, San Pedro, Woodland Hills, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Studio City, Reseda, Tarzana, Canoga Park, Chatsworth, Granada Hills, Northridge, Sylmar, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Moorpark, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Oxnard, Ventura, and nearby areas.
Crawl Space Drying — Frequently Asked Questions
How long does crawl space drying take?
Simple pump-out and drying can take 2–4 days; high humidity, insulation removal, or persistent groundwater can extend timelines. We monitor daily and adjust equipment.
Do you install or replace vapor barriers?
Yes. We repair or replace vapor barrier (commonly 6–12 mil) and seal seams/penetrations. We’ll advise on upgrades if conditions warrant.
Do you handle mold in crawl spaces?
We provide containment, removal of impacted materials, HEPA cleaning, and drying. For air/surface sampling and post-remediation clearance, we coordinate with independent third-party IEPs.
Is encapsulation required?
Not always. We recommend it when humidity or odors persist after drying, or when ground moisture is chronic. We’ll explain options and costs clearly.
Can you get rid of odors?
Yes. Source removal, thorough drying, cleaning, and deodorization strategies reduce odors. See Odor Control & Sanitizing.
Is crawl space water damage covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on cause and policy terms. Sudden/accidental events may be covered; groundwater or maintenance issues may be excluded. We provide documentation for claims.
Wet crawl space? We’re on our way.
Fast extraction, thorough structural drying, and clear documentation — done right the first time.