Water needs to be routed away from the foundation.

• gutters should be kept clean and in good working order
• downspouts need to drain away from the foundation.
• the ground should be pitched away from house as much as possible.
• there should not be any water standing in the crawlspace after a rainfall.
  
  

If there is, the crawlspace may need a sump pump or an interior drain system. Often standing water inside the crawlspace can be solved by proper maintenance and planning outside of the home.

Moisture in the crawlspace must be contained.

• there are various opinions on how much coverage and what type of plastic should go into a crawlspace.
• the vapor barrier plastic, usually 6-10 mil polythylene, covers 100% of the crawlspace floor.
• the vapor barrier extends up the crawlspace walls, the height of which varies depending upon crawlspace conditions. The vapor barrier may extend up to home’s sill plate.
• the vapor barrier must be sealed to the foundation to contain the moisture.