Over 60% of homes have a moisture issue in the crawl space. And where there’s moisture, mold is almost always close behind. That means the air you're breathing inside your home could be filled with mold spores, allergens, and toxins—circulating through your HVAC system and triggering health issues like allergies, asthma, and even long-term respiratory problems.
At Crawl Space Ninja DIY, our mission is to help you solve that—yourself. With the right plan, materials, and support, you can turn a damp, musty crawl space into a dry, healthy foundation for your home.
Why Your Crawl Space Matters
Your crawl space plays a bigger role in your home’s health than you might think. It’s like the roots of a tree—if they’re damaged or rotting, everything above begins to suffer.
Moisture in the crawl space rises. It seeps into wooden joists, insulation, subflooring—and even your air ducts if your HVAC system runs underneath your home. That contaminated air then circulates throughout your living space, quietly affecting your family’s health.
But it’s not just about air quality. Moisture also weakens your home’s structure. It leads to wood rot, rusts metal supports, breaks down insulation, and can eventually cause sagging floors and expensive foundation damage.
And if that wasn’t enough—pests like termites, rodents, and even snakes thrive in damp crawl spaces. A dry environment doesn’t guarantee they’ll stay out, but it makes your home far less attractive to them.
How to Fix It: The Crawl Space Ninja DIY System
Our system is the same one used by Crawl Space Ninja franchise teams across the country—but made simple for DIYers. Whether you're handy or just determined to protect your home, we'll guide you through every step.
Here’s how you take back your crawl space.
Start by Controlling Moisture from the Outside
The first step is to look beyond the crawl space itself. Check for poor drainage around your home—clogged gutters, downspouts that dump near the foundation, or low spots in your yard.
By installing downspout extensions and curtain drains, you’ll prevent water from ever reaching your foundation. If water is still getting inside, you’ll want to install an interior drainage system next.
Create an Interior Waterproofing Setup
We recommend the Hydraway Waterproofing System for your crawl space floor. It’s designed to move water quickly to a sump pump without clogging, unlike traditional gravel and pipe systems.
Once in place, this interior drain system helps prevent water from building up beneath your vapor barrier—especially during heavy rains.
Encapsulate the Crawl Space Properly
Encapsulation is where your crawl space transformation really begins. Using a 12 mil vapor barrier, you’ll seal off the space from ground moisture. We offer several sizes, including woven options for added durability.
Attach the barrier to foundation walls and piers using mechanical fasteners (not just adhesive spray). Overlap seams and seal them with our Crawl Space Ninja tape to create a secure, long-lasting seal.
And here’s what really sets our vapor barriers apart:
They’re made from solid, single-layer polyethylene—no adhesives, no laminated layers, and absolutely no “cat pee” odor that can come from off-gassing cheaper materials.
Install a Dehumidifier to Control Humidity
A vapor barrier is essential—but it can’t control humidity on its own. That’s why we recommend the Ninja Dry Pro 70, our high-efficiency dehumidifier built specifically for crawl spaces.
It removes up to 71 pints of moisture per day and is ideal for spaces under 2,000 sq. ft. For larger areas, we can help you size up or install multiple units.
Add Insulation for Efficiency and Comfort
Insulating your crawl space foundation walls helps regulate temperature and reduces energy costs. If your HVAC system runs through the crawl space, this step becomes even more important.
The combination of insulation and a vapor barrier creates a thermal break—keeping your crawl space dry, your system efficient, and your floors more comfortable year-round.
You Can Do This And We’re Here to Help
Encapsulating your crawl space can feel like a big project, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Crawl Space Ninja DIY, we provide:
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Step-by-step guidance
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Expert advice
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DIY kits and pro-grade materials
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Support before, during, and after your install
You’ll be using the same products our franchises rely on every day—trusted, tested, and built to last.