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DIYers Are Making A HUGE Mistake With 75% Humidity In Crawl Spaces

Crawl Space Ninja

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🆓 Free Guide — Is Your Crawl Space Making Your Family Sick? The 4-Stage Warning Sign Checklist:
👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/csninja/e/52... Chad from Michigan shares how he transformed his humid, dilapidated crawl space into a clean, dry environment that dramatically improved his home's comfort and air quality. Despite having a new central air system, his house maintained a persistent "clammy cool feeling" until he addressed the 75-78% humidity levels in his crawl space.

• DIY crawl space encapsulation completed in phases over approximately one month
• Initial problem: high indoor humidity (56-58%) despite new AC, with crawl space readings at 75-78%
• First phase involved installing an Aprilaire EO80 dehumidifier and sealing vents
• Complete encapsulation included vapor barrier installation using butyl tape and mechanical fasteners
• Improved ductwork insulation with proper air gaps for better efficiency
• Replaced makeshift entry with professional crawl space inset door featuring magnetic seals
• Added electrical for lighting and a dedicated 20-amp circuit for the dehumidifier
• Insulated rim joists using Dow Froth Pack spray foam
• Installed Wi-Fi water alarms for monitoring potential water issues

{Links and Products Mentioned}
Crawl Space Ninja DIY Store https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com/
Hilti Tools for Rent https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com/co...
Crawl Space Doors https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com/pr...
Aprilaire E080 Dehumidifier https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com/ap...
Dranjer Drain for Sump Pump https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com/dr...

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At Crawl Space Ninja, we’re here to help homeowners take control of their crawl spaces, basements, and indoor air quality. Our videos are packed with expert advice, how-to guides, and product recommendations on:

✅ Crawl Space Encapsulation
✅ Basement Waterproofing
✅ Foundation Repair
✅ Mold Remediation
✅ Indoor Air Quality
✅ Air Purification
✅ Dehumidifiers & Ventilation
✅ DIY Tips & Professional Insights

Whether you're a DIYer or just want to better understand what’s under your home, our mission is to educate and empower you to protect your home and your health.

*Contact Us:*
Website: (https://CrawlSpaceNinja.com/)
Schedule Free Inspection: (865) 659-0390
DIY Store: (https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com)
DIY Store Phone: (865) 321-9314

*Disclaimer:* This information is for educational purposes only. Consult professionals for specific advice. Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
#CrawlSpaceNinja #BasementNinja

0:00 Introduction
0:24 Before Encapsulation
4:09 Motivation for Encapsulating
5:38 Crawl Space Door Before
6:31 After Crawl Space Encapsulation
10:41 HVAC Insulation
12:38 More Before and After Photos
13:45 Crawl Space Door After
16:35 Dehumidifier Installation
17:42 Sump Pump Installation
20:25 Rim Joist Insulation
23:35 Final Words of Encouragement

11 Comments

@CrawlSpaceNinja Creator 3 years ago Pinned

Here is some more information from Chad about how well the Aprilaire E080 has been performing in his crawl space that we'd like to share: "It's been actually about 6 weeks [since installing the E080]. Using dew point on the model 76 the E080's only increased the electric bill $20-30. It only runs a few times per day in August which is impressive. To go from 75-78%RH to 50%, that's worth every penny! This allowed the living space to drop to 48-52% taking the large moisture load off the AC."

Thank you for taking the time to share about your encapsulation experience, Chad!

@SamLopez11 3 years ago

This was a great walk through! I also plan to do mine in stages due to cost(maybe moreso due to time) so it was great to see that whole process. I'll definitely get some help when the vapor barrier time comes!

@SomeGuyWhoClimbs 3 years ago

I'm over in the PNW (Washington) and am considering going the DIY route as well after getting some eye watering quotes from the few contractors who do encapsulation here. Really appreciate these informative vids as well as the one-stop-shop for supplies. Now if only I could rent a Hilti time machine to fast forward to when I've completed this...

@TagiukGold 3 years ago

Another way go to help those AB foam tanks is to place them in warm water, so there is more heat to keep them warm as they dispense.

@Curious_And_Judgemental 1 month ago

Since he didn’t have mold on his lumber, seems like removing the insulation and just installing a whole house dehumidifier would have been sufficient

@marywilks9633 2 years ago

COULDN'T you please come to Memphis and do my crawl space problem

@unlimited8072 2 years ago

great video. I have a question: if all the vent closed, will that cauas Gas or Radon? I heard need one vent open somehow

@WVAlmostHeaven 3 years ago

We are having basement Authority do our work. Last October with a drunk lady hit a fire hydrant and it flooded around our house and under our house for 5 hours. Took me many months to get her insurance information and I still don't know if it will pay for everything.

@oakfig 3 years ago

I don't see any videos of encapsulating double wide mobile homes. Is this only done on real houses?

@forallyall6143 3 years ago

Question for the Ninja! Building new Home in Eastern NC , Very humid summers, I have had a hard time in existing home and want to have fresh start in our new home , 3700 sqft of crawl space 48" tall , I have heard of some people putting a slab in crawl space and then using a separate hvac system just for the crawl space to keep it same temp as inside home , I am framed up now so too late for slab but I am sure we can achieve same with 20 Mil plastic, what are your thoughts on this , if you have a video on it already i must have overlooked it. Good stuff fellas

@daniellind08 3 years ago (edited)

So I glad I found this channel! I live in Utah and I’m about to incapsulate my crawlspace in my cabin. It’s super dry here for the most part but we get a ton of snow every winter. Is it still wise to install a dehumidifier?
Thanks for all you do!