How to Protect Your Basement and Crawl Space This Summer
Homeowner Tip
Jun 25, 2025 · 2 min read

How to Protect Your Basement and Crawl Space This Summer

While we’re all enjoying longer days and lake trips, the hidden areas of your home, like basements and crawl spaces, could be suffering in silence. Excess humidity in these areas isn’t just uncomfortable, it can lead to mold, mildew, wood rot, structural damage and musty air throughout your home.

Summer Humidity Effect on Foundations
Josh Stith
Josh Stith
Owner

Joshua Stith is one of the industry’s leading experts in residential foundation repair. He has now spent over 30 years in the foundation and construction industry, combining field experience, engineering knowledge, and leadership to help homeowners protect and restore the structural integrity of their homes. More

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    Why Summer Humidity Is a Problem

    Michigan summers are notoriously humid, especially after heavy rains or high dew points. That warm, damp air can easily creep into your basement or crawl space, especially if it’s not properly sealed. Once inside, it condenses on cooler surfaces like concrete walls or ductwork, creating the perfect environment for mold growth and moisture-related damage.

    Signs of excess humidity in your basement or crawl space may include:

    • A musty odor that doesn’t go away
    • Visible mold or mildew on walls or beams
    • Sagging insulation or rusted metal fixtures
    • Condensation on windows, pipes, or floors
    • Increased indoor allergy symptoms or respiratory issues

    5 Ways to Fight Humidity in Basements and Crawl Spaces

    Seal Any Openings

    Small cracks or gaps in your foundation can let warm, moist air in. Sealing those cracks with professional-grade materials helps block air and water intrusion before it becomes a bigger issue.

    Encapsulate Your Crawl space

    Crawl space encapsulation creates a sealed barrier between the ground and your home. We use high-performance vapor barriers to keep out ground moisture and reduce humidity levels dramatically.

    Install a Dehumidifier

    A high-capacity, energy-efficient dehumidifier—especially one designed for basements or crawl spaces—can remove excess moisture from the air. At Foundation Restoration, we can recommend and install units that are right-sized for your space.

    Improve Drainage Outside

    Properly graded landscaping, downspout extensions, and functioning gutters go a long way toward keeping water out. Water that pools around your foundation adds to indoor humidity and increases the risk of leaks.

    Schedule a Professional Inspection

    Sometimes, the biggest problems aren’t visible until it’s too late. A professional inspection can uncover hidden issues before they become major repairs, saving you money and stress down the line.

    Check out our Google Reviews!

    Humidity doesn’t take the summer off and neither do we. We’ve helped hundreds of Michigan homeowners protect their basements and crawl spaces from the damage moisture brings, earning HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews along the way. Whether you need encapsulation, foundation sealing, or waterproofing, our team shows up with grit, experience, and a plan to get the job done right. Let’s get ahead of the humidity before it gets ahead of you.

    If you think you may have an issue with the foundation of your home, give us a call at 877-MAKE-DRY for a free estimate, or fill out our contact form and we’ll come take a look at no charge to you.

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