Place a Piece of Plastic on the Floor

How to Check for Moisture Under My House?

Moisture issues under your house can lead to serious structural problems, including wood rot and foundation damage. If you suspect moisture is present, placing a piece of plastic on the floor is a simple and effective way to confirm your suspicion.

Materials You'll Need

  • Plastic sheeting (at least 3 mil thick)
  • Tape
  • Ruler or measuring tape

Steps

1.

Clean the Floor: Clear the area where you will be placing the plastic of any debris or dirt.

2.

Roll Out the Plastic: Unroll a piece of plastic that is large enough to cover the area you want to test. Cut the plastic to size if necessary.

3.

Secure the Plastic: Tape the edges of the plastic to the floor around the perimeter. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the floor, with no gaps or holes.

4.

Leave it for 24 Hours: Allow the plastic to remain on the floor for at least 24 hours. This will give moisture time to accumulate under the plastic.

5.

Check for Condensation: After 24 hours, remove the plastic and check the underside for any condensation. If you see water droplets, it indicates that there is moisture present under the floor.

6.

Measure the Moisture: If you observe condensation, you can measure the amount of moisture using a moisture meter. Place the meter on the floor under the plastic and read the results.

Interpretation of Results

If the plastic is dry after 24 hours, it is unlikely that there is significant moisture under the floor. However, if you observe condensation or moisture, it is recommended to contact a qualified professional to further investigate and address the moisture issue.