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One handy thing about whole-house dehumidifiers is, once installed, you don’t have to worry about placement or changing the dehumidifier’s position. But if you are using a portable dehumidifier, we suggest keeping it away from walls, vents, and furniture. It needs a central, unobstructed spot with access to lots of air to do its job.

A crawl space is an area under the house that provides access to plumbing, electrical, heating ducts, and other HVAC units. Its purpose is to create a buffer between the ground and the living area, helping with ventilation, moisture control, and access for maintenance or repairs. Crawl spaces are most often seen in houses in North America which are built on concrete foundations versus other parts of the world where buildings are constructed differently.

A crawl space can be as little as 42 inches below the grade of your house, but this is not always recommended in flood-prone areas. At a minimum, there must be at least 16 inches of clearance between the ground and the floor joists to access the space in an emergency.

While a standard gutter system is widely considered the most effective way to prevent water damage to your home's foundation, several alternatives are available. These options can be used on their own in certain climates or as supplementary protection.

Common alternatives include:

• Rain Chains: These are decorative chains that hang from the roof's edge, guiding rainwater to the ground.

• Drip Edges: These metal strips are installed at the edge of the roof to direct water away from the fascia. While often used with gutters, they can be paired with a ground-level solution but are typically not sufficient on their own.

• Rain Dispersal Systems: These systems work by breaking up the heavy sheet of water flowing off the roof, dispersing it over a wider area.

• French Drains: This ground-level system uses a perforated pipe in a gravel-filled trench to collect and redirect water runoff away from the house.

• Drip Paths: Placed directly below the roofline, these paths made of concrete, stone, or other materials prevent soil erosion and guide water away.

It's important to note that some alternatives like rain chains and dispersal systems may not be adequate in regions with heavy rainfall because they don't divert water away from the foundation as effectively as a full gutter system. Ground-based solutions like French drains can be very effective but are often more expensive and can affect your landscaping and curb appeal. Many experts recommend installing a full gutter system for maximum protection and using alternatives as supplementary measures.