Yes, it can be safe to put lime under your house, particularly hydrated lime in a crawl space, provided proper safety precautions are rigorously followed and it is used for appropriate purposes like moisture control and odor elimination.
Understanding Lime in Your Crawl Space
When discussing lime for under a house, it generally refers to hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide). This fine, white powder is effective for drying out damp areas and improving air quality in enclosed spaces like crawl spaces. Its primary functions include:
- Moisture Absorption: Hydrated lime can absorb significant amounts of moisture, helping to dry out damp soil and prevent water accumulation.
- Odor Neutralization: It helps to "snuff out odors" by absorbing moisture and inhibiting the growth of odor-causing microbes.
- Mold Prevention: By reducing dampness, lime can create an environment less hospitable for mold and mildew growth.
Safety First: Handling Lime
While beneficial, lime can be toxic and irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Therefore, personal protective equipment (PPE) is absolutely essential when handling and applying it.
Required Safety Gear Checklist
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Long Sleeves | Protect skin from direct contact and irritation |
| Gloves | Prevent skin absorption and chemical burns |
| Dust Mask | Avoid inhaling fine lime particles |
| Goggles | Shield eyes from dust and potential splashes |
Always ensure the area is well-ventilated, even if it's a crawl space, to minimize inhalation exposure.
Benefits of Using Hydrated Lime
Applying hydrated lime in a crawl space offers several advantages for home maintenance:
- Dampness Reduction: Spreading a layer on a damp crawl space floor effectively soaks up excess water, creating a drier environment.
- Odor Control: It helps eliminate musty or unpleasant odors commonly found in damp crawl spaces.
- Pest Deterrent: A drier environment and the alkaline nature of lime can be less inviting to certain pests.
- Improved Air Quality: By reducing dampness and odors, it can indirectly contribute to better indoor air quality throughout your home, as crawl space air can circulate into living areas.
How to Apply Lime
For effective and safe application:
- Prepare the Area: Ensure the crawl space floor is damp enough for the lime to adhere and begin absorbing.
- Wear PPE: Put on all necessary safety gear (long sleeves, gloves, dust mask, goggles) before handling the lime.
- Spread Evenly: Spread a layer of hydrated lime on the damp floor. The amount should be sufficient to soak up the water without creating excessively thick piles.
- Allow to Dry: Let the lime dry thoroughly. As it dries, it will continue to absorb moisture and neutralize odors.
Important Considerations
- Type of Lime: Always use hydrated lime for this purpose. Other types of lime, like quicklime (calcium oxide), are much more reactive and dangerous for homeowner use.
- Not a Structural Solution: Lime addresses moisture, but it's not a substitute for repairing leaks or addressing significant drainage issues around your foundation. Always resolve the root cause of excessive dampness.
- Ventilation: Even after application, maintaining good ventilation in your crawl space is crucial for ongoing moisture management.
Using hydrated lime can be a safe and effective method for managing dampness and odors in your crawl space when handled with the appropriate safety precautions.
