Waterproofing your crawl area is essential for the security of the structure and the safety of the objects stored within.
Therefore, not only must the inner and external walls of the crawl space foundation be waterproofed, but any areas that could allow water seepage must also be sealed.
Even if most homeowners don’t utilize their crawl spaces very often, it’s critical to keep them dry. These locations make it simple to do wiring and plumbing repairs. In addition, pilings in the underground spaces protect the house’s foundation from most soil conditions.
Because moisture causes mold and fungi to grow, damage to the crawl space impacts the indoor air quality of your home. Your crawlspace can let in nearly half of the air in your living space. Because the structural integrity of a crawl space is so crucial, any crawl space structural repairs should be addressed as soon as possible. Crawl space repairs can include drooping, failing, or even decaying support beams.
HydroHelp911 provides Crawl Space Waterproofing in the Gastonia, NC area. Our Crawl Space Waterproofing specialists will identify the water source and implement the necessary measures to safeguard your property from high humidity, poor drainage, leaking pipes, and other problems.
Take a look at this article to learn about HydroHelp911’s comprehensive Crawl Space Waterproofing strategies for resolving moisture problems.
Crawl Space Waterproofing Procedure
REMOVAL OF DEBRIS
Builders commonly lay down a vapor barrier on the ground when constructing a house. In your crawl area, a vapor barrier is a plastic liner sheet that is installed. The vapor barrier is nothing more than a physical barrier that prevents odors and vapors from escaping from the ground.
In addition, if you have fiberglass insulation in your crawl space, it’s likely no longer attached. So, before installing water drainage, HydroHelp911 will start by removing your existing vapor barrier, any falling insulation, and any other debris from your crawl space.
The Crawl Space Waterproofing specialists at HydroHelp911 will employ one of the drainage system installation procedures described below in Gastonia, NC, depending on the source of the water and the degree of the damage caused by the water. The crew will excavate a tunnel along the crawl space’s perimeter and install drainage systems.
EXTERIOR WATERPROOFING
This method is labor-intensive because excavation is required to waterproof a crawl space from the outside. Exterior waterproofing is most feasible during the early building phase or in conjunction with another restoration, repair, or landscaping job, according to Crawl Space Waterproofing experts at HydroHelp911.
Exterior waterproofing requires constructing a moisture barrier around the foundation walls to keep water away from the house. In addition, a drainage system is typically built to alleviate hydrostatic pressure on the walls, leading to the formation of fractures over time. Check out the video of an exterior waterproofing done by HydroHelp911 crawl space experts.
INTERIOR WATERPROOFING
Interior waterproofing is equally as effective as outside waterproofing, but it’s a lot less work. A vapor barrier is initially installed on the floor, tops of walls, and sometimes even the ceiling. This is also known as crawl space encapsulation, and it helps to keep all outside moisture out.
Other ways for removing water and drying out any remaining moisture in the crawl area include using a sump pump, dehumidifier, ventilator, or gravity discharge system. Combining multiple internal waterproofing solutions will help you receive the most effective outcomes for your crawl space, according to Crawl Space Waterproofing service company HydroHelp911.
INSTALLATION OF SUMP PUMPS
A sump pump in the crawl space will help remove standing water and direct it away from the house. In addition, the HydroHelp911 waterproofing experts recommend installing a sump pump with battery backup to avoid problems during power outages.
Take a peek at HydroHelp911’s video.
Post Waterproofing Steps by HydroHelp911 Technicians
DEHUMIDIFIER
Maintaining a reasonable temperature in the crawl space necessitates the use of a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers are machines that remove moisture from the air in a room. Based on the scenario, the Crawl Space Waterproofing company HydroHelp911 will recommend installing a dehumidifier. The humidity level must be kept below 50%, which can be accomplished with the help of a dehumidifier.
INSULATION
Insulation keeps your crawlspace at the proper temperature. It will help you and your beloved members stay warm in the chilly weather and cool down the house in the hot and humid season. The most critical aspect in making your home more energy efficient is insulation. Whether you choose a plastic vapor barrier-based strategy or a concrete-based one, insulation is strongly recommended.
Water Issues in Crawl Spaces
A foul odor is a common side effect of basement water problems evident from within your home. A nasty smell or a musty stench could be coming from your crawl space. The stale stench is not entirely due to water. The odor is caused by mold that has grown inside the crawl space due to the wetness. When inhaled, mold can be harmful to one’s health, causing everything from asthma to migraines.
Mold might impact you even if no odors are coming from the crawl space. Mold and fungi can thrive in a wet crawl area flooded for an extended period of time. Even if there is no visible odor, mold spores can induce symptoms. This could be a red flag if your family is suffering abnormally severe allergy symptoms or if the symptoms are worse indoors than outside. Mold and fungi in your crawl space may be causing allergy and asthma symptoms in your house.
Benefits of Crawl Space Waterproofing
HELPING IN MAINTAINING THE TEMPERATURE OF THE HOUSE
The temperature in the rest of your house is affected by high humidity in the crawl area, making it feel colder or hotter than it should be. To keep comfortable, you may have to turn on the heater or air conditioner more frequently. Because a waterproofed crawl space is cold and dry, it has less impact on home comfort. In conclusion, you will save some money on energy by lowering the length of time your HVAC system is running.
IMPROVE THE AIR QUALITY OF YOUR HOME
Up to 50% of the air in a crawl space can escape and enter the dwelling room. If the air is wet, moldy, and fumy, it will undoubtedly affect your indoor air quality. As a result of overexposure to musty air, sensitive people may experience headaches, respiratory distress, and allergy symptoms. Conversely, mold growth is slowed when your crawl space is clean and dry. This keeps hazardous spores out of your family’s lungs, making breathing simpler for everyone.
STRENGTHEN THE STRUCTURE OF YOUR HOME
Excess moisture can cause wood to decay, metal to rust, and drywall to be damaged. Mold and termites thrive in this type of climate, which can eat away at your home’s structure. Your floor joists may decay to dangerous levels if left unattended, resulting in high repair costs. The additional vapor barrier to the crawl space keeps moisture out. This provides you with the assurance that your home is safe from the ravages of wood rot, mold, and termite infestation.
PROTECT YOUR STORED ITEMS
One of the main advantages of a crawl space is that it adds to the amount of storage available in the home. However, if water pools on the floor frequently and mold grows unchecked, the objects you store here may be harmed, leaving you distraught when it comes time to recover your treasures or heirlooms.
Reduce the risk of electrical hazards
In case moisture comes in contact with electricity, it becomes very hazardous. Water problems could result in electrical shorts, rusty wires, or even a house fire if you have wiring running through your crawl space.
Maintaining the safety of your family requires ensuring that your electrical system is clear of dampness. Consider waterproofing the crawl space if you find difficulties with your wiring. This will reduce the chance of electrocution and fire.
WHY SHOULD ONE SEAL A CRAWL SPACE?
When combined with insulation, a sealed crawl area can save the homeowner up to 18% on heating and cooling costs. In addition, as the risk of mold growth lowers, the risk of structural damage to the home decreases as well. Finally, this sealing activity helps extend the property’s life and keeps the hardwood floors in good condition.
WHAT SHOULD BE USED IN CRAWL SPACE WATERPROOFING, GRAVEL OR PLASTIC?
Gravel will only assist in concealing rather than eliminating moisture in a crawl area. Sand will stay dry and act as an insulator between the dirt floor and the crawl space until the moisture problem has been solved with plastic.
HOW MUCH DOES WATERPROOFING A BASEMENT ADD TO ITS VALUE?
While the value is not on the lower side, basement waterproofing can instantly raise the value of a property by 400% or more of the cost. Many happy homeowners have benefited from Basement Systems’ assistance in negotiating a lower price for a home they loved and engaging a qualified basement waterproofing contractor from our network.
