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A burst pipe can cause serious damage in a short amount of time. Water spreads fast, and by the time you notice it, flooring, drywall, and personal belongings can already be ruined. In many cases, the pipe that bursts is not in the wall or the attic. It is underneath the house, in the crawl space, where cold air moves freely and temperatures can drop well below freezing on brutal winter nights.
If your home has a crawl space, this is a vulnerability worth taking seriously. The good news is that a crawl space encapsulation directly addresses the conditions that lead to frozen pipes, and it does a lot more than that.
Most crawl spaces are vented, meaning outside air flows in and out through small openings in the foundation. The idea behind this design was to prevent moisture buildup, but it comes with a serious trade-off. In the winter, that outside air brings freezing temperatures directly into the space where your water supply lines and drain pipes run.
Unlike a heated basement, a vented crawl space has no buffer against the cold. When temperatures drop into the teens or single digits, pipes in an unprotected crawl space can freeze in a matter of hours. Water expands as it freezes, and that expansion puts enormous pressure on pipe walls, enough to crack copper, split PVC, and rupture fittings.
A crawl space encapsulation seals off the crawl space from the outside environment. A heavy-duty vapor barrier is installed across the ground and up the foundation walls, and the vents are closed and sealed. The result is a conditioned or semi-conditioned space that stays significantly warmer in the winter than a vented crawl space ever could.
When outside air can no longer flow freely through the crawl space, the temperature underneath your home stays much closer to the temperature inside it. That thermal stability is what protects your pipes. Instead of sitting in a space that mirrors the outdoor temperature, your plumbing is insulated by the structure of the home itself.
A crawl space encapsulation does more than protect your plumbing. A sealed crawl space blocks moisture from entering the home through the ground, which is one of the leading causes of mold, wood rot, and structural damage over time. It also improves indoor air quality by cutting off the pathway that allows crawl space air, along with allergens, mold spores, and musty odors, to rise into your living spaces.
Homeowners also typically notice lower heating and cooling bills after a crawl space encapsulation. When conditioned air is no longer escaping through an unsealed crawl space, your HVAC system does not have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature.
If your home has a vented crawl space and you have ever dealt with frozen pipes, high humidity in the lower level, cold floors in the winter, or musty smells that seem to come from nowhere, a crawl space encapsulation is worth a serious look.
At '58 Foundations & Waterproofing, our crawl space specialists will inspect your space, walk you through exactly what we find, and give you a clear picture of what an encapsulation would involve for your home. No pressure, no guesswork. If frozen pipes or crawl space moisture have been on your mind, there is no better time to get it sorted than before the next cold snap hits.
Schedule your free inspection today and find out what a crawl space encapsulation can do for your home.
When you think about your home’s energy efficiency, you might picture your windows, attic insulation, or thermostat settings. But there’s another space working against you, your crawl space. If your HVAC system or ductwork runs through this area, especially in an open or vented crawl space, you could be paying more each month for less comfort.
Crawl spaces that aren’t properly sealed can expose your heating and cooling system to cold air, moisture, and contaminants. This not only makes your HVAC system work harder, but also allows dirty, unfiltered air to be pulled up into your living space. Over time, that combination leads to higher energy bills, poor air quality, and greater wear on your system.
The good news is, there’s a proven solution. A crawl space encapsulation can protect your home from these issues, making your entire home cleaner, healthier, and more efficient.
If your HVAC system or ductwork runs through the crawl space, the condition of that space directly impacts how well your system performs. In a vented or unsealed crawl space, the air is often cold, damp, and unfiltered. That means your HVAC system is trying to move air efficiently through an environment that works against it.
Even if the unit itself isn’t in the crawl space, exposed ductwork is still vulnerable. Cold winter air can chill the ducts, forcing your heating system to work harder just to maintain the temperature you’ve set. In summer, that same space can trap heat and humidity, reducing your cooling efficiency and overworking your air conditioner.
And because air ducts aren’t perfectly sealed, the system often draws in the surrounding crawl space air. That air may be full of dust, moisture, and contaminants. The result is not just poor performance, but lower indoor air quality for the entire home.
An open or vented crawl space might seem harmless, but it’s undermining your home’s energy performance. In the winter, cold air seeps into the crawl space and surrounds your HVAC system or ductwork. That chill transfers into the air moving through your ducts, forcing your system to work harder just to maintain your desired indoor temperature. In summer, humid air creeps in, introducing moisture that can lead to mold, mildew, and condensation around your system.
Worse still, vented crawl spaces often create negative pressure inside your home. As your HVAC system runs, it pulls replacement air from wherever it can. A large portion of that air comes straight from the crawl space. That means whatever is in the air below your home, dust, moisture, musty odors, and mold, gets pulled up and circulated through your vents.
The result? Higher energy bills, greater strain on your HVAC system, and poorer air quality in the rooms you live in every day.
Most homeowners don’t realize that up to 50% of the air in their home can originate from the crawl space. This happens because of a natural movement called the stack effect; as warm air rises through the home, it pulls cooler air upward from below to replace it. If your crawl space is vented or unsealed, the air being pulled in is likely filled with moisture, dust, allergens, and other contaminants.
Over time, this contributes to poor indoor air quality. You might notice musty smells, allergy symptoms, or even increased respiratory issues, especially during seasons when your HVAC system runs more frequently. And if there’s mold or mildew in the crawl space, those spores don’t stay contained; they spread into the air your family breathes.
Your home’s air quality doesn’t just depend on filters and vents. It starts in the crawl space. If that space isn’t sealed and protected, your indoor environment suffers.
The best way to protect your HVAC system, lower your energy bills, and improve your indoor air quality is to seal off the problem at its source. A crawl space encapsulation does exactly that.
An encapsulation involves sealing the crawl space with a heavy-duty vapor barrier across the floor and walls, closing off vents, and controlling moisture with drainage or a dehumidifier if needed. This creates a dry, stable environment beneath your home, one that supports your HVAC system's performance rather than working against it.
By sealing the space, you stop cold drafts, humid air, and airborne contaminants from entering. Your ductwork stays cleaner and more efficient. And because the crawl space is no longer introducing outside conditions into your home, your HVAC system can maintain your desired temperature with less effort.
It’s not just about comfort; it’s a long-term investment in your home’s energy performance and health.
Encapsulating your crawl space isn’t just a one-season fix; it transforms how your home functions year-round.
In winter, you’ll notice fewer drafts and warmer floors. Your heating system won’t have to work as hard to keep the house comfortable, which helps lower your energy bills and reduces wear on your equipment. In summer, you’ll benefit from lower humidity levels, fewer odors, and more consistent cooling. And because your HVAC system isn’t battling the crawl space anymore, it’s likely to last longer and need fewer repairs.
Beyond comfort and efficiency, encapsulations also lead to cleaner air. With moisture and contaminants sealed out, your home becomes a healthier environment, especially for anyone in your family with allergies, asthma, or respiratory sensitivities.
It’s a simple upgrade with lasting impact: lower utility costs, better air, and peace of mind, no matter the season.
If your HVAC system or ductwork runs through the crawl space, an unsealed or vented crawl space is costing you more than you think. From higher energy bills to poor indoor air quality, the hidden impact can add up quickly, especially in extreme weather.
Crawl space encapsulation gives you back control. By sealing out the elements, you protect your home’s efficiency, air quality, and long-term comfort. It’s a smart step toward a healthier home and lower utility costs.
If you’re ready to improve your home from the ground up, start with a free crawl space inspection. ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing has been helping homeowners protect their homes for over 65 years, and we’re here to help you, too.
Most homeowners don’t think much about the air in their home until something starts to feel off. Perhaps it’s a headache that only appears indoors. A smell in the basement that never really goes away. Or a family member who always seems to breathe easier outside than in.
Often, the problem isn’t something you can see. It’s something you’re breathing.
Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are invisible gases released by common materials throughout your home. They’re more concentrated in places like basements and crawl spaces, where airflow is poor and moisture hangs in the air. And while they might not sound like a big deal, VOCs can affect everything from your comfort to your long-term health.
At ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing, we’ve spent decades protecting homes from water, mold, and structural damage. But just as important is the environment inside, where your family eats, sleeps, and breathes. Here’s what you need to know about VOCs, why your home’s lower levels matter, and what you can do about it.
VOCs are gases released into the air by certain materials, often without you even realizing it. The full name is “volatile organic compounds,” but don’t let the word “organic” fool you. In this case, it just means the compounds are carbon-based, not natural or healthy. Many VOCs come from man-made products, and some can be harmful in high amounts.
You’ll find them in paints, wood finishes, cleaning products, adhesives, insulation, carpet, and even furniture. If you’ve ever caught a whiff of that “new carpet” or “fresh paint” smell, that’s a sign of VOCs being released into the air.
The problem is that these gases don’t just disappear. In areas with poor ventilation, like basements and crawl spaces, they tend to build up over time. You may not see or smell anything, but you could still be breathing in low levels of chemicals every day.
VOCs are released by a wide range of materials and products found in most homes. Some are obvious, like paints or strong cleaning sprays. Others are quietly built into the house itself.
Common sources include:
Many of these items are tucked away in crawl spaces or basements, places we rarely think about but where moisture and time can cause materials to off-gas more quickly.
And because these areas often have poor ventilation, VOCs don’t just release into the air; they accumulate.
They might not smell strong or obvious at first. But over time, they can linger, build up, and slowly find their way into the air you breathe upstairs.
Crawl spaces and basements are some of the most overlooked areas in a home, but they have a bigger impact on your air quality than most people realize. These lower levels are often where VOCs are most likely to gather and go unnoticed.
Why?
Because they tend to be:
But the real issue isn’t that these gases stay down there. It’s that they don’t.
Through a process called the stack effect, air from your crawl space or basement naturally rises into the rest of your home. So even if you never step foot in those areas, the air you’re breathing upstairs may have started down below, carrying with it moisture, musty odors, or chemical traces from VOCs.
It’s one of the reasons homeowners might say:
These spaces don’t just store clutter; they set the tone for your home’s air.
Not everyone reacts to VOCs the same way. Some people might notice symptoms right away, while others only feel the effects after long-term exposure. It depends on your sensitivity, the amount of VOCs in the air, and how well your home is ventilated.
But even at low levels, VOCs can cause noticeable problems, especially in enclosed spaces.
Common symptoms include:
In homes with high humidity or poor ventilation, these symptoms can become more persistent. People with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions may be even more affected.
And while the occasional exposure isn’t usually dangerous, long-term contact with high levels of VOCs has been linked to more serious health concerns, especially when combined with mold, dust, or other indoor air pollutants.
If you’ve ever wondered why your home doesn’t feel quite right, even when it looks clean, VOCs may be part of the reason.
VOCs are invisible. They don’t leave behind puddles or cracks. But they can still show up, through smells, symptoms, or that nagging sense that something in your home just feels… off.
Here are some common signs that VOCs could be building up in your crawl space, basement, or living areas:
You don’t need to check every box to have a problem. Often, it’s just one or two things that add up over time and leave you searching for answers.
If you’re starting to suspect VOCs are part of what’s going on in your home, the next steps don’t have to be complicated. In many cases, it starts with controlling the environment, especially in the areas you don’t think about often.
Moisture is one of the biggest triggers for VOC release. When building materials like wood, insulation, or adhesives are exposed to damp conditions over time, they tend to break down faster and release more gases into the air. That’s why basements and crawl spaces are such common trouble spots. Drying them out and keeping them dry can make a real difference.
Encapsulation and waterproofing systems help reduce that ongoing moisture. By sealing off the ground with a vapor barrier and preventing water intrusion, you’re limiting one of the key conditions that allow VOCs to build up. Even if those gases aren’t fully eliminated, the space becomes more stable, and that’s a step in the right direction.
It’s also worth taking a close look at what’s being stored in those areas. Old paint cans, cleaners, solvents, or treated wood can all release fumes even when sealed. Removing what you can, or at least isolating it from the open air, may help.
For homes with more serious air quality concerns or if symptoms are ongoing, it may be helpful to talk with an indoor air quality specialist. Testing equipment can sometimes pinpoint the source of specific gases or contaminants to guide you toward more specialized remediation if needed.
But for many homeowners, the first meaningful step is simply this: dry the space, seal out what doesn’t belong, and stop the environment from working against you.
Many homeowners don’t think about their crawl space until something goes wrong; whether it’s a strange smell, cold floors, or an inspection report they weren’t expecting. But knowing what a crawl space is, and how it works, is one of the best ways to protect your home long-term.
A crawl space is a narrow, unfinished space beneath your home, typically 1 to 3 feet in height, that separates the ground from the first floor. While it’s often out of sight, this area plays a vital role in your home’s structure, air quality, and energy efficiency.
Crawl spaces allow access to plumbing, HVAC, electrical wiring, and foundation walls. But more importantly, they act as a buffer between your home and the soil below. Whether your home is built on flat or sloped terrain, a crawl space can protect against moisture, flooding, and unstable ground conditions.
Crawl spaces are one of three common foundation types, alongside slab foundations and full basements. Each has its own purpose, but crawl spaces offer a middle ground, more accessible than a slab, less costly than a basement.
Unlike a slab foundation, which sits directly on the ground, a crawl space raises the home off the soil. This makes it easier to install and service plumbing, ductwork, and electrical systems. It also allows builders to adapt to sloped or uneven terrain, where a slab might not be feasible.
Compared to a full basement, a crawl space is shallower and unfinished. It isn’t intended for storage or living space, but it still affects how your home breathes, drains, and ages over time.
Crawl spaces are especially common in regions with:
They help reduce construction costs while still providing a protective buffer between the ground and your home. But unlike basements, crawl spaces are often left unsealed and exposed to moisture, making them more vulnerable to problems like mold, wood rot, and structural damage if not properly maintained.
Because crawl spaces are out of sight, they’re often out of mind. But neglecting this part of your home can lead to serious problems, many of which start quietly and worsen over time.
When a crawl space is exposed to moisture, the conditions become ideal for:
Moisture can enter through the soil, foundation walls, or vents. Once inside, it lingers, softening wood, rusting metal, and creating a perfect environment for mold to thrive. Over time, floor joists can weaken and sag, causing uneven floors or soft spots inside the home.
If your crawl space is vented or lacks a vapor barrier, it can also allow outside air, pollen, and contaminants to circulate into your home. This can strain your HVAC system and impact your health, especially if anyone in your household has allergies, asthma, or respiratory concerns.
By the time signs appear inside the living space, the crawl space has often been deteriorating for years. Early action is key.
It’s easy to think of the crawl space as separate from the rest of the home. But the reality is, air from the crawl space doesn't stay down there. This natural movement, known as the stack effect, pulls air upward from the lowest part of your home into the living areas above.
When the crawl space is dry and sealed, this airflow may go unnoticed. But if that space contains moisture, mold, or musty odors, those conditions do not stay contained. They rise into your home and affect the air your family breathes every day.
The stack effect is constant. As warm air escapes through the attic or upper floors, it creates negative pressure that draws air in from below. Any contaminants, excess humidity, or decaying materials in the crawl space can be pulled along with it. Over time, this can lead to musty smells, uneven temperatures, and higher indoor humidity levels.
For households with asthma, allergies, or respiratory sensitivities, this invisible connection becomes even more important. A neglected crawl space doesn’t just impact comfort. It can affect health. Sealing and conditioning that space helps stop the upward pull of damp, contaminated air and creates a cleaner, more stable indoor environment.
Yes, and in most cases, the sooner you act, the better.
Crawl space problems are rarely cosmetic. Moisture, mold, and structural damage tend to worsen quietly over time. But with the right solution in place, that space can be transformed from a source of risk into a point of protection for your entire home.
At ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing, we repair crawl spaces by addressing both the symptoms and the underlying causes. That might include sealing off the space with a vapor barrier, improving drainage, installing a dehumidifier, or reinforcing structural supports. In more advanced cases, a full crawl space encapsulation may be recommended to lock out moisture entirely.
Our Certified Foundation Specialists will inspect your crawl space in person, explain what’s happening, and walk you through your options. We do not rely on guesswork or one-size-fits-all approaches. Every recommendation is based on your home’s layout, the soil beneath it, and the specific conditions we observe during the inspection.
All of our crawl space repairs are backed by our Life-of-the-Structure Warranty, giving you peace of mind that the work is built to last.
Most homeowners don’t think about their crawl space until a problem shows up inside the home. But by that point, damage may already be spreading below the surface. Moisture doesn’t wait, and the stack effect keeps pulling that air upward every day.
If you’re starting to wonder what’s happening beneath your home, you’re not alone. A closer look at your crawl space is often the first step to protecting the structure, comfort, and air quality of your entire home.
Want to learn what solutions are available? Explore crawl space encapsulation here.
Summer brings heat, humidity, and sudden storms, and all of them can put pressure on your home’s structure. Crawl spaces and basements are especially vulnerable this time of year, and foundation issues can quietly worsen during long dry spells. If you're a homeowner in the Southeast or Mid-Atlantic, knowing how to protect your home during summer can prevent major repairs down the road.
When warm, humid air enters your crawl space, it doesn’t just feel uncomfortable; it creates the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and wood rot. That moisture condenses on cooler surfaces like ductwork, plumbing, and floor joists. Over time, this can damage your home’s structure and lead to air quality problems throughout the living space above.
If your crawl space isn’t sealed, summer is the season when you’ll feel the effects the most. A crawl space encapsulation provides a lasting solution by sealing out moisture and stabilizing the air inside. For homeowners in particularly humid areas, adding a professional-grade dehumidifier can further protect against damage.
Summer storms tend to be brief and intense, which can spell trouble for basements. When heavy rain hits, gutters and downspouts may not be able to carry water away quickly enough. The surrounding soil becomes saturated, and water begins finding its way inside through cracks, gaps, or unprotected foundation walls.
If your basement smells musty or you’ve noticed water stains, puddles, or damp walls after storms, your home may need more than just a quick cleanup. Installing a sump pump system or interior drain tile can keep water moving away from your foundation and out of your home before it becomes a larger problem.
It’s not just rain that creates risk in the summer; long dry periods can be just as damaging. When clay-rich soil dries out, it shrinks and pulls away from the foundation. That shift in support can cause sections of your foundation to settle unevenly, leading to cracks, warped door frames, and sloping floors.
These signs are often subtle at first but become worse over time. If caught early, foundation settlement can often be stabilized using helical or push piers. These systems anchor your home to solid ground below the shifting soil, preventing further movement.
A damp crawl space is an ideal habitat for pests during the summer. Rodents, insects, and other intruders are drawn to dark, humid areas, and if your crawl space is unsealed or cluttered, it becomes an easy target. Once they move in, they can damage insulation, wiring, and even structural components.
Encapsulation doesn’t just keep moisture out. It also blocks off entry points and removes the conditions that attract pests in the first place. A sealed crawl space is quieter, cleaner, and far less appealing to summer invaders.
When outdoor temperatures soar, most people shut their windows and run the AC full-time. But if the air in your crawl space or basement is full of moisture and mold spores, that air eventually ends up circulating through your home. Poor air quality isn’t always obvious, but it can trigger allergies, asthma, and fatigue, especially for families with young children or older adults.
The best defense is a combination of waterproofing and air control. Sealing the crawl space, addressing drainage issues, and using a dehumidifier help maintain healthier air throughout the house.
Don’t wait until the damage is done. ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing offers free inspections and proven solutions to keep your crawl space, basement, and foundation protected year-round. Whether you’re seeing signs of moisture, cracks, or just want peace of mind, we’re here to help.
Call today to schedule your free inspection and stay ahead of summer’s hidden threats.
When summer hits, so does the humidity. Homeowners across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic expect the air to feel a little heavier this time of year, but when that heavy feeling lingers inside your home, even with the AC running, it may be coming from somewhere else: your crawl space.
So how do you know whether it’s just seasonal humidity or a deeper moisture problem hiding below your home? The answer matters more than you might think.
Summer indeed brings higher humidity levels, but even when that’s considered “normal,” it can still cause real damage to your crawl space. Humidity above 50% may seem harmless, but over time, it can have serious effects on the structure of your home.
When moisture lingers below your floors, wood framing can start to soften or rot, insulation can break down, and mold can begin to grow on hidden surfaces. You might not see it right away, but you’ll start to feel it as musty odors move into your home or your floors begin to warp or sag.
Humidity also creates the perfect environment for pests. Termites, silverfish, and rodents are all drawn to damp areas, especially crawl spaces. Even your HVAC system isn’t safe. Condensation and rust can build up on ducts and pipes, leading to expensive repairs later on.
The bottom line: your crawl space was never designed to handle ongoing moisture, even if it’s just from humid air. Without the right protection in place, that “normal” summer humidity can quietly turn into a costly, long-term problem.
Here are some clear signs that your crawl space isn’t just humid; it’s holding on to unwanted moisture:
If you’ve noticed more than one of these issues, it’s likely not just the weather. Moisture may be entering from the ground or through open vents, and it won’t go away on its own.
Even without a major water leak or flooding, crawl spaces can collect moisture in ways that aren’t always obvious. During the summer, warm, humid air from outside enters through crawl space vents, where it meets the cooler surfaces under your home. That temperature difference causes condensation, leaving your crawl space damp day after day.
Another major source is the ground itself. If your crawl space doesn’t have a proper vapor barrier, moisture can rise up from the soil and settle inside the space. This often goes unnoticed until it starts to affect the rest of your home.
Outside the crawl space, poor drainage around your foundation can also push moisture into the area. If your yard slopes toward the house, or your gutters and downspouts aren’t moving water away properly, excess rainwater can seep through the foundation walls or floor.
The result is a crawl space that never really dries out. Even without standing water, constant dampness creates the perfect environment for mold, wood damage, and pest activity. And because that air eventually moves upward into your living space, the problem rarely stays below ground.
The most effective solution is to seal your crawl space from the inside out. Here’s what that typically includes:
Trying to fight moisture with just a store-bought dehumidifier is like using a bandage on a leak, it won’t hold for long. The only real solution is to address the source.
If your home feels damp or musty this summer, don’t ignore it. A Certified Foundation Specialist from '58 Foundations & Waterproofing can assess your crawl space, identify the cause, and recommend the right solution for long-term protection.
We’ve been helping homeowners like you protect their homes for decades and our work is backed by a trusted Life-of-the-Structure Warranty.
Contact us today to schedule your free inspection and take the first step toward a cleaner, drier, healthier home.
Crawl spaces are a critical yet often neglected part of a home. They provide access to plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC systems, and they contribute to the overall structural integrity of the building. However, one question that many homeowners ask is whether it’s okay for a crawl space to be damp. The short answer is no— a damp crawl space can lead to a range of problems that can affect the health of your home and its occupants. In this article, we'll explore why a damp crawl space is problematic, the potential risks associated with it, and the steps you can take to keep your crawl space dry and safe.
To understand why it’s not okay for a crawl space to be damp, it’s important to first understand how crawl spaces become damp in the first place. Here are some common reasons:
A damp crawl space is more than just an inconvenience; it can lead to a variety of serious problems that can impact both your home and your health. Below are some of the most significant risks associated with a damp crawl space:
Even if you don’t spend much time in your crawl space, there are signs that can indicate it’s too damp. Recognizing these signs early can help you address the problem before it leads to more serious issues.
If you’ve identified that your crawl space is damp, or if you want to prevent it from becoming damp in the first place, there are several steps you can take. These solutions range from simple DIY fixes to more extensive professional interventions.
While some crawl space issues can be handled by homeowners, there are situations where professional help is necessary. Consider contacting a professional if:
A damp crawl space is not something that should be ignored. While it may seem like a minor issue, the potential consequences—ranging from mold growth and structural damage to increased energy costs and health problems—are significant. By understanding the risks associated with a damp crawl space and taking proactive steps to address and prevent moisture issues, you can protect your home and your family’s well-being. Regular inspections, proper drainage, and effective moisture control measures are key to maintaining a dry, healthy crawl space. If you’re unsure about the condition of your crawl space or how to address moisture issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance.
If you are experiencing potential issues with a damp crawl space calling in a professional such as ’58 Foundations and Waterproofing that specializes in these services can help. We will provide you with a zero obligation FREE inspection to help you determine the severity of your situation and the best solutions available. Remember that putting an inspection off can lead to more costly remedies down the line.
Crawl spaces are often the most overlooked parts of a home, yet they play a crucial role in the overall health and stability of the structure. When crawl spaces become damp or wet, they can cause a host of problems, from mold growth to structural damage. Drying out your crawl space is essential to maintaining a healthy home environment and avoiding costly repairs. In this article, we’ll explore the steps to dry out a crawl space, the reasons why it might be wet, and the best practices to prevent future moisture issues.
Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand why your crawl space might be wet in the first place. Common reasons include:
The first step in drying out your crawl space is to inspect it thoroughly. You’ll want to look for standing water, signs of mold, mildew, or rot, and check for any plumbing leaks. Pay attention to the smell as well; a musty odor often indicates the presence of mold or moisture.
If you find standing water or significant mold growth, it may be necessary to call in a professional before proceeding.
If your inspection reveals standing water, it’s crucial to remove it as soon as possible. The longer water remains in your crawl space, the more damage it can cause.
After removing standing water, use fans and dehumidifiers to help dry out the remaining moisture. Running a fan for several days can help expedite the drying process.
To prevent future moisture problems, it’s essential to address the source of the water. Here’s how you can tackle the most common sources:
A vapor barrier is a crucial element in keeping your crawl space dry. It’s a thick plastic sheeting that is laid across the ground and up the walls of the crawl space to prevent moisture from the soil from entering the area.
Installing a vapor barrier can significantly reduce the amount of moisture in your crawl space, helping to prevent mold growth and protect the structural integrity of your home.
Ventilation plays a key role in controlling moisture levels in your crawl space. Traditionally, crawl spaces have been vented to allow moisture to escape. However, in some cases, sealing the crawl space entirely and conditioning it may be a better solution, especially in humid climates.
Once your crawl space is dry, it’s important to monitor the area regularly to ensure that moisture doesn’t return. Regular inspections can help you catch potential problems early before they become serious issues.
While many homeowners can handle basic crawl space drying tasks, there are times when it’s best to call in a professional. Consider seeking professional help if:
Drying out your crawl space is crucial for maintaining a healthy home environment and preventing costly damage. By following the steps outlined in this article—inspecting the area, removing standing water, addressing the moisture source, installing a vapor barrier, improving ventilation, and maintaining the space—you can ensure that your crawl space remains dry and your home stays safe. Regular monitoring and proactive maintenance are key to keeping your crawl space in top condition, but don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you encounter challenges beyond your comfort level.
If you are experiencing potential issues with a damp crawl space calling in a professional such as ’58 Foundations and Waterproofing that specializes in these services can help. We will provide you with a zero obligation FREE inspection to help you determine the severity of your situation and the best solutions available. Remember that putting an inspection off can lead to more costly remedies down the line.
There are a lot of things that we associate with winter from snow angels and skiing to the holiday season. But there are some things that we also associate with winter that we’d rather not think of, like clearing snow off our vehicles every day… or freezing pipes bursting in our crawl space. Freezing water pipes can make your plumbing useless at the least, and can result in a burst pipe at worst, leaving your crawl space wet or even flooded. The best way to prevent any wintery complications with your crawl space piping is with preparation. Let’s dive into how you can be ready for the next winter with proper water pipe crawl space insulation and other preparation methods:
Outdoor air during the winter can be blisteringly cold. Whether your pipes are outside the house or inside a leaky crawl space, you’ll want your pipes to be protected against exterior winter temperatures and that accompanying wind chill. Use materials such as pipe-wraps and form pipe sleeves to cover your pipes and protect them. By insulating your water pipes, you will help lower the chances of them freezing and/or bursting.
Any cracks or openings in your crawl space that allow for exterior air to flow in should be sealed. The cold winter air can quickly cool the air in your crawl space and freeze the water pipes within. By sealing the cracks with caulk, you can keep the cold air out while keeping the warm air in.
You should also address any air gaps around your water pipes. Gaps where the pipes exit through your exterior wall, should be addressed. Insulate those pipe gaps with expanding foam to help insulate the pipes and prevent cold outside air from freezing the water pipes. It will also prevent those outside air from coming into your crawl space to affect the water pipes within.
Along with checking for cracks and opening to the exterior, it is important to seal the rest of your crawl space to help maintain warm temperatures and to keep more of that cold air out. Consider covering your crawl space with foam pieces that can cover the walls as well as the floors. Keep those foam pieces in place with tape or another fastener, so that they stay in place.
Another solution to keeping your water pipes warm is to use heating tapes, but this should be installed by a professional expert to ensure your safety and a proper installation.
There may be times where you may think about letting the temperature drop in your house to save on the heating bills. But whether you’re doing it because you’re taking a trip, or because a certain part of the day has a different temperature, it’s better to keep your home temperatures steady. Been maintaining a consistent internal temperature, your pipes will keep flowing and there will be less chance of a temperature change causing your pipes to freeze and burst.
Now you know how to insulate your water pipes in a crawl space! But if you feel that you require help to properly insulate your water pipes and keep the cold air out of your crawl space, be sure to call for a professional to ensure that the job gets done right. Having your crawl space pipes insulated and prepped for winter will save you money and trouble in the long run, making it a worthwhile investment.
When the winter season comes to an end, melting snow will begin to soak into the soil. That can leave a lot of water and moisture to enter a leaky crawl space. But with ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing, you can have your crawl space properly encapsulated and waterproofed, ensuring that your crawl space remains safe and dry for years and years. Contact us today for a free crawl space inspection and a detailed estimate on your crawl space!
Concrete is one of the most common construction materials we use today. From our roads and pathways to towering skyscrapers, it’s present in our everyday lives. It is also what makes up our residential foundations, providing a strong and solid platform for our homes to remain stable. Concrete consists of a mix of ingredients, which together creates this strong material. One of those crucial ingredients is water. But the relationship between your concrete foundation and moisture can be complex.
Water and moisture is important to our ability to live. It is also a key component to the making of concrete. Without water, our concrete wouldn’t be able to strengthen and cure. But water can also be a destructive force of nature when poorly controlled or when in excess—whether it’s too much humidity in a crawlspace or enough rain to cause a flash flood. This can be said of our popular concrete as well. Too much moisture in your concrete can wreak havoc upon it, potentially compromising the structure that’s been built with it.
Moisture is present all around us but may be in different forms. As such, there are numerous ways that excess moisture can invade into your concrete foundation. Here are some of the common ways that moisture gets into your concrete…
Fortunately, there are ways to address each of these in a way that will keep your foundation lasting for longer and protect your home from moisture invasion. From foundation repair and basement waterproofing to encapsulation and dehumidifying, your lower level and foundation may require a different combination of solutions depending on where you live. If you’re having your concrete placed, it’s important to make sure it dries and cures properly, and that will require proper ventilation and knowledge about your climate. As Polygon states about controlling moisture in concrete, “excessive moisture is most problematic in concrete when there is a lack of climate control and air circulation”.
Even after ensuring that your concrete has dried and cured properly, it’s important to keep excess moisture at bay. The appearance of your concrete can be deceiving, so taking measures to control that moisture is key as Buildings.com points out that “a concrete surface can easily give a false impression of being dry enough despite containing moisture well above the allowable limits.” This is because excess moisture doesn’t necessarily have to be in the obvious form of water leaking down your basement wall, for example. It can also be in the form of moisture vapor seeping its way through your concrete slab.
When we think of concrete, we think it’s solid. But by nature, concrete is actually porous, which means that moisture can evaporate and move its way through capillaries within the concrete. This doesn’t seem significant, but across the surface of a foundation, that can amount to a lot of potential moisture coming from it, even if the concrete seems like it has cured and dried well. It is important to understand the moisture that exists within the surrounding soil of your foundation and to ensure that you have the proper measures in place to protect against moisture invasion.
Here are some problem scenarios that your concrete may experience due to excess moisture…
These various problems can result in costly repairs, and they will only get worse with time, so it is best to address them promptly. The sooner you act to repair them, the better. Look for signs like crackling or bubbling of your flooring surface, loose tiles, damp spots, or discolored spots and the musty smell of mildew.
While concrete is strong and is responsible for holding up everything from homes to enormous towers, it is still not invulnerable to the power of water. When excess moisture is left to build and linger within your concrete, the strength of your concrete becomes negative impacted, and it can lead to different problems. Here is how moisture causes three such problems…
While there will always be some moisture present in your concrete, there are ways to help control that moisture to keep any effects to a minimum. Here are some recommendations on what you can do inside your home to reduce concrete moisture in your foundation:
You can also take advantage of an exterior waterproofing measure to help keep outside moisture from your foundation concrete. All of these measures will not only help minimize the moisture in your concrete, but they will help increase the longevity of your foundation and prevent costly repairs that would be required from moisture-related damages.
Give us a call at (866) 485-6695 and we’ll have a specialist provide you with a free inspection and a zero-obligation price estimate!
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