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!
Does your crawl space get wet, damp, or musty? There’s a good chance that your crawl space is experiencing moisture problems. Originally, crawl spaces were designed to separate your living space from soil moisture.
Unfortunately, the old thinking about crawl spaces and their open vents that would allow moisture to escape out was incorrect. These open vents, dirt floor and porous concrete walls only created extra access for moisture to enter. Crawl spaces became traps for water and moisture – leading to moisture-related problems. These problems can extend from the crawl space to your home. But, with the help of a crawl space vapor barrier and sealed vents, you have a protective shield against invasive moisture.
The question is, what type of vapor barrier should your crawl space be sealed with? In this post, your local crawl space encapsulation experts at ’58 will answer that for you!
There are several types of vapor barriers – which also vary in thickness. These types are generally categorized as Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 vapor barriers.
Class 1 vapor barriers measure at 0.1 perm or less, offering the highest level of moisture resistance.
Class 2 vapor barriers measure at 1.0 perm or less but greater than 0.1 perm, providing moderate resistance.
Class 3 vapor barriers measure at 10 perm or less but greater than 1.0 perm, providing the least moisture blocking.
Perm is a vapor barrier’s measurement of permanence. The lower the perm, the better the vapor barrier is at keeping moisture from getting through.
Class 1 is the best vapor barrier for crawl spaces, as it offers the highest resistance possible. Class 1 vapor barriers are especially recommended in areas with high humidity or frequent rainfall, as they deliver the greatest protection.
Moreover, the vapor barrier must be thick enough to withstand wear and tear. A torn vapor barrier in a crawl space is like not having a vapor barrier at all. So yes, the Class 1 category is usually considered the best!
However, the selection of a vapor barrier class depends on the specific conditions of your crawl space. In this respect, having an expert inspect your crawl space and make recommendations is beneficial.
Safety should always be a priority. When it comes to fire safety, focus on the classification of fire ratings. Look for a vapor barrier with a Class A fire rating. The rating shows that the barrier has undergone testing for flame resistance. This way, you can rest assured that an extra protective layer has been added, in case a fire breaks out.
Some homeowners encapsulate their crawl space with a big-box-store vapor barrier. But often, these vapor barriers are either:
1- Not thick enough and tear easily.
2- Don’t offer the proper perm rating to protect a crawl space from moisture.
Having an experienced local crawl space encapsulation contractor with you means:
1- Your crawl space will be perfectly sealed, keeping that troublesome moisture away.
2- You get vapor barriers that are thick and tough.
Such are the local crawl space encapsulation systems you can get from ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing. With us, your crawl space will be more than just safe and dry, meaning you can turn that extra space into anything you want!
Since 1958, ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing has been offering five-star local crawl space encapsulation services for communities in the eastern U.S., from Knoxville, TN, and Baltimore, MD to Atlanta, GA, and Spartanburg, SC. Our crawl space encapsulation system offers a comprehensive solution:
- Class A Fire-Rated for the highest level of fire safety.
- Availability of the most high-performing combo in vapor barriers i.e., 20-mil thick for the floor and 90-mil thick for the walls.
- Vent fans, specially designed to comply with the vapor barrier code requirement. This translates to proper airflow for a sealed crawl space – creating a healthier indoor environment for your home.
- Along with high-quality vapor barriers, our Energy-Star Rated HumidiGuard crawl space dehumidifier maintains your crawl space’s environment, keeping moisture down to a more optimal level.
With thousands of five-star reviews for our services, it’s easy to see why ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing has been in business for over 65 years! And for your added peace of mind, you get a life-of-the-structure warranty and the industry-unique money-back guarantee!
We have local offices throughout the Eastern Seaboard. Whenever you need help with crawl space encapsulation, you can always count on us!
Call us or fill out this short form to schedule a free inspection and price quote! We use a fixed price sheet for every customer, so you won’t have to worry about any surprises.
It’s a part of the natural cycle of life. When trees fall and the wood dies, it needs a way to return to the earth and become soil once more: it rots away. Unfortunately, the same applies to the wood that we use to build our homes when exposed to the right conditions. Wood rot can come in two forms, wet rot and dry rot. While these two forms of wood rot have different ways of growing and spreading, they both have two things in common: they require moisture and they can compromise the strength of your home’s wooden structures.
Today, let’s take a dive into these two kinds of wood rot, how to identify it, and ultimately, what needs to be done to protect your home and get it fixed!
Wet rot refers to a species of fungus that eats wood, especially wood that is in buildings. The way that wet rot lives and grows is by using the moisture present in the wood and digesting nutrients contained in that wood. After it has consumed enough moisture and nutrients, the wet rot will begin creating and releasing spores into the air, so that those spores can land on other moist wood surfaces to begin the life cycle anew.
There are actually several species of fungus that make up wet rot, but they generally require a moisture content of about 50% for their spores to begin the process of taking root and growing.
Wet rot often happens in sites where a moisture problem has occurred and remains ongoing. Whether this is an external problem like invasive moisture coming through a foundation crack, or an interior one like leaks in your plumbing, wet rot will take advantage of it when that moisture begins soaking into nearby wood structures within your home. Here’s a list of examples of how wet rot can get the moisture it needs in your home:
There are a variety of symptoms that may signal wet rot setting into your home’s wooden structures. Here’s some of the most common signs of wet rot that you may encounter:
Different types of wood rot exhibit different signs and you may need a professional to help you accurately identify it so that the problem can be properly resolved.
There are several species of fungus that make up what’s called wet rot. In the United States, one of the most common species of wet rot fungus is cellar fungus, also known as Coniophora puteana. But these different species of wet rot fungus can be divided into two groups based on their appearance: white rot and brown rot. Let’s take a look at why:
The typical sites where wet rot occurs range from roofs and attics to cellars, crawlspaces, and basements. It can also show up in the wood of your window frames. But there are other parts of your home that wet rot could appear—if you have wooden structures that should become exposed to prolonged moisture elsewhere in the house, such as from a plumbing leak, wet rot will have a chance to appear just as well. In your crawlspace or basement, you’ll want to check the wooden support beams and the floor joists.
One way to test if you have wood rot is to use a screwdriver to test the timber in your home. With the screwdriver, press it against the timber where you suspect wood rot to be. If the screwdriver easily sinks into the wooden structure with little resistance, the wood has been affected by wood rot.
First and foremost, you should try finding out where the source of excess moisture is located. Once you’ve located and resolved the moisture problem, it’s time to find a wet rot treatment for the affected wood. There are also products such as wood preservatives or wood hardeners for wet rot situations but be sure to use a fungicide first to get rid of the wet rot fungus. Consider a fungicide product that uses borate or boric acid.
Should the wet rot be severe enough, however, then the wood may need a fungicide-treated replacement.
You should also consider preventative measures to protect your home from future moisture problems such as waterproofing and foundation repair. This can protect your cellars, crawlspaces, and basements from wet rot and the property damage it can cause.
While most brown rots are categorized as wet rots, there is a variety of brown rot fungi that cause what we know as dry rot. The reason for the term “dry rot” is because of how the fungi like Serpula lacrymans require less moisture than the other white and brown rots. While a wet rot fungus generally require a moisture content of around 50%, a dry rot fungus only requires around 20% to 30% moisture content to begin growth. Dry rot also gets its name from the appearance it gives the affected wood: dried and cracked.
Similar to wet rot, dry rot can be caused by excess moisture caused by some fault in your building’s construction. Here’s a list of common causes for dry rot:
During the early stages, dry rot may be hard to spot as their spores activate and begin to grow hyphae, white strands that penetrate into the wood like roots and begin breaking the lumber down. But when enough of these hyphae grow, eventually they will gather together until they become a visible mass known as mycelium. This is when you will likely first detect the presence of dry rot.
The dry rot mycelium will resemble something like a strange cotton-like substance on the wood. At this stage, it will begin to spread to further infiltrate and break down more wood for nutrition and growth.
Eventually, the dry rot will become a mushroom-like fruiting body that will begin producing new spores to release. This is when dry rot becomes the most obvious.
Throughout the process, the affected wood will likely show symptoms such as:
Dry rot can be found in a number of places in your home. So long as wood is present and enough moisture is available, dry rot can grow in your home’s walls, floors, and supports. For the lower levels in homes, dry rot can be found on floor joists such as those supporting a basement ceiling, and also on support beams like in a crawlspace. Dry rot is also capable of surviving and growing in masonry and plaster so long as enough moisture is present—this is why dry rot can be more troublesome than wet rot.
After dry rot has been detected, you’ll want to first determine the source of moisture that helped it grow in the first place. After addressing the moisture problem or problems, you’ll need to take these steps to free your home of dry rot:
Preventative measures should be taken to ensure that another moisture problem doesn’t occur that can cause dry rot to return. Consider speaking with a professional about waterproofing and foundation repair to prevent excess moisture from entering your home.
As the saying by Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus goes, “Prevention is Better Than Cure”. Having wood rot in your home can compromise the structural integrity of your home and result in costly repairs. As with many other species of fungi, wet rot and dry rot require moisture to activate their spores and grow. By controlling moisture in your home and preventing moisture-related problems, you’ll save yourself money and your home can remain free from wood rot for decades.
Whenever it rains, much of that water comes to rest against the sides of your home’s foundation. Should the hydrostatic pressure be too great, moisture can seep through your foundation, and cracks may even form. Foundation cracks can lead to greater leaks and more moisture invasion. Not only can it cause water damage to your foundation and lower level, but that excess moisture can make its way to the rest of your home and into the wooden structures, resulting in wood rot.
Here are some ways that you can fortify your home against invasive moisture and reduce the risk of wood rot:
Unfortunately, it’s not so easy. There’s no telling whether your home will be struck by wet rot or dry rot. Being prepared is the best you can do for your home. Due to their difference in moisture requirements, it is important to maintain proper moisture levels in your home to ensure that neither has the chance to take root and compromise your wooden structures. Treating your wooden structures with borate fungicide can prevent future wood rot from growing on the timber. As an added benefit, borate-treated wood also helps ward away termites in search of moist wood.
The reality is that fungi, especially wood rot fungi, will always be a factor in the lives of homeowners. They will always be a part of our world as one of the ruling groups of decomposers. Scientists around the world are still trying to better understand the precise ways that white rot and brown rot fungi interact with different types of wood. As concluded by a study on SpringerNature, “Understanding the moisture requirements of decay fungi is key for interpreting wood durability test data, for analyzing the protective mode of action of new wood protection systems and for accurate modeling of degradation processes and the resulting service lifetimes of wood products.”
One day, we may have the improved knowledge to build homes that can better ward off wood rot. Until then, it pays to be proactive in preventing wood rot from taking place at all.
The presence of fungi on our planet extends hundreds of millions of years before the dinosaurs. They will likely be here long after humans are gone. This also goes for wood rot fungi, as the environment provides more than ample means to survive. Wood rot plays a vital part in the circle of life. As explained on Energy.gov, “Lignin accounts for 30 percent of the organic carbon on Earth. Therefore, white-rot fungi—the most efficient lignin-degrading organisms—play a critical role in the movement of carbon from the atmosphere to organisms and vice versa.” But perhaps there is a way to go beyond just fighting wood rot as a potential peril of homeownership. Maybe we can make use of the way these fungi live.
On Phys.org, Energy.gov goes on to describe how brown rot fungi can serve practical purposes for our future, “Understanding the two-step mechanism could lead to new biotechnology approaches. With these approaches, scientists could turn wood cellulose into biofuels or bioproducts—efficiently and cost-effectively.” Wood rot fungi may play a role in our departure from an oil-based economy as science continues to learn more about them.
We are still researching into roles that wood rot fungi may play in our future and how we may better coexist with these fungal species. In the meantime, it doesn’t mean we have to let them wreak havoc in our homes.
Take action against invasive moisture so that wood rot fungi can do their job elsewhere, while you enjoy the safety and comfort of your home! At ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing, we offer foundation repair, crawlspace encapsulation, and basement waterproofing services. We also specialize in mold removal. It is our commitment to help homeowners like you enjoy a home free of moisture-related problems. With over 63 years of experience in the industry, you can rest assured that we’ll find your wood rot problem and have the solutions to make it go away.
Give us a call at (866) 485-6695 and we’ll have a specialist provide you with a basement waterproofing or crawlspace repair estimate and a free inspection!
Sources:
Hungry Fungi: White-Rot Fungi Eat All Components of the Wood They Decompose
Understanding How Brown Rot Fungi Degrade Wood Could Lead to New Tools for More Efficient Biofuel Production
https://phys.org/news/2017-02-brown-fungi-degrade-wood-tools.html
Wood-Water Relationships and Their Role for Wood Susceptibility to Fungal Decay
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00253-020-10479-1
So, you’ve had drainage channels laid down along the perimeter of your basement or your crawl space. Once installed, they should all be ready to begin guiding any surrounding groundwater to a collection point where the sump pump awaits. But what is a sump pump for? There needs to be something to help make sure the water moves away from your home, and not just flow back up into your lower level. That’s where the sump pump comes in. If you’re wondering “what is a sump pump and how does it work?” Read on to learn about a key part of any basement or crawl space waterproofing system.
A sump pump is installed in what’s called a sump pit, where water collects to be then pushed out and away from your house via a discharge pipe. Whether it’s during a heavy rain or when a lot of snow begins to melt, water starts to collect in your sump pit as they run around your lower level’s drainage channels. Once the water reaches a certain level, typically this is when your sump pump will go from stand-by to activation. The water gets pumped into the discharge pipe and from there it is pushed to a distant location away from your foundation and home. The aim is to get the water far enough from your home that it doesn’t return to erode your foundation. Including surrounding soil, and put further work on your sump pump. There are several kinds of sump pumps out there, which activate based on different conditions.
If you’re looking to waterproofing your basement or crawl space against the rainy and snowy weather in your area, investing in a sump pump can provide added protection and benefits that will both help your lower level as well as your wallet…
Depending on where you live, you ultimately may or may not need a sump pump. Some areas have climates with more humidity and moisture than others. Depending on your area’s unique climate, it might or might not be necessary. But getting an expert opinion can help you make a more educated choice. Here are some conditions that might make a sump pump necessary…
For many homeowners, their home is one of the greatest investments of time and money. The condition of their home can have a direct impact on their quality of life. This also includes the condition of the lower level of your home, whether it’s a basement or crawl space. Keep your basement or crawl space dry and free of groundwater to help ensure the longevity of your foundation, your lower level, and the rest of your home. Since 1958, ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing has been providing long-lasting waterproofing solutions for basements and crawl spaces just like yours.
We have local offices all throughout the Eastern Seaboard. Whether you live near Atlanta, GA, Baltimore, MD, or Winston-Salem, NC, there’s a team of ’58 experts ready to help.
Whether you need sump pump maintenance or your waterproofing system needs one of our high-power Workhorse sump pumps, you can always lean on ’58! We also offer our own Workhorse OT battery backup sump pump to keep your waterproofing working in the case of primary pump failure or a power outage. Give us a call today to schedule for a free inspection and to receive a detailed estimate! When we’re on the scene, you can say goodbye to groundwater troubles!
As a homeowner, dealing with a wet basement or a soggy yard after heavy rain can be a frustrating experience—especially when it leads to damaged belongings, mold growth , or a dead, muddy lawn. Fortunately, there’s a tried-and-true solution that can help keep your home and your landscaping dry: the French drain system.
If you’re wondering, “Why is it called a French drain?” the answer may surprise you. While the word “French” might evoke thoughts of eloquence, the truth is quite the opposite. Coined and popularized by Henry Flagg French in his book Farm Drainage (published in 1859), a French drain system features a sloped trench that is filled with gravel or rock and a perforated pipe. This system diverts surface water and groundwater away from a specific area—such as your foundation or an area with heavy landscaping. The water then runs to designated areas like drainage ditches or a low-lying area of your property.
If you’re new to the concept of French drain systems, this guide is here to help. Below, you’ll learn of the different circumstances when you might need one and how ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing can help.
Installing a French drain system can be beneficial if you’re constantly experiencing these problems after heavy rainfall:
Depending upon which of these problems you’re experiencing, there are two different types of French drain systems that can help. Let’s examine both the outdoor and indoor French drain systems.
The gutter system on your home collects rainfall from your roof and diverts that water away from your foundation. Similarly, an outdoor French drain system collects rainfall from the ground level to achieve the same goal. For example, if water pools in low spots throughout your yard, an outdoor French drain system would ensure this water drains and flows away to a designated area. Another example is if water is making its way through your foundation and into your basement. Rather than allowing groundwater to put hydrostatic pressure on your foundation and seep indoors, an outdoor French drain system can help reroute that water away from your foundation.
Outdoor French drain systems might work well to funnel water away from low-lying areas in your yard. But they aren’t a 100% effective or cost-efficient solution to fixing a leaky or moisture-prone basement. It requires a lot of effort to install an outdoor system to alleviate hydrostatic pressure around your foundation. You must remove a significant amount of the soil—as well as any decks, patios, driveways, or landscaping—that surrounds your foundation’s perimeter. This process typically requires heavy machinery and a great deal of labor, which can be extremely costly.
The drain lines of an outdoor system can also clog with silt over time. This reduces their ability to eliminate water pressure against your foundation. When an outdoor system needs to be repaired or unclogged, the whole system must be dug up and replaced. For this reason, outdoor French drain system warranties are typically much shorter than other basement waterproofing solutions.
To ensure a basement stays dry even after heavy rainfall, an interior French drain system should be installed. With an interior waterproofing system, drainage channels are installed along the perimeter of your basement, where your basement floor meets the walls. As rainwater seeps into the soil and the water table rises to meet the foundation, perforations along the length of these drainage channels capture the water. These drainage channels then guide any captured water to a sump pit where a sump pump is installed. As water reaches the sump pit, a float valve is triggered and turns on the sump pump. The sump pump then pushes the water through a discharge pipe where the water will be deposited safely away from your foundation. This type of indoor basement waterproofing solution actively works to push water out of your basement 24/7.
Since 1958, hundreds of thousands of homeowners have depended on ’58 to waterproof their basements. Compared to outdoor French drain systems, our interior basement waterproofing systems are more cost-efficient and effective in the long run. With products like our own specially-engineered Channel ’58 drainage channels and high-power Workhorse sump pump, you can move more water faster out of your house! What’s more, they do not require extensive digging around the exterior of your foundation.
For even more moisture prevention for homes with crawl spaces, our company also offers industry-leading crawl space encapsulation services. During the encapsulation process, our experienced team will seal all crawl space vents, as well as seal the ground, walls, and support columns with a 20-mil thick vapor barrier.
With over 64 years in the waterproofing business, ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing knows how to protect your home from moisture problems and groundwater intrusion. Call us today to schedule for a free inspection and to receive a detailed estimate!
Is it that you haven’t looked inside your home’s crawl space in a while? If so, it might be time to give it a thorough inspection. Especially if your floors are feeling cold even when your furnace is running! While your crawl space isn’t the most inviting place to visit, spotting damp, soggy fiberglass batts hanging from your floor joists (or no insulation at all) is a telltale sign that your crawl space needs to be addressed to ensure adequate insulation and minimal moisture.
This guide will walk you through the best steps to take when re-configuring your crawl space. Also, we will discuss the downfall of traditional crawl space insulation methods, along with the more modern and efficient crawl space encapsulation processes. Let's look at how you can apply them to your home.
For many homes with crawl spaces, it is common for builders to place fiberglass insulation in the subfloor above the crawl space while leaving wall vents open. The thought behind this is that any moisture build-up in the crawl space would be expelled out of the vents.
Unfortunately, this old-school design does not live up to its intended purpose. Homes draw in air from all sides at the lower levels. This air then travels upward into the home and out through the attic or roof. Outside air is sucked through vents and small gaps and into the crawl space. If this air has higher levels of humidity in it, and comes into contact with the cool surfaces in the crawl space, it creates condensation. Condensation can lead to insulation degradation, wood rot, mold growth, and energy inefficiency.
Rather than taking the traditional approach to crawl space insulation, the most effective way to ensure your crawl space stays condensation-free and insulated all year long is to enclose it entirely. This should be done regardless of the climate you live in. Not only does crawl space encapsulation reduce the chance of moisture build-up and promote better energy efficiency, it also provides a complete solution for crawl space mold and pest prevention. Moreover, it creates an overall cleaner crawl space in your home that you could use for additional storage.
Below, we’ve detailed four steps you can take to encapsulate your home’s crawl space.
One of the best ways to insulate a crawl space is to encapsulate it along with insulation. Encapsulation eliminates outside air and moisture from entering the crawl space as humidity.
If your crawl space has standing water, an interior drain system with a sump pump and an industrial-strength dehumidifier might be necessary to completely dry out the space before the encapsulation process can begin.
Once you have eliminated potential water sources and completely dried out your crawl space, the next step in the encapsulation process is to seal crawl space vents, airways, or access doors. Many manufactured crawl space vent covers help to create an airtight bond—but if you happen to create your own DIY vent covers, be sure to use non-organic materials and caulk them in place to keep moisture out.
Then, using a foam sealant, seal off any gaps, airways, or cracks—including between plumbing, drain line, or wiring routes—that remain in your crawl space. For access doors, be sure to install heavy-duty weatherstripping around their frames to keep air from flowing into your crawl space.
Rather than installing batts between your subfloor’s joists (paper-backed batt insulation in a crawl space with high humidity can become food for mold, especially if it is hanging), the encapsulation process utilizes rolled foam insulation across your crawl space’s walls. Unlike fiberglass batts, these types of insulation resist damage caused by moisture, and deliver more thermal resistance than many other insulating materials of the same thickness.
Be sure to select insulation with the appropriate R-value (the measurement used to determine thermal resistance) for your area and climate. Before applying your insulation, read through any manufacturer specifications or installation guides, as each type of insulation features its own installation process.
With your insulation in place, it’s time to add a vapor barrier over the floor and walls of your crawl space. This prevents moisture from entering up from the floor or through porous concrete walls as moisture vapor. Removing moisture makes your crawl space healthier and more energy efficient. This now dry, clean, and usable space, has the potential to become an additional storage area in your home.
Vapor barriers are available in a wide range of thicknesses. However, you need to be sure to choose one that will, at minimum, withstand rips and tears—especially if your HVAC, ducting, or other appliances are housed in your crawl space. UV protection is also extremely important so the plastic liner doesn't become brittle and fall apart. Many lower end, thinner vapor barriers do not have UV protection.
Encapsulating your crawl space on your own can be a time-consuming and challenging process, especially if you’re also dealing with moisture or mold problems. Fortunately, at ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing, we can help you solve your crawl space issues for good.
If you’re dealing with severe moisture issues or standing water in your crawl space, our basement waterproofing solution—which includes encapsulation, dehumidifier, and sump pump options—will work to keep your crawl space dry and free of mold. Additionally, our heavy-duty commercial crawl space dehumidifier will work to dry out any moisture collected in your joists, subflooring, posts, and other porous materials, stopping further rot and mold growth.
If you’re looking to install a permanent crawl space solution, call ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing today to schedule your free inspection.
