Moisture in the CRAWL SPACE

The crawl space is one of the most neglected areas of the home. Damp and humid crawl spaces are a huge problem for many Middle Tennessee homeowners.

The crawl space helps to support the weight of the entire structure, making it a vital part of the home.

In order to keep your crawl space healthy, it may be necessary to invest in waterproofing services. This can include crawl space encapsulation, the installation of a french drain system, or other internal or external waterproofing services. 

#1 Cause of Moisture In The Crawl Space

Moisture problems in crawl spaces are usually caused by water seepage through cracks in the foundation. Or through the porous concrete of the foundation itself.

When water vapor seeps through the foundation, it leads to a damp crawl space. This weakens the concrete in the foundation, leaving it more susceptible to problems such as foundation cracks, and crumbling or flaking foundations.

Pooling water can seep through the foundation, leading to a damp crawl space.

Water seepage can be the result of surface water or groundwater. If this is a problem, you may need to consider installing a French Drain.

When surface water pools around the foundation of your home, it may find its way into the crawl space by seeping through concrete or leaking through tiny foundation cracks.

Moisture in the Crawl Space: Health Risks 

Crawl space moisture is a serious issue and can lead to health problems for you and your family. One such problem is the growth of crawl space mold and mildew. The air you breathe throughout your home comes directly from the crawl space.

If mold is infecting the air in your crawl space, it will infect the air throughout the home.

signs of a damp crawl space

• High humidity

• Damp walls or floor

• Damp or wet insulation

• Water Stains

• Wood rot

• Metal rust

• Mold or mildew growth

• Condensation on duct work or pipes

• Musty odors

If you see any of these symptoms in your home, it is time to contact the waterproofing experts at Ground Up Foundation Repair.

We provide you with solutions to keep your crawl space dry and healthy and offer estimates on all of our work.

SOLUTIONS FOR DAMP CRAWL SPACE

The best way to prevent crawl space moisture issues is with a waterproofing method called crawl space encapsulation, or wall encapsulation.

In this method, a vapor barrier is installed all along the interior surface of the crawl space. The vapor barrier is made of a water retardant material (such as plastic or foils sheeting) and helps keep moisture from entering your crawl space.

It works by resisting the diffusion of water vapor through the porous concrete of the foundation. This means that water vapor cannot seep through the concrete and enter the crawl space.

Install a vapor barrier in your home to seal out crawl space moisture.

Other waterproofing methods include surface drainage, exterior drainage, and exterior waterproofing. Surface drainage and exterior drainage work to prevent water pooling and keep groundwater away from the foundation. This reduces the chances of water seepage.

Exterior waterproofing methods involve installing a waterproof membrane and drainage board on the foundation walls to keep water from getting to the concrete.

If you live in Nashville, Murfreesboro, or the surrounding Middle Tennessee area, and are in need of crawl space repair or basement waterproofing, contact the experts at Ground Up Foundation Repair today.

We offer solutions for your damp and humid crawl space that are both affordable and effective. Contact our team today for more information on how we can help keep your crawl space dry and healthy.