Do you have a wet and musty crawl space? If so, you should consider taking action. Did you know that over 40% of the air you breathe on the first floor of the home comes from the basement or crawl space? Because of this, crawl space waterproofing and encapsulation is essential to your family’s health.
A crawl space is essentially a small basement. In homes with crawl spaces, the living area is so close to the crawl space that moisture and unsafe air infiltrate the home, causing potential health hazards. Air pollutants, excessive moisture, and water entering a crawl space can produce dangerous living conditions which may lead to serious health risks.
Our cost-effective crawl space recovery solutions can help.
Crawl spaces are essential structural components of homes that often get overlooked. Any structural errors in a crawl space can lead to costly damage if left unaddressed. Whether it's due to foundation cracks, moisture issues, structural deficiencies, or pest infestations, problems in this hidden space must be properly repaired. Keep reading to learn more about crawl space repair, its importance, and signs you need professional repair.
Smouse Brothers is Southwest Missouri's leading crawl space contractor, offering high-quality crawl space repair services. Get in touch for a free, clear estimate; no obligation is required!
Importance of Crawl Space Maintenance in Southwest Missouri
Keeping up with regular maintenance of your home's crawl space is crucial for several reasons. A poorly maintained crawl space can lead to damaging moisture issues that accelerate the deterioration of structural supports and foundation walls over time.
Crawl space vents need to be cleaned and checked regularly to ensure proper ventilation and exchange of stale, humid air. Debris and moisture breed mold and attract pests like termites, posing a risk to your home's overall integrity and value. Routine inspection allows you to deal with these seemingly minor issues before they become expensive repairs.
You can preserve the lifespan of your home's underlying infrastructure for decades to come. This is by keeping your crawlspace clean and dry through yearly maintenance like drainage checks, vent cleaning, and debris removal.
Signs It's Time for Crawl Space Repair
Recognizing signs that your crawl space may need repair is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy living space. Here are some common signs that we at Smouse Brothers look for:
- Excessive moisture or water intrusion: Be on the lookout for mold growth, damp floors or walls, or musty smells in your crawl space. Standing water is a sign that you have drainage issues.
- Structural issues: Check for bowed or sagging floor joists, cracked or crumbling foundation walls, or floors/walls that no longer feel level. These may indicate problems with load distribution or foundation stability over time.
- Insect or rodent infestation: Look for signs of insects like spiders, ants, or termites in your crawl space. Also, check for rodent droppings, chewed insulation or wiring, or rodent burrows. These pests can cause damage as well as health issues.
- Damaged vents or lack of ventilation: Proper ventilation can help to prevent moisture issues. Check if your vents are clogged or broken. Poor airflow can affect the crawl space environment.
- Old or deteriorating supports: Look for rotting, crumbling, or missing piers, posts, or support beams in the crawl space. Deteriorating supports threaten the integrity of your home.
Professional Crawl Space Encapsulation in Springfield, MO
If you have a crawl space underneath your home, it's essential to encapsulate it properly. Complete crawl space encapsulation is necessary because crawl spaces can become breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and insects if not sealed off from the outside environment. Professional crawl space encapsulation provides a complete barrier against the outside elements. It protects your home's structural integrity by preventing moisture from entering and damaging floor joists, insulation, and other wood components.
Encapsulation includes installing a vapor barrier, usually a 20-mil polyethylene sheet, to completely cover the floor and walls. All seams, corners, and edges are taped to seal the barrier fully. Ventilation holes are sealed to block outside air infiltrating the space, yet controlled ventilation is still provided. This controlled environment is humidity-regulated to keep moisture levels low year-round.
Professional encapsulation also includes inspecting, cleaning, and making any necessary repairs. Debris is removed, and wood is treated for mold or rot if needed. These proper preparations ensure that the vapor barrier is fully effective for a long time. Consult a trained professional from Smouse Bros. when considering encapsulation for your crawl space. Not only will you have peace of mind, but you will also protect your home's foundation.
The Smouse Brothers Difference: Exceptional Crawl Space Repair Services
The integrity of your crawl space determines the soundness and safety of your home. Invest in a professional crawl space repair service like Smouse Bros. As one of Springfield's trusted crawl space repair companies, we take pride in reliability, excellent communication, integrity, and the quality of our work. Contact us today for free estimates with no obligation required.
Featured Image: Provincial Gemstone / Shutterstock
