A crawl space is an often forgotten part of a home. Since it’s located beneath the home, homeowners don’t often enter; there may be dangerous mold or foundation issues about which they are unaware.
Homeowners can easily identify some common symptoms with a quick sweep of the crawl space, but a professional should still address and fix them. Luckily, Accurate Builders of the Chesapeake has several proven solutions for crawl space repair that are guaranteed to keep a home healthy and stable.
As it’s one of the most significant investments someone can make, protecting that investment is essential. Routine checks for damage and needed repairs are critical to maintaining its integrity, and the crawlspace needs to be on the list. The crawlspace provides most of the air that enters a home, meaning homeowners should be mindful of the quality of the conditions there.
Accurate Builders of the Chesapeake has a reputation for excellent repair and waterproofing of crawlspaces. We are dedicated to providing our clients with the best customer service, answering questions and concerns from the beginning of the project to the end.
Since the crawl space is underneath a home, the owners probably do not give it much thought and don’t check it regularly. They assume all is well until it’s not. This thought process is an expensive one. Instead of waiting until an indisputable problem needs repair, learn the signs of crawl space damage.
Some common signs include:
Growing mold or moisture damage
Musty smells
Condensation in the air ducts, insulation, and water pipes
Flexing or sagging hardwood floors
High humidity in the home
Pests
Wood rot
Occasionally, a house may have mold growth, humidity, or pests because of its location, but excessive amounts indicate that it is time to have a professional inspection.
When diagnosing the exact cause of crawl space problems, it’s important to note where the water or issues are coming from, whether above or below. Common causes of crawl space flooding and issues include:
Landscape grading – If the land is not graded correctly, water may pool near or under the home
Gutter issues – If gutters are damaged or not correctly installed, water can pool near the home and spread to the crawl space
Flower beds – If a homeowner overwaters their flowers, they could be oversaturating the soil, creating problems for the home’s foundation and crawl space
Broken water lines – If a water line breaks, there will be excess water near or underneath the home
Excessive rainfall – If there is a period of heavy rain, it’s critical to check for any pooled water underneath the home
Homeowners armed with information about what can cause problems in their crawlspace can work to prevent trouble in their homes. Additionally, when they know the potential culprit of their problems, they can better collaborate with a company to devise a solution.
Keeping a crawl space clean and dry is an excellent step to keep the home free from allergens and pests. Crawl spaces circulate air up to the rest of the house, and essential supports for the home’s foundation are located in the crawl space.
If the air in the crawl space is moldy, residents will experience the side effects of mold exposure. Wood or metal foundation supports exposed to standing water for long periods may rot or corrode, causing stability issues. Electrical components in the crawl space could be negatively affected by standing water as well.
For the health and safety of the residents, it’s best to call a professional when crawlspace problems appear.
Many of the problems that affect crawl spaces involve excessive water or damage from water or humidity.
Solutions include:
Vapor barrier – A vapor barrier will protect a home from excess water and humidity caused by outside conditions. This durable product is made from polyethylene and will keep water and pests out in the rainy seasons.
Crawl space stabilizer – This option is for sagging or flexing floors in a home. In extreme cases, the supports need to be replaced. Our stabilizer system will push the floors back to their original position and require minimal maintenance.
We are the choice for crawl space repair in Baltimore and surrounding areas. With years of experience, our clients are assured that they receive exceptional service at a fair price. Contact us today to schedule an inspection.
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Serving Baltimore and the Surrounding Area
Accuratebuildersofchpk1@gmail.com
Accurate Builders of the Chesapeake provide foundation, basement, and crawlspace installation and repair for the greater Baltimore area homeowners.
