One of the biggest problems with crawl space moisture is that it can come from numerous sources. For example, if the house was built under soil level and did not have adequate drainage to lead water away, the water may pool under the home, leading to excessive humidity and water damage.
Clogged gutters can be another culprit. Over time, debris like twigs and leaves accumulate in gutters and prevent water from flowing toward downspouts. Consequently, the water has nowhere to go but over the sides of the gutters. When it does overflow, it collects outside the crawl space.
Downspouts can be just as problematic as gutters. Even if gutters don’t overflow, the crawl space may still have water damage due to improper downspout design. More specifically, they might not redirect water away from the house but to the lower parts of the property. In turn, the crawl space collects moisture, and the house suffers.
Lastly, plumbing disasters can also trigger crawl space water damage. These commonly affect old houses (over 50 years) because their pipes have taken a beating over time. They deteriorate and develop cracks, allowing water to seep into the crawl space.
Baltimore homeowners shouldn’t postpone urgent home repairs; crawl space waterproofing can be considered an urgent project. Ignoring high moisture levels is a mistake as it can result in large-scale water damage. Eventually, the problem will affect the entire home because the homeowners didn’t address it promptly.
Replacing wooden boards and drying walls with a fan might only be a temporary fix. The only long-term solution is crawl space waterproofing. Here’s why it should be on every Glen Burnie resident’s to-do list:
Building materials don’t thrive in a wet environment. Not even crawl space materials are impervious to moisture. It can weaken various parts of the foundation, destabilizing the entire property. Waterproofing is a proven way to prevent these stability issues. The owner ensures a structurally sound home by blocking water from a crawl space.
Homeowners can put their crawl spaces to work to store landscaping tools and summer patio furniture. However, moisture can cause them to degrade much faster than expected. Homeowners wanting to use their crawl spaces for additional storage should first waterproof the area.
Lingering moisture translates to high humidity levels. The crawl space isn’t the only area impacted by this problem. Other parts of the house suffer, too, requiring the HVAC system to work harder. A great way to extend the lifespan of an HVAC unit and reduce energy bills is to waterproof the crawl space. It helps provide comfortable indoor pressure, lifting some of the burden off the HVAC.
Crawl space waterproofing adds value to a property, making it less susceptible to water damage. Since this is a worthwhile home improvement project, all left is choosing a reliable method.
Crawl space encapsulation might be the best option. It’s a process of enclosing the crawl space using a polyethylene barrier, which keeps moisture away from the area. It’s a non-invasive technique that seals every part of the crawl space, including floors, joists, walls, and pillars.
Accurate Builders of the Chesapeake generally offer dehumidifier installation when encapsulating a crawl space. It helps the polyethylene barrier combat extreme moisture levels and guarantees long-term protection from water damage. Additionally, our contractors can install or enhance a drainage system to redirect water from the crawl space and alleviate the pressure on the barrier.
Moisture protection: The primary purpose of crawl space encapsulation is to block moisture from entering the crawl space itself. Water from the surrounding soil or overflowing gutters can’t penetrate the barrier. It remains trapped outside the crawl space, keeping the foundation dry.
Infestation prevention: Cockroaches, termites, and many other vermin thrive in humid areas. Swarms of these creatures can inhabit a crawl space if the owner doesn’t control moisture levels. By encapsulating the area, pests will no longer target it as their new home.
Health benefits: Living in a damp environment can harm the homeowner’s health. Excessive crawl space moisture often triggers mold growth, which can be a nightmare for the residents, causing headaches, coughs, sneezing, and breathing issues.
Improved structural integrity: If water pools in a crawl space, it can easily affect every part of the construction. Eventually, support beams may give in to the pressure, leading to weak floors and walls. Living in such a home is dangerous, so Glen Burnie residents should schedule crawl space encapsulation.
Electricity savings: Modern HVAC systems can automatically generate power to control indoor temperatures. However, excessive moisture from the crawl space works the system harder, utilizing more electricity to achieve the desired temperature. It increases energy bills, but not if the owner encapsulates their crawl space.
Baltimore residents can gain a lot from crawl space waterproofing, primarily if performed by a trained technician. Contact Accurate Builders of the Chesapeake, and we’ll deliver the highest-quality waterproofing. Once we take over, crawl space-related issues will be history.
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Accurate Builders of the Chesapeake provide foundation, basement, and crawlspace installation and repair for the greater Baltimore area homeowners.
