A crawl space is an unoccupied, narrow space within a building that is found between the first floor and the ground. It is usually there to provide a buffer between the house and its inhabitants and any damp that might occur from the ground below it. The crawl space is named this because it is a small space that can just about fit someone crawling in it. It is important to keep the crawl space in good health as otherwise excess moisture can collect and cause mold, rot, or rust to form. In turn, these can make the foundations of your house unstable and can cause health problems if the mold is inhaled. The culmination of moisture can attract insects and other animals to come and live in your space. This can be detrimental to your home, especially if things such as wood-worm gets into the cracks, causing your foundations to be compromised. Because of this, it can be a good idea to waterproof your crawl space.
How do I know if my crawl space needs waterproofing?
The experts at www.sedonawaterproofing.com say, as your crawl space isn’t probably somewhere that you go to very often, you might not know it needs waterproofing until too late. This is why it is a good idea to check it regularly and lookout for signs that water is getting in. If you understand just how the water is getting into the space then it makes it a lot easier to get the water back out and keep it out. Some of the common signs that water is in your crawl space includes:
- Rust on your appliances or internal metal fixtures of your home
- Chalky mineral deposits that can be seen in your home
- Peeling paint on your walls
- Discoloration to your paint
- A musty odor that you can’t identify where it is coming from
- Visible mildew or mold
- Rotting to wooden trims or items in your home
- Bowing or cracking to your walls
If you find that you are experiencing any of the above it is a good idea to get a professional in to look at your crawl space and identify if this is the issue. If it is, then chances are you will need your crawl space waterproofed.
What is crawl space waterproofing?
If you want to avoid your home being wrecked by water damage, it is a good idea to look into crawl space waterproofing. Crawl spaces are often waterproofed by using smart pump drainage systems. These work by installing in a bed of clean gravel that is fed by a drainage swale or trench system. The pump will work to clean out any silt and debris and to drain out any excess water.
If you already have water in your crawl space, then the first thing that will need to be done is for it to be drained. Debris and water are cleared out from the space and then a vapor barrier is inserted and fitted. This is essentially a sheet of plastic liner that acts as a physical barrier to block out the water vapor and any odors that might come from the earth below. People used to use fibreglass insulation but it has since been found that this is not the best method and the old one will need to be removed. Once this has all been done, a trench will be dug along the perimeter in order to install drainage. This means that water will be collected by the drainage before it can enter your crawl space. It is now the sump pump comes in, which will expel water through a drainage line. For long term waterproofing, a vapor barrier is good, but encapsulation is better. This method helps block anything that evaporates from the ground and will stop it getting into the air. It will protect your wooden flooring and will also save you money on bills as it improves the efficiency of your HVAC systems in your home.
Encapsulation is heavier than a vapor barrier meaning it is also more durable and long-lasting. While it might be a bit more expensive at the start, it will save you money in the long run and mean you don’t need to replace it for a long white.
Is crawl space waterproofing worth it?
There are many reasons that you might want to sort out the waterproofing of your crawl space. If you are looking to make the home safer for your whole family and proofed for the future, then waterproofing will do a great job of it. You will improve the air quality of the indoor of your home and protect the structural integrity of your house too. Your belongings will be secure and you will be much safer from electrical hazards that could cause potential damage going forward.
Crawl spacing may seem like it could cause a small amount of disruption to your home or be a cost upfront, but it is more than worth it. It is a great way to ensure your home is safe and secured for years to come and will be more than worth it. The ramifications if you don’t get it done could be catastrophic to your house and you could end up with hefty bills trying to repair the damage that has happened from it not being waterproofed.
How can I get my crawl space waterproofed?
If you are looking for the best waterproofing company, look no further. Here at Sedona Waterproofing we are on hand to assist you with waterproofing your crawl space. We are extremely experienced in ensuring that crawl spaces are waterproofed to the highest of standards and can offer you a free quote based on your circumstances. Get in touch with us today to find out what we can offer and how we can help you right away. We will ensure that your crawl space is healthy, dry and clean in no time at all.
