A homeowner has a lot to worry about by default, which means some areas will get overlooked. Are you even thinking about moisture in your crawl space causing floor joist damage? It’s often an out-of-sight and out-of-mind thing, which is why foundation repair bills can get so costly. Hopefully, the information below helps to improve awareness about crawl space repairs, before you need to spend extra on a full structural foundation replacement.
Typical Signs of Underlying Crawl Space Issues
Let’s say you need a crawl space repair job done. How would you even know that it’s time to call us in? These are some of the signs that you want to look out for.
Window Condensation
Crawl spaces are usually exposed to outdoor environments, which makes it very easy for moisture to enter them and cause rot. The said moisture can also get into your home, which will typically reveal itself in the form of unexplained condensation on windows and other surfaces.
Elevated Humidity
Does the inside of your home feel like a humid summer afternoon for seemingly no reason? The compromised air can be a result of crawl space moisture. If you’re dealing with conditions such as asthma or an allergy, the last thing you want to battle is substandard air quality.
Unusual Cracks
Termite infestations are known to cause structural damage. What many people may not realize is that wood rot in a crawl space can have a similar effect. You may start to notice random drywall cracks near doors and window corners. This typically happens after support beam and joist weakening occur.
Sagging Floors
Typically, improper crawl space encapsulation is the culprit here. Your floors may start to feel bouncy or unstable. There may also be gaps or dips between the floor and the wall. Sometimes, the foundation damage comes from a combination of pest and water issues.
Abnormally High Energy Bills
You have no new appliances and yet your energy bill is rising. Why is that? When crawl spaces need repair, they retain excessive moisture, which increases home temperatures because of the humid air. This means any HVAC system will need to work harder.
Mould Presence
For whatever reason, there seems to be a musty odour in your home that you can’t pinpoint. Well, your crawlspace may be mouldy, and the only thing you can do is to get the source of the problem handled.
Cold Floors During the Winter
Compromised insulation can cause a crawlspace to get incredibly cold during the winter. Therefore, you may notice that your floors are abnormally chilly.
How Did the Water Get in to Cause Crawl Space Problems?
The high humidity is annoying, and the dehumidifier doesn’t seem to be doing the trick. Mildew and mould growth in the crawl space are causing a serious problem. What should’ve been optimal vent placement seems to be making no difference. Now, you just want the water out of the crawl space, right? Surely, you’d never have to deal with another spore again.
Truthfully, understanding the underlying issue is the most important step. There may be uneven grading, which is causing the moisture to get into the crawl space. Alternatively, your gutters may be clogged, or there may even be a problem with your plumbing.
If the root cause isn’t addressed, water will find its way back into the crawl space over time. Therefore, the approach should be to remove the water and inspect the area to find the issue. Doing so makes it that much easier to strategize a comprehensive repair approach.
Challenges Caused by Standing Water in Your Crawl Space
Wooden Floor Warping
A wet crawl space can warp wood. This is a big problem because it is not something you can simply repair. When your wood gets to this state, the only thing you can do is to have it replaced as quickly as possible.
Potential Illnesses
This was something we briefly spoke about above. Some people have allergies or respiratory illnesses that they are dealing with. Even if you have never been predisposed to any such conditions, living with mould can send you to the hospital.
Dust Mites
These are incredibly annoying insects that may start to plague your carpet, bedding, and furniture. Humidity is not necessarily a requirement for dust mites to become a problem, but they typically thrive in environments where there is more moisture in the air.
Can Anything Be Done about Crawl Space Moisture?
If your crawl space is compromised by moisture, it is not the end of the world. What you need is to have a thorough professional inspection done. Doing so can help to deal with the immediate moisture problem. Additionally, you get insight into what the cause of the issue is, after which it can be taken care of for you.
Addressing Plumbing Leaks
Plumbing was cited as one of the potential causes of water finding its way into the crawl space. If there is an issue on that end, then it will need to be dealt with. Sometimes, it is as simple as identifying a leak and reinforcing the area.
Vapor Barrier Installation
A reputable crawl space repair company like Paul’s Basement Waterproofing, offers this service with many completed jobs and positive reviews. The barrier works as a shield that stops damp soil water vapour from finding itself in the air of the crawl space. You will usually want to go this route if you have an exposed dirt floor.
Insulate the Crawl Space
Insulation is also essential. Fiberglass was probably used in your home, and it could now simply be failing. These days, spray foam insulation is very popular for its structure and the fact that the application process is more intuitive. There is no need to spray it along every joist to get the protection needed against air and moisture seepage.
Get Your Crawl Space Checked Today!
Having moisture in your crawl space can be nothing short of a disaster. The potential implications can be very costly. It’s up to you to do what is necessary by calling in the professionals at Paul’s Basement Waterproofing.
Our expertise in crawl spaces has consistently created satisfied customers across Southwestern Ontario. Reach out to us today, so we may carry out a crawl space inspection and help you feel comfortable in your home!
