Crawl space is a substantial element for every home as it supports your entire structure. Any problem arriving in the crawl space can lead to destructive issues in other major home areas. The crawl space issues, when left unchecked, also lead to precarious structural problems. Here I have sorted out prominent crawl space problems along with their signs and solutions.
Crawl space problems
Here are a few crawl space issues you should know about as a homeowner.
- Water standing in your crawl space is a severe problem that is an impetus for the majority of other sever crawl space problems. It can be the result of varied sources like a disastrous flood, plumbing leaks, or hydrostatic pressure.
- High humidity caused by standing water can lead to other disastrous issues like mold mildews, etc.
- Humidity leads to a higher condensation level, which leaves water on surfaces like floors or foundations.
- Weather soaked woods raises the probability of molds. Molds in your crawl space can cause grave health and structural issues.
- Condensation can leave water on every space, even in crawl space encapsulation. Crawl space encapsulation wetting is difficult to stop until you have changed it completely.
- When water stays too long, it also causes fungal infestation like wood rot.
- Floor joist issues and sagging floors also represent some sort of crawl space issues.
- Open crawl space vents increase condensation, leading to severe cracking issues.
- Foundation cracks always portend that something deadly is going under your space.
- High electricity bills because of increased air conditioner usage( as humidity has risen in your home) is unequivocally a problem raised by crawl space malfunctions.
- Structural falling is another problem that can arise in crawl space. This usually happens when your crawl space starts to settle or shift, which leads to cracks and other problems.having structural issues in your crawl space is a dangerous situation as the entire structure of your house rents on it.
Signs of coral space problems
- Condensation ductwork, insulation, or water pipes
- Musty odors in the living area
- Pests or insects in the crawl space
- Mold or mildew in the crawl space
- High humidity in the living area
- Rusty metal surfaces in the crawl space
- Buckled hardwood floor
- Rotting wooden framing.
If you notice any of these signs mentioned above, then there are chances that your crawl space has some underlying moisture issues. Your first step should be to call a professional to have your crawl space repaired.
Solutions for crawl space problems
Here are a few solutions for crawl space repair that a professional may recommend to you.
- Installing vapour barriers is the best way to block moisture from entering your space. Vapor barriers are resistant materials such as plastic or foil sheeting that you have to install over the entire area of your crawl space for sealing moisture out. This process is termed as crawl space encapsulation
- If the water problem is a bit intense then I’ll suggest that you invest in a basement waterproofing system.
- Structural crawl space problems demand investment in space support piers. Steel push piers or helical piers are the products that support falling crawl space.
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