Causes of Crawl Space Issues
Moisture buildup, humidity, pest infestations, and structural damage commonly cause crawl space issues. Many crawl spaces, especially those built in the mid-20th century, have design flaws, such as open vents and dirt floors. These invite unconditioned air, water, and pests, leading to wood rot, mold growth, and compromised structural integrity.
Additionally, the stack effect, a natural airflow process, pulls contaminated air from the crawl space into your home, negatively affecting indoor air quality, increasing energy bills, and potentially causing serious health issues along with allergies and asthma.
Symptoms of Crawl Space Problems
Crawl space issues can manifest in various ways throughout your home. Here are some common signs to watch for that may indicate trouble in your crawl space.
Sagging Floors: Uneven, bouncy, or soft floors indicate damage to the crawl space’s floor joists due to moisture or pests.
Cracks in Walls: Cracks near windows, doors, or drywall might signal foundation or crawl space support issues.
Condensation & Humidity: Moisture from the crawl space often results in condensation on windows and elevated humidity levels, leading to a damp, uncomfortable home.
Musty Odors & Mold: Mold thrives in moist crawl spaces, with musty smells and mold spores circulating into your living space.
Cold Floors in Winter: Inadequate crawl space insulation can leave floors cold, particularly in winter.
Pest Infestations: Dark, moist crawl spaces attract pests that can damage your home and create unhealthy conditions.
Encapsulation Solutions
At S&H Waterproofing, our crawl space encapsulation services tackle these problems by sealing off moisture and insulating your space. Encapsulation improves your home's energy efficiency and air quality while preventing further damage. To guarantee lasting results, we offer the Shield Complete Program, a comprehensive maintenance plan to protect your crawl space year-round.
Reach out today to schedule your consultation and learn how S&H can help preserve your home’s crawl space, foundation, and indoor environment.