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A rule of thumb when it comes to foundations is that moisture and foundations don't mix. So, whether you have a basement, slab, or a crawlspace for foundation, it should always remain dry. Otherwise, your house could be subject to moisture problems. These include mold issues, an infestation of pests, and foundation collapse. So if you notice that your crawl space is wet, there could be a foundation problem brewing. Read on to learn the answer to “why my crawl space is wet” and what you can do about it.
Although it's not good to have water in your crawl space, having some water under the house is not an indication of a problem with your crawl space. For example, if you've experienced heavy rainfall in the past few days, some rain may have gotten into the crawl space. But if building contractors built your home correctly, the water should flow away from your home. Then, within a few days should dry and be back to normal. However, if you've noticed after several days of dry weather that the water in your crawlspace doesn't seem to be drying out, this could be an indication that there is a moisture problem under the house and you require crawl space waterproofing.
To discover if you have problems with your crawlspace, it is a good idea to have a foundation contractor inspect the area. They will check to see if there are leaking pipes, drainage issues, excessive standing water, foundation cracks, and sloping floors. They will also check for mildew or mold, pests, and wood rot. If any of these signs are present, you will need to work on your foundation. The work they recommend will reverse the damages. Therefore, you and your family don't have to worry about sloping floors, uneven walls, or peculiar odors coming through your home's vents.
The way contractors fix your crawl space will depend on the type of damage they discover. One of the most common remedies to crawl space issues is crawl space encapsulation. But there may be additional fixes they may have to incorporate to ensure that the foundation is in good condition. Most homeowners will ask, "is water in crawl space after heavy rain normal?" Let's look at methods that may be used to waterproof the crawl space and prevent standing water.
One type of repair a foundation expert may recommend is crawl space encapsulation. This is one of the most common ways to stop moisture problems and prevent them from occurring in the future. They will install a vapor barrier made of heavy plastic to prevent mold and moisture growth under your home. Additionally, they may seal foundation vents and insulate the walls and flooring to help make your home more energy-efficient.
In addition, to crawl space encapsulation, contractors may also add a dehumidifier to the crawl space area. This may not be a necessary component to install in your crawl space. However, if your home is prone to high humidity, particularly at certain times of the year, a contractor may recommend it. The dehumidifier will help control the moisture under your home, keeping the wood parts structurally sound. It will also prevent mold growth and pest infestation.
One of the byproducts of high moisture under your crawl space is mold and mildew growth. If it is present in your crawl space, you will need remediation to avoid more growth and improve your home's current air quality. Some may try to perform this as a DIY project. However, it is best to let the professionals handle the remediation. The type of mold that may be present could be hazardous and could lead to health problems if you don't wear the proper equipment and protective suits.
If the water in your crawl space has already caused much moisture damage, there is a strong possibility that it may have caused damage to your floor joists and beams. If this is the case, some foundation companies offer crawl space framing services to fix the damaged wood beneath your house before proceeding with encapsulation and other improvements. As a result, there may only need a few that need replacement. However, if the damage is severe, you may need a full-scale replacement. A structural contractor will be able to determine how much replacement is necessary.
In addition to reducing your moisture issues with vapor barriers and dehumidifiers, a contractor may discover that water isn't properly draining away from your house. This could be why you've experienced a moisture problem in the first place. To help keep this problem from arising again in the future, a contractor will recommend that you get new drainage systems installed. They will ensure that the water drainage systems channel water away from the foundation to prevent pooling and moisture buildup.
If you've had severe water damage underneath your crawl space, this could mean that your piers may have slipped out of place. This could be why your floors may be uneven, and your doors aren't opening properly. This could also be why there are cracks in your walls. The foundation team will have to install new piers to prevent further damage. They will determine how many piers need repair and recommend concrete pier replacement or steel piers. This repair will lift your home back into place and ensure that your home's foundation won't collapse.
The costs to fix a crawl space can vary. According to Home Advisor, fixing a crawl space can range from $1500 to $15,000. This price may increase substantially according to the other items that need fixing. For instance, mold remediation could cost between $500 and $3,000. Additionally, installing piers could cost upwards of $3,000 per pier. On top of issues associated with the crawl space, if you have a pest infestation, this could also cost money to resolve this issue before fixing the crawl space. For example, if your pest infestation is termites, this could easily run you between $230 and $930.
Have you noticed pools of water forming around your crawl space? Since water can severely damage your home's foundation, it is a good idea to call a foundation expert right away. Grand Rapids Foundation Repair Pros can help you fix your foundation problems and prevent further damage from moisture. One of our structural experts can inspect your foundation and determine the best solution for the water problem in your crawl space. Call today to schedule your inspection and get a FREE quote on one of our foundation services.
