The crawlspace is one of the most overlooked areas of many homes. Because you probably don’t spend much time there or think about it often, you may not consider it to be very important. Most crawlspaces have moisture problems. Even if your crawlspace does not contain pools of water or is not completely flooded, it could still be suffering from harmful water issues.
What causes wet crawlspaces? Water in the crawlspace is normally the result of excess groundwater around your foundation. If the soil around your home is very saturated with water, the water may seep through cracks in the walls or floor of the crawlspace, or any gaps or spaces.
Although it may not seem like moisture problems in the crawlspace are a huge issue, they can lead to poor air quality throughout the home, and structural deterioration or instability. It is important to examine your crawlspace regularly and look for subtle signs of water damage. Some of these symptoms include:
Your first defense against a damp or humid crawlspace is a surface drainage system. The components of this system include the gutters, downspouts, and the grading around your home. These components all work together to prevent water from pooling
around your home, making it less likely to seep into the crawlspace.
Next, you should make sure that your exterior drainage system is functioning properly. The most important part of this system for preventing a damp crawlspace is the waterproof membrane that is applied to the foundation. This membrane keeps water from seeping through the foundation walls.
An interior waterproofing system will help remove water that has made its way through the foundation walls. In a crawlspace, the primary part of the interior waterproofing system is the vapor barrier. This is used for crawlspace encapsulation. This barrier is made of a water-resistant material, usually a plastic or foil sheeting. The vapor barrier works to seal out moisture, keeping it from entering the crawlspace and preventing high humidity, mold growth, and other problems related to a damp crawlspace.
For all of your crawlspace repair waterproofing needs, contact Pro Foundation Technology, Inc. We serve the cities of Kansas City, Jefferson City, Columbia, Raytown, Lee’s Summit, and the surrounding area.