Homeowners know that keeping their homes in good condition requires constant upkeep and maintenance. One element of a home that often goes overlooked is the crawl space, which can be an essential part of your home's structure. Crawl space waterproofing is essential to protect your foundation, flooring structure, and the overall air quality of your home.
A foundation repair specialist can provide the necessary skills and experience to diagnose your crawl space, recommend an appropriate waterproofing approach, and properly implement a solution. Let's get through the process of waterproofing crawl space with expert tips.
Essential Know-Hows for Crawl Space Waterproofing
Keep the foundation and structure of your home dry and protected from moisture damage with the help of professionals. Here's what you need to know:
Assessment of Leaks and Damage
Your crawl space needs to be free from any leaks, cracks, or openings for it to be waterproof. A foundation repair expert will help you inspect your crawl space, identify problems, and recommend the best action plan.
A small leak might result in mold, mildew, and long-term structural damage, as water from the ground can easily seep into the crawl space. They might use crawl space encapsulation, a sump pump, or french drains to prevent water from entering the space.
Seal Cracks and Openings
As soon as the professionals identify the source of the leak, it's time to patch the holes and cracks. This can be done with concrete sealant or hydraulic cement to help fill gaps or crevices. If there are openings, such as pipes, these should be sealed up with caulking. Make sure to let the area dry completely before attempting any further steps.
The crawl space repair experts may suggest additional waterproofing measures, such as installing a sump pump, vapor barrier, or french drain to remove any water that has built up in the space.
Install a Sump Pump or French Drain
Crawl spaces may constantly get wet, and you may need to install a sump pump or French drain. A sump pump works by pumping water out of the space and away from the foundation, while French drains are installed around the perimeter of the crawl space and work by collecting water to direct it away from the foundation.
Your crawl space waterproofing professional can help determine which system is right for your home. As these installations require time and expertise, it's best to hire a professional to offer proper installation techniques with periodic inspections, cleaning, and maintenance for optimal results.
Related Read: Is a Crawl Space Sump Pump Necessary or Not?
Sloping Ground Away from Home
Preventing water from leaking into your crawl space needs ground to slope away from the foundation. The technique will allow water to drain properly and prevent it from getting collected around the base of your home.
In many homes, over time, soil can settle, and ground can be sloped towards the house. To avoid this issue, it is best to hire a waterproofing professional or landscaping expert to consider all the factors, such as foliage and underground conditions, before beginning any major groundwork.
Vapor Barrier to Seal the Crawl Space
Installing a vapor barrier is a crawl space waterproofing method that's best left to the professionals. A pro will know exactly how to install the barrier and ensure that it seals the space properly, preventing moisture from seeping through.
Make sure you hire a reputable company offering high-quality vapor barriers designed specifically for crawl spaces and a satisfaction guarantee and warranty on their work. The company can provide a free, no-obligation estimate, answer any questions, and design the best solution to keep your crawl space dry, safe, and healthy.
Read to Know: How Insulating Crawl Space Saves Money and Keeps You Comfortable?
Final Thoughts
Ready to protect your home from water damage?
Waterproofing crawl space is a must to keep your home safe and dry. Hiring an experienced crawl space waterproofing expert will ensure that the job will be done right, with minimal disruption to your day-to-day life. They can assess the area and provide the best solution for your needs while keeping your home safe and healthy. Get in touch with these professionals to get started today!
