Crawlspace Concerns in the Midwest: Signs, Solutions, and Benefits of Professional Repair

Why is your crawlspace important?

The humid continental climate of the Midwest concerns the homeowner here, especially when it comes to maintaining the crawl space. The constant temperature fluctuation and high humidity levels in the air lead to severe structural damage in the area. That includes sagging floors or increased mold growth, which becomes an unhealthy factor in the home.

Depending on the severity of the issue, you need to encapsulate the area. Installing vapor barriers or dehumidifiers saves you a lot of money. However, repairs by a professional hand can only ensure the problem is fully addressed with long-term protection. Read this guide till the end to learn about the best solutions for your crawl space and how professionals can help keep your home safe. 

5 Alarming Signs You Have a Problem With Crawl Space 

Moisture in the crawl space is likely a curse that leads to severe issues, including foundation integrity, mold, and pests. Here are the 5 warning signs that you have humidity issues in your crawlspace.

1. Sagging Floors

Without proper encapsulation, floor joists and support beams within the space may start to droop or bend downwards. The built-in clay soil in the space expands with moisture buildup and shrinks as it dries. This constant pressure movement puts pressure on the foundation, which causes floor joists to sag.

2. Drywall And Other Cracks

We often find cracks in the drywall and other parts of the crawl space. This is mainly due to the high humidity in the space, which rots the wood framing and weakens the structure, resulting in drywall cracks.

3. Mold Growth

In most Kansas City areas, mold growth is a common crawl space problem that most homeowners struggle with. This is due to high humidity levels, poor ventilation, and moisture intrusion from leakages and improper grading.

4. High Energy Bills

Moisture in a crawl space decreases the indoor temperature in the winter and humid conditions in the summer. This forces the HVAC system to work hard and raise your energy bill.

RELATED: What's an EZ Breathe Ventilation System, and Why Should You Get One?

5. Pest Infestations

Damp crawl spaces are a great place for breeding various pests like termites, mice, and cockroaches to live. This results in infestations, which spread diseases and pose health risks to inhabitants.

Effective Solutions Ideas For Crawl Space Issues In The Midwest

Before things get worse, it is time to consider some effective solutions. Have a look at some well-proven ideas:

1. Clean And Seal Your Crawl Space Vents

The first step is to ensure a thorough cleaning of your space. Make sure it is free of dirt and stubborn debris. Next, check the ventilation of the space to see whether it is in good working condition. Ventilation basically allows air and moisture to be removed from the crawl space. 

However, over time, it has been found that allowing air to move freely carries a significant amount of moisture, creating an unhealthy condition in space. It is better to seal off the vents and isolate them from the ground, especially before the humid seasons come. Install specialized vent covers on the exterior of the vents to ensure an airtight seal.

2. Crawl Space Floor Drainage System

A sound drainage system effectively prevents water accumulation in the crawl space and easily avoids many problems, including flooding, mold growth, and structural instability. Many cities in the Midwest experience increased precipitation, bringing significant water into the crawl space and finding ways to release it. 

A sound drainage system can solve this issue. You can install a perimeter drainage channel to keep water from seeping into your crawl space. 

3. Encapsulation

Encapsulation is the sealing process of the entire crawl space. It mainly works as a barrier between the crawl space and your living area. Most homeowners in the Midwest choose to encapsulate the space to prevent excessive moisture from entering. It also reduces energy consumption and lowers the energy bill. 

However, you need to head over to a professional, such as you will find at PierMagic, who will assess your crawl space condition and suggest the required encapsulation process. In most cases, you may need crawl space repair related to structural or plumbing issues. The professional team will address the problem effectively.

4. Thermal insulation 

Thermal insulation is more likely a barrier for the crawl space that helps regulate the temperature of the area and keeps it energy efficient. However, you will find different processes for insulating the crawl space. 

Fibreglass insulation is the best suggestion if you are looking for affordable options. It can only be installed in well-ventilated spaces, which is worth considering. Also, you can go with spray foam, which offers superior coverage in both ventilated and unventilated crawl spaces. But it is a bit expensive compared to other insulation options.

5. Waterproof Your Crawl Space

The best way to maintain the crawl space is through preventing moisture access in the space. Here are some expert suggested solutions you can choose to water-proof your crawl space:

I) Vapor Barrier 

A vapor barrier is a specialized plastic sheet that needs to be installed in the crawl space flooring. It filters the water vapor from the air in the space and keeps it moisture-free.

II) Dehumidifier 

A dehumidifier is an electrical device used in the crawl space to maintain the humidity level in the area. By improving the air circulation, you can prevent potential mold growth and the musty odors in the space.

III) Sump Pumps 

If you are constantly struggling with the flooding issue in the crawl space, a sump pump is a well-proven recommendation in these instances. When the water level in the area reaches a certain level in the pit, the pump activates and drains the excess water through a discharge pipe.

Advantages of Professional Crawl Space Repair

A proper repair and maintenance of the crawl space through professionals offers great advantages, from saving your home value to saving your money. Have a look in detail:

Improve Air Quality

With the proper ventilation and installed dehumidifier, you can enjoy better air quality in the area as well as throughout your house. Professionals ensure the system is correctly installed and maintained for maximum efficiency.

Balance Floors

Experts inspect your crawl space's areas, cracks, and damages and suggest better repair methods. You can quickly fix structural issues like sagging joists or weakened beams that result in unbalanced floors.

Energy Efficiency 

By sealing the vents and installing an insulation barrier in the space, you can keep the temperature in your home more stable, which can help you save energy on utility bills.

Maintain Structural Integrity

A well-maintained crawl space protects the foundation of your home by keeping it free from moisture issues and potential damage. This makes it attractive to potential buyers and increases home value.

Long-term Solutions

The expert team provides a long-term solution for any underlying issues. They use high-quality materials and proven techniques that fix current issues and prevent future problems.

Crawl space is an important part that impacts our living area directly. Any small issues that arise there should be addressed right away. Otherwise, there is a risk of facing various health issues, such as allergies or respiratory problems. So, if you are struggling with any crawl space issue mentioned in our article, don't delay contacting our trusted expert teams and getting the necessary repairs.