Chesapeake, VA is a city with some 250,000 residents. It is located just south of Norfolk and southwest of Virginia Beach. Despite its large size, it is ranked as one of the safest cities of its size by the FBI. It also ranks as a top place to live by Money Magazine.
Despite it being a safe place to live, local homeowners still must deal with issues with their crawl spaces. Since the city is so close to the water and subject to heavy rains, homes with crawl spaces can experience significant issues. Fortunately, AMC911 is there to help.
Common Signs Of Crawl Space Problems In Chesapeake, VA
Water is a big problem for homeowners in Chesapeake but it is only part of the problem. Crawl space issues can show up in many different ways, including the following.
Visible Mold in the Crawl Space
If you see black or orange stains or a furry growth in the crawl space, it is likely to be mold. Once you see the mold, it already has a foothold and must be removed.
Condensation on Pipes
Air can only hold onto so much moisture and if the air is too humid, it will condense on pipes. Condensation is the opposite of evaporation and it is a sign that there is too much moisture in the crawl space.
Pooled Water in the Crawl Space
Water in the crawl space is always bad news. For some residents, it happens often enough that it becomes normal, but it is always a sign that bigger issues need to be addressed.
Sticking Windows and Doors
If the foundation is sinking, it could cause the window and door frames to torque. As those frames twist, it can cause the windows and doors to stick when opening and closing.
Cold Floors
The stack effect can pull colder air from the outside into the crawl space, leading to cold floors. It is also pulling the cold, damp air out of the crawl space and into the living space.
High Humidity Throughout Your Home
High humidity is expected in an unencapsulated crawl space. The problem is, since air comes from the crawl space into the home, the air is humid, less healthy, and uncomfortable where you live.
Why Your Crawl Space Problems Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Crawl space problems do not improve if they are ignored. In fact, they progressively get worse and could result in additional issues, including the following.
Old House Smell
The last thing that any homeowner wants is to make a bad impression on their visitors. When you have crawl space problems, the VOCs from mold and bacteria can cause that distinct old house smell.
Stack Effect
Air in the crawl space will not stay in the crawl space. It is pulled into the living area as warm air rises and exits the home through the attic. This results in your family breathing unhealthy air.
Higher Repair Costs
If you don’t take care of crawl space problems, they will get worse. This results in higher repair costs and the possibility that some issues are not able to be repaired.
Rodent Droppings
You don’t have to see the rats to know you have a problem with them. They will leave behind droppings. Rodent droppings may contain hantaviruses, and humans can become infected by breathing or touching them.
Mold and Mildew
There are many types of mold, including mildew and toxic mold. They can leave your unencapsulated crawl space smelling musty and the mold spores can spread through the home.
Floor Damage
High humidity in the crawl space can affect the floor joists and can go through the subfloor to damage the floor directly. Dipping or cupping of the floor can occur over time.
Common Methods For Crawl Space Repair
Repairing a crawl space is the first step when you request a crawl space encapsulation. It is different from one house to the next, but it often includes one or all of the following steps:
Water Removal
Water is a very destructive force when it exists in the crawl space or in the soil around the foundation walls. Removing the water is the first step in the repair process.
Insulation Replacement
Before the crawl space is encapsulated it is often necessary to remove the old insulation and install new insulation. When insulation gets wet or even damp, it can quickly grow mold.
Drain Tile
Perforated pipes are installed in a stone field under the crawl space or around the outside of the foundation. Water flows into the pipes and out to a low-lying area.
Crawl Space Encapsulation
After any repairs take place, we can proceed with the crawl space encapsulation. We wrap the walls and floor of the crawl space with poly-sheeting, completely sealing it. If there are any vents, they are sealed as well.
The crawl space encapsulation process isolates the area and keeps water, bugs, and rodents out. After installing a dehydrator, you can even store items in the crawl space because it will be clean and dry.
Free Crawl space Inspection and Estimate in Chesapeake, VA
There is no need to wonder if you are having a problem with your crawl space. Even though any homeowner would benefit from having the crawl space encapsulated, knowing if there are issues can be of benefit.
That is where the free crawl space inspection and estimate from AMC911 can help. Contact us using our convenient website form and we will get back to you soon.
