Poquoson is a city in Virginia that is sometimes called Bull Island. It gets that name from the shape of the land that juts out into the Chesapeake Bay between the Black and Poquoson Rivers.
Since Poquoson is located on the water, area residents are very familiar with what water can do for their quality of life. This is true in a good way but when it comes to the crawl space, water is never a good thing.
Common Signs Of Crawl Space Problems In Poquoson, VA
Being able to identify crawl space problems can often alert you to the issue before it gets out of hand. The following are some of the more common signs that indicate this problem.
Mold/Mildew
Mold needs food, water, and air to grow and those are often provided in great measure in an unencapsulated crawl space. Once the mold is found, the issue is likely advanced.
Uneven Floors
Moisture and termites are common in an unencapsulated crawl space and either could damage the floor support from underneath. As the damage occurs, the floors may sink.
Furniture That Shakes When You Walk by
Another issue that is associated with floor damage is for the furniture to shake as you are walking in the area. It happens when the floor becomes loose and uneven.
Pooled Water in the Crawl Space
You may see water pooling in the crawl space after it rains, which is often associated with poor drainage. It is also a sign that something needs to be fixed.
Visible Mold in the Crawl Space
Mold tends to hide and we often detect it because of an ‘old house’ smell. If you are seeing visible mold growth in the crawl space, the problem should be corrected right away.
Condensation on Pipes
Condensation occurs in the crawl space when the air is so saturated with moisture that it cannot hold onto any more water. As a result, you may see condensation on cold surfaces, such as on pipes.
Why Your Crawl Space Problems Shouldn’t Be Ignored
We all tend to procrastinate but when it comes to crawl space problems, you should never put off having the issue repaired. The problem will not get better if you ignore it, it will get worse and could result in the following:
Foundation Failure
A crawl space is a common type of foundation in Poquoson. As the issue gets worse, it could lead to foundation failure. This is likely to happen due to hydrostatic pressure from the surrounding soil.
Old House Smell
The damp air and mold in an unencapsulated crawl space can lead to that familiar ‘old house smell.’ Since you live in the home, you might not smell it but your company will.
Respiratory Issues
As the air quality drops in the home, you will likely experience respiratory problems. Family members with asthma or COPD are more susceptible to the problem.
Mold and Mildew
Mold in the crawl space can affect the entire home and can threaten the health of your family. You may have mold spores throughout the home once it grows in the crawl space.
Floor Damage
The floors can be affected from underneath due to water and termite damage. The damage could cause the floors to sink or be uneven. You may have loose floors as well, which is why the furniture may shake when you walk by.
Rodent Droppings
Rodent droppings are a clear sign that your crawl space has a pest infestation. They can also be a serious health risk, with the possibility that they could contain a deadly virus.
Common Methods For Crawl Space Repair
Encapsulating a crawl space without repairing it first is like putting a band-aid on a cut that needs stitches. It may stop the problem for a short time but it isn’t long before things get worse. That is why we care for any repairs before beginning the encapsulation process.
Here are some of the different repairs your crawl space may need.
Water Removal
Standing water in the crawl space may be common but it is not normal. Water in the soil around the crawl space is also an issue. Removing the water is the first step in repairing the damage.
Insulation Replacement
It only takes a couple of days for mold to start growing once the insulation gets wet. Even high humidity could lead to this problem. That is why we replace the wet insulation as part of the repair process.
Drain Tile
Excess water can be removed but it will be a problem again unless a drain tile system is installed. A drain tile is a series of perforated pipes that carry water from the crawl space or surrounding soil to a lower area to drain.
Crawl Space Encapsulation
As the name would suggest, crawl space encapsulation seals the entire area. It is done by covering the walls and floor with a thick vapor barrier. Any seams are sealed as well.
We also seal off any vents that could allow outside air or moisture in. This keeps the area dry and also prevents pests from getting in as well.
Finally, we install a dehumidifier to dry the air and keep it dry. Since air from the crawl space also affects the living space, your entire home will be drier and healthier.
Free Crawl space Inspection and Estimate in Poquoson, VA
AMC911 provides a free service to our neighbors in Poquoson. If you have a crawl space, you can take advantage of our free crawl space inspection and estimate.
Fill out the form on our website and we will contact you shortly. Once we finish the inspection, you will know what needs to be done and will get more info on how a crawl space encapsulation can benefit your home.
