Smithfield is a town in Virginia with about 8,000 residents. They are known for the beauty of the area, as well as some of the best hams sold in stores throughout the United States. They are also a town on the water, with the Pagan River making up one of its borders and Cypress Creek running through the town.
Since water is a part of the culture in Smithfield, they are familiar with the damage it can cause as well. That is also true of what it can do to your foundation and your crawl space. If you are having crawl space problems, contact AMC911. We can help.
Common Signs Of Crawl Space Problems In Smithfield, VA
Crawl spaces are some of the more commonly seen types of foundations in Smithfield. They serve a purpose, but they can also experience problems if they are not cared for properly. The following are some of the common signs of crawl space problems.
Condensation on Pipes
The air can only hold onto so much moisture, and that percentage changes as the temperature changes. When the air is particularly moist, water will condense on surfaces that are colder, such as pipes
Allergies and Respiratory Problems
Crawl space problems sometimes become evident with increased allergies and respiratory problems. This is due to the poor air quality that affects the living area as well as the crawl space.
Groundwater Seepage
Excess water in the soil around the foundation can cause everything from water damage to mold and even foundation failure. If you notice groundwater seepage, it is a sign of crawl space problems.
Evidence of Pests in the Crawl Space
You don’t have to see bugs and rats to know they are a problem. They leave behind evidence, including wood damage and droppings.
Musty or Damp Smells
Musty smells, which are sometimes considered to be an ‘old house’ smell are actually evidence of mold. An unencapsulated crawl space is an ideal environment for mold growth.
High Humidity Throughout Your Home
The stack effect pulls air from the crawl space into the home continually. High humidity becomes a problem that can make the home uncomfortable and unhealthy.
Why Your Crawl Space Problems Shouldn’t Be Ignored
When you ignore any problem, it tends to get worse. This also happens when you ignore crawl space problems. Rather than getting better, they get worse and can lead to an increase in these specific issues:
Mold and Mildew
An increase in mold and mildew can affect your home and your health. Mold spores may be found throughout the home, even if the mold growth is confined to the crawl space.
Respiratory Issues
As mold and high humidity become a bigger problem in the home, it can lead to an increase in respiratory issues. This is especially seen in those with pre-existing respiratory problems, such as asthma or COPD.
Stack Effect
Hot air rises and as it does, it enters the attic and out of the home. At the same time, the air is pulled from the crawl space into the living space to fill the void left behind. That is how the air in the crawl space affects the entire home.
Floor Damage
High moisture levels in the crawl space can eat away at the floor joists, affecting the floors above. Termites can also damage the floors from underneath.
Higher Repair Costs
As the problems continue to grow in the crawl space, so will the costs of having them repaired. When you contact AMC911 at the first signs of problems, the cost is minimized.
High Energy Bills
It is difficult to keep the home comfortable as the humidity rises. Cooler air in the crawl space can also affect the floors, making them cold and uncomfortable in the winter. Higher energy bills are one of the most common complaints we hear from Smithfield residents.
Common Methods For Crawl Space Repair
Most people think that crawl space encapsulation is a one-size-fits-all job, but it only happens after any repairs are cared for first. The repairs help to make sure problems do not happen again after the encapsulation takes place. Here are some things that may need to be done.
Water Removal
Standing water is an obvious problem but sometimes, the water isn’t as evident. That is the case when the soil around the crawl space has a lot of water content. In either case, repairs must be done to remove any excess moisture.
Insulation Replacement
Once insulation gets wet it should be replaced. Even high levels of humidity, such as in an unencapsulated crawl space, could cause mold to grow. As part of the repair process, we remove wet and damaged insulation and replace it.
Drain Tile
A drain tile system is an efficient way of moving water from one area to another. In a crawl space, it can keep water from entering the area or can drain the soil and carry the water to a lower area or into a sump pit.
Crawl Space Encapsulation
After any and all repairs are made, the crawl space encapsulation process can get underway. Essentially, the encapsulation process seals the crawl space and leaves it clean and dry.
If there are any vents, they are sealed as part of the process. A heavy layer of poly-sheeting is then laid over the floor and wrapped around the walls. This protects the space and prevents both water and pests from entering.
The area is kept dry with a dehumidifier. Since the air in the crawl space is dry, it helps keep the air in the rest of the home dry.
Free Crawl space Inspection and Estimate in Smithfield, VA
Many of our neighbors in Smithfield have taken advantage of our free crawl space inspection and estimate, and you can too. After filling out the convenient form on our website, we will contact you and set up an appointment. It’s a good way to put your mind at ease and know just what is needed for your home.
