Suffolk is the 10th largest city in Virginia with a population of over 94,000 residents. Although there are many reasons why you would visit the city, their claim to fame is the peanut. In 1912, the Planters Peanut factory was started in Suffolk and they are still known for it today.
The city has another claim to fame as well, and that is being the largest city in Virginia in land size. As a result, many of the residents in the outlying areas of Suffolk have crawl spaces and, at times, they may need some attention.
When you have problems with your crawl space, including standing water, pest infestations, and mold, the problem may seem too big to handle. At AMC911, there is no problem too large. Our crawl space encapsulation process can tackle any problem and leave you with a clean, dry space that will improve the environment throughout the home.
Common Signs Of Crawl Space Problems In Suffolk, VA
When a crawl space is experiencing problems, it will not do it silently. There are certain signs and symptoms that can alert us to the trouble and give us the chance to find a solution. Here are the most common signs and symptoms to look for:
Musty or Damp Smells
The crawl space is an area of the home that tends to be cool and damp. It provides the perfect environment for mold to form, leading to the musty smells that can permeate the entire home.
Efflorescence on Crawl Space Walls
If you see white deposits on the walls of your crawl space, it is an indication of moisture. As the moisture evaporates, it can leave behind these salty deposits and they are a sign of crawl space problems
Groundwater Seepage
Suffolk is located near and around several large bodies of water and it can rain heavily at some times of the year. As a result, excessive groundwater can build up around the foundation, causing seepage into the crawl space.
High Energy Bills
One of the most common signs that indicate a crawl space problem is high energy bills. The high humidity in the crawl space will cause high humidity in the living space, making it difficult to keep the home comfortable.
Uneven Floors
Moisture in the crawl space can impact the footers, causing the floors to get uneven. Given time, this could be a serious issue that leads to greater foundation problems.
Rusty Appliances
Any metal appliances that may be in the crawl space can quickly rust as it succumbs to the high moisture levels. After encapsulation, the moisture levels are lower and the problem is resolved.
Why Your Crawl Space Problems Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Like any problem, if your crawl space issues are not cared for in a timely manner, they will just get worse. More than likely, it will also cost more money when you do finally call for a crawl space repair and encapsulation. Here are some other reasons why you shouldn’t ignore crawl space problems.
Moist Air
This is a problem that can lead to other issues, as it produces a suitable environment for mold, pests, and wood rot. The moist air will also affect the rest of the home, making it uncomfortable and unhealthy.
Stack Effect
The warm air in the home rises and escapes through the ceiling and attic. As it does so, it pulls air from the crawl space into the living space. That is why crawl space problems are often whole-house problems.
Floor Damage
Moisture in the crawl space can have an impact on the adjacent floors. As the wooden joists under the floor experience rot and swelling, it can damage your floors from underneath.
Respiratory Issues
Many families with crawl space problems complain of increased respiratory issues throughout the year. This is due to the environment in the home being impacted negatively as the crawl space and living space exchange air. It tends to be worse for those with asthma and COPD.
Foundation Failure
Although this is on the extreme end of the scale, it certainly is possible for some crawl space problems to undermine the foundation. If left unchecked, this could even make the home unlivable.
Old House Smell
The musty, old house smell is not something you want to be breathing every day, as it is unhealthy. In many cases, the old house smell is actually mold you are smelling.
Common Methods For Crawl Space Repair
At AMC911, we have seen many different crawl space issues over the years. Although many share some of the same characteristics, there are also differences from one job to the next. Here are the most common methods that are used for crawl space repair.
Water Removal
If your crawl space has standing water or if the soil around the foundation is inundated with water, it must be fixed before we encapsulate the crawl space. This typically means pumping the water out of the area and setting up a system to keep it dry.
Insulation Replacement
Once the insulation in the crawl space gets wet, it can start to grow mold within 24 to 48 hours. In most cases, removing the old insulation and installing new insulation is a part of the repair process.
Drain Tile
A drain tile system involves using a perforated pipe placed in gravel. Any water filters through the gravel and into the pipe. It is then carried from the crawl space to a lower-lying area or a sump pit.
Crawl Space Encapsulation
Once the repair process is complete, we can move ahead to the encapsulation phase of the project. The end result of encapsulation is to provide you with a clean and dry area. It could even be used for storage.
First, the area is wrapped with a thick layer of poly-sheeting. Any seams are overlapped and sealed to keep moisture out of the area. The vapor barrier will also discourage pests, such as rodents or insects from entering the area.
Finally, we will install a dehumidifier suitable for the area. It will keep the humidity at an acceptable level. Since the air is constantly exchanging from the crawl space to the living space, your newly encapsulated crawl space will result in a more comfortable, healthier home.
Free Crawl space Inspection and Estimate in Suffolk, VA
AMC911 has been helping homeowners in Suffolk and the surrounding area for years with their crawl spaces and other foundation issues. We would like to help you as well, and the process starts with an inspection of your crawl space.
Fill out the form on our website to request a free crawl space inspection and estimate from AMC911. One of our friendly foundation experts will be in contact with you soon after to set up the inspection.
