Virginia Beach is a city located on the Atlantic Ocean where it meets the Chesapeake Bay. It has more than 450,000 residents, as well as many people who visit the city every year to enjoy the beaches and some of the best golfing in the country.
Much of the activity in and around Virginia Beach is associated with the water. Homeowners are also familiar with water and what it can do to a crawl space.
If you are having problems with your crawl space, don’t hesitate to contact AMC911. We can help get your home back to where it should be.
Common Signs Of Crawl Space Problems In Virginia Beach, VA
Some signs of crawl space problems are easy to see, while others may take some time to show. In either case, however, identifying the issue is the first step in doing something about it. The following are some common signs to watch for.
Musty or Damp Smells
There is an old saying; ‘Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.’ The same is also true for the musty or damp smell you may be experiencing. If it smells musty or damp, it is likely you have a musty, damp crawl space.
High Energy Bills
One of the largest complaints we hear from homeowners in Virginia is about high energy bills. They are usually already high but when the air in the home is humid, it takes much more energy to cool and heat your living space.
Groundwater Seepage
When there is too much water in the soil surrounding the foundation, the hydrostatic pressure can cause water to seep through the foundation walls. If not corrected, it could further compromise the foundation.
Insect Infestation
An unencapsulated crawl space is dark, damp, and cool. In other words, it is the perfect environment for bugs, and they will quickly get a foothold in the area. Before you know it, they are in the rest of the home as well.
Condensation on Pipes
Air can only hold so much moisture and when it is too humid, the water will condense on pipes and other cooler surfaces. Condensation is the opposite of evaporation.
Sticking Windows and Doors
A crawlspace is a type of foundation and when problems occur, the foundation can shift or sink. As a result, the window and door frames will twist and the windows and doors will start to stick.
Why Your Crawl Space Problems Shouldn’t Be Ignored
When you ignore a problem, it is only going to get bigger. That is why you should not procrastinate on having your crawl space repaired and encapsulated. Putting it off could result in one or more of the following additional issues.
Respiratory Issues
High humidity, stale air, and mold can all be a problem in the home before the crawl space is encapsulated. As a result, any member of the family could experience respiratory issues. That is especially true of those with asthma or COPD.
Stack Effect
The stack effect takes place constantly, although most homeowners do not know about it. When hot air rises in the home, it escapes through the ceiling, and then air is pulled from the crawl space. That is why the air in the crawl space is also the air in the home.
Old House Smell
We’ve all been in homes with that ‘old house’ smell and if you are having crawl space problems, your home may have it too. It comes from VOCs as mold breaks down.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew need air, water, and a food source to grow. All of those factors are found in large measure in a damp, dreary crawl space. Once the mold is in the crawl space, it is also in the rest of the home.
Foundation Failure
This issue is on the extreme end of what could happen, but it is a possibility. It typically occurs due to hydrostatic pressure from the surrounding soil or if the foundation sinks in unstable soil.
Floor Damage
Moisture in the crawl space can affect the floor from underneath. It can cause the floor to buckle and loosen. Sometimes, you may notice furniture shaking as you walk nearby.
Common Methods For Crawl Space Repair
When you call AMC911 for a crawl space encapsulation project, there may be more work needed. This includes some repairs that commonly need to be done. Fixing these items first ensures they will not be a problem again in the future.
Water Removal
Any water must be removed before the crawl space is encapsulated. This includes standing water and any excess water that is in the soil around the foundation. Excess water can undermine the foundation and cause serious problems.
Insulation Replacement
When insulation gets wet or when humidity is high, it can allow mold to form. That is why one repair that is almost always done is to tear out the old insulation and install new insulation.
Drain Tile
Water may be a constant feature in the crawl space but it should not be considered normal. Keeping the water from the crawl space or the surrounding soil may require the use of a drain tile system. A perforated pipe transports the water away from the area to a sump pit or a lower-lying location.
Crawl Space Encapsulation
Once any repairs are completed, we can start with the encapsulation process. It isolates the crawl space from the surrounding area and leaves it clean and dry.
If there are any vents or any area where air can be exchanged with outside air, it is sealed. We can then wrap the walls and cover the floor with a thick vapor barrier. This seals the area to keep out moisture, pests, and other issues that were a problem before the crawl space was encapsulated.
Finally, we add a dehumidifier that is large enough to keep the air in the crawl space dry. Since air also enters the rest of the home from the crawl space, the entire home will be drier, cleaner, and healthier.
Free Crawl space Inspection and Estimate in Virginia Beach, VA
Many of our neighbors in Virginia Beach and the surrounding area have taken advantage of our free crawl space inspection and estimate. It’s the best way to know if you have a problem and how any issues can be fixed.
If you would like a free crawl space inspection, you can request one by filling out the form on our website. Shortly after doing so, one of our friendly crawl space and foundation experts will contact you to set up the inspection.
