Water in your crawl space is more than just an inconvenience. Crawl space waterproofing is important because a wet crawl space can cause an array of structural and health problems for your home.
How to properly waterproof a crawl space depends upon the extent of the water problems. Let’s take a closer look at why waterproofing is important for Omaha-area homeowners who have a crawl space foundation and how we go about keeping crawl spaces dry.
Problems Solved by Crawl Space Waterproofing
Moisture can cause a host of problems in a home’s crawl space. Here are a few.
Mold & Mildew
Mold and mildew love dark, humid areas. A wet crawl space fits that description to a T. It doesn’t even require standing water. High humidity can be enough.
The mold spores don’t stay in the crawl space, either. They circulate throughout your home. There, they can inflame existing respiratory conditions or cause new ones.
Wood Rot
An excessive amount of moisture can cause wood to rot. And what is made out of wood? Most of the structural components in your crawl space. And if the beams and floor joists begin to rot, it can cause significant structural problems.
Your floor can feel spongy. Cracks can develop in your walls. Gaps can develop in your baseboards.
In the end, depending upon the level of damage, the beam or joist must either be reinforced or replaced entirely.
Musty Odors
While this one is not among the most serious issues, it can be a highly annoying one affecting your enjoyment of your home. Basically, the smells you generally associate with a wet, musty basement begin to infiltrate your living space because of the amount of crawl space moisture.
Pest Infestations
From bugs to rodents, plenty of pests are attracted to crawl spaces with standing water, either as a source of drinking water or as a breeding ground for mosquitoes or assorted creepy crawlies.
On the list of insects that enjoy wet crawl spaces: termites. The Omaha area falls within a moderate-to-heavy termite activity zone.
Crawl Space Waterproofing Methods
The Basics: Crawl Space Encapsulation
Chances are any crawl space waterproofing effort includes crawl space encapsulation. Some people refer to this process as crawl space sealing as its purpose is to seal out as much moisture as possible from the crawl space.
It consists of two or three main portions.
- Vapor Barrier Installation: The waterproofing contractor will install a tear-resistant vapor barrier made of plastic sheeting, covering the floor and walls as well as any supports rising up from the floor. This “barrier” would actually be better termed a vapor retarder, because while it keeps most water vapor from entering through the walls and floor, it does not stop 100% of the vapor.
- Sealing the Crawl Space: This process includes sealing off the crawl space vents as well as some of the areas around any HVAC or piping that runs through the crawl space. This further limits ways for moisture to reach the crawl space air.
- Dehumidifier: A crawl space dehumidifier can offer another layer of protection, when needed, for crawl spaces with persistent humidity issues.
A properly sealed crawl space can also improve your home’s energy efficiency by preventing humid air from overworking your HVAC system.
Crawl Space Drainage System
While crawl space encapsulation is good at keeping out water vapor, if your crawl space is routinely flooding, you will likely need a more extensive waterproofing solution.
Much like the system used in interior basement waterproofing, water in the crawl space flows into a perforated pipe that takes it to a sump pump. From there, the pump sends the water out into your yard a safe distance from your foundation.
Signs You Need Crawl Space Waterproofing
If you recognize any of these symptoms from your home, your crawl space might have a moisture problem:
- Musty smells
- Sagging floors
- Visible mold
- Condensation on ductwork
- Standing water after heavy rain
Need a Crawl Space Waterproofing Contractor in Omaha? Give Jerry’s a Call
If your Omaha home is experiencing crawl space water problems, contact your local waterproofing experts at Jerry’s Waterproofing. We can get you a free estimate for what it would take to keep your crawl space dry and free of mold and wood rot. We have been keeping basements and crawl spaces dry in the Omaha area for more than 30 years and have the know-how to get the job done right for our clients.
Learn More About Crawl Space Waterproofing
Why Standing Water in Your Crawl Space is More Serious Than You Think
Crawl Space Repair: Benefits of a Vapor Barrier
Best Ways to Dry Out Your Crawl Space