Common Crawlspace Problems and their Solutions

As the science behind building homes evolves, so does our understanding of what works best for keeping a home dry, stable, and safe. The crawlspace of a house has most certainly changed as we gain knowledge about extending a home’s viability.

For example, crawlspaces were built with vents for decades, under the assumption that a vent would alleviate moisture from building up inside of the space. This has turned out to be very wrong, and has in fact created the opposite effect, with vents allowing more moisture to enter the crawlspace and cause several issues.

By having your crawlspace vents sealed with airtight coverings, the likelihood of crawlspace moisture leading to damage, mold, and higher utility costs dramatically decreases.

Mud or dirt crawlspace flooring is incredibly commonplace while also being incredibly problematic. Moisture is absorbed in the soil, allowing humidity to settle in the space. Critters such as mice and snakes are more likely found in a dirt crawlspace. And, a dirt crawlspace floor is quite simply inconvenient and messy, particularly if you utilize the space for storage.

Through the installation of a waterproof liner system, the crawlspace becomes a dry and stable space that discourages pests and can be more easily used for storage.

You may want to read our previous post, concerning the differing types of building material that make a home’s foundation, serving as the crawlspace walls. If you’ve already read it, you know that concrete blocks are the most common type of material used.

Affordable and available, concrete block is an easy material to use for a foundation. However, it is a porous material with open cavities where the blocks are stacked. Luckily, there is a product, called a “wall cap” that secures and seals concrete block openings.

Now that you are aware of the most common types of crawlspace problems, as well as their solutions, you can determine your own home’s needs. The Master Services team is always available to help, offering free estimates.