Unique Moisture and Foundation Issues Facing Older Homes

Though charming and interesting, older homes cause unique issues for homeowners. Some of these issues include mold and mildew, fiberglass insulation, and structural problems.

Mold and mildew are common in older homes because of the permeability of cracked and decayed foundations. Once enough water collects in an area, mold and mildew can sprout. These blights settle on surfaces like wood, drywall, cardboard, grout, and other porous areas. They pose more than just an aesthetic and structural problem, as they can exacerbate allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues.

To treat mold and mildew, Master Services has an arsenal of services and products. One solution is our CleanSpace® Crawl Space Vapor Barrier, a durable liner that is tear-resistant and insulates crawlspaces from the ground. This liner also prevents mold and mildew from making a home on vulnerable surfaces. Another method involves installing a high-quality dehumidifier, which inhibits the spread of mold.

Fiberglass insulation also contributes to mold growth. It’s highly permeable, so water is attracted to it. When enough moisture collects in a crawlspace, it can weigh down insulation. The insulation will gradually fall to the ground in clumps.

To provide proper insulation, Master Services offers SilverGlo™ Crawl Space Wall Insulation, which is composed of small graphite particles. These particles reflect heat and lower conductivity, which provides superior R-value per inch. SilverGlo™ also directs heat back into your crawlspace.

Newer homes can be subject to considerable structural damage, so just imagine the problems that can beset a home made prior to 1990. Cracks, sinking foundation, uneven surfaces, swollen doors, stuck windows—the list could go on. These issues stem from changes in weather, soil, and seismic activity. In East Tennessee, the problem often comes down to drought or excess rain. Too much water makes the soil shift, leading to problems, while too little water causes the soil to contract and cause similar issues.

To address foundation issues, we offer a variety of services to stabilize walls. We provide foundation stabilization systems, wall straightening, concrete raising, and other foundation repair services. Some of our solutions involve installing push and helical piers to re-level settled foundations, carbon fiber reinforcement to address bowed or bulging walls, or wall anchors to straighten cracked walls—just to name a few of our products!

We have many older homes throughout East Tennessee and, just like an elderly person, an older home requires special care. Master Services has a team of professionals who understand how best to treat issues like mold, mildew, fiberglass insulation, and foundation settlement.