Crawl Space Waterproofing and Energy Conservation
Crawl space waterproofing is a relatively new concept in home improvement practices. The idea is to protect the home from moisture damage, but the practice has evolved into much more than just protecting the home from water damage. Today’s Crawl Space Waterproofing systems are designed to prevent mold, mildew, wood rot, cracking, and even deterioration due to pests and rodents. These new systems do not only make it more difficult for water damage to occur, they can also save you money because you will not need to replace the floor or wall when they become weakened from water damage.
The basic concept of Crawl Space Waterproofing is nothing new. The basic idea is to waterproof the entire crawl space by laying a heavy plastic slab across the inside of the area. This slab is then laid along the walls and floors of the area in order to completely seal off the inside of the area. This heavy plastic coating is then covered with an exterior grade Urethane membrane. This membrane will usually be sealed around the perimeter with a clear exterior sealer, but it may also be sprayed with a special black paint to act as an extra layer of protection against mold and mildew.
The basic goal of the foundation cracking is to prevent water from getting to the basement. When water gets to a foundation, it causes the foundation to crack, which then allows for foundation weakness, cracks, and foundation failure. Crawl space waterproofing can help prevent this from happening by acting as a water-absorbent and stopping water from soaking into the ground around the foundation. Crawl space waterproofing can also help prevent soil erosion by slowing the rate at which soil is removed from the foundation. This can greatly reduce the amount of soil erosion that occur, as well as preventing damage to the foundation due to soil shifting.
If your home has a sump pump at the bottom of the foundation, then you will probably need some type of waterproofing for the sump pit. Often this includes a sump damper which is installed at the lowest end of the sump pit in order to catch any leaks. A sump damper is a flexible vinyl or rubber material that is connected to the side of the sump, with a piece of pipe at its other end connected to a drainage pipe at the edge of the pit. Water coming from outside will flow into the pit through the pipe and then naturally drain away into the drainage pipe. Crawl space waterproofing keeps soil from entering through this pipe and entering through the sump.
Mold and mildew growing in your home near the foundation can also create health concerns for you and your family. Mold spores travel easily through damp environments and can cause serious health problems for those who are allergic to mold. Mildew is equally dangerous; it is actually more toxic than mold. Because it is below ground, it cannot be seen by the naked eye and is often hidden under the carpet. However, it too can grow in a dry, warm, and damp crawl space and, when coupled with high humidity, mold and mildew can grow rapidly in a space that is barely dry.
A dry crawl space encapsulation system will prevent moisture from entering your home. It will also prevent heat from rising in the summer and provide insulation against the bitter cold winter weather. By encapsulating and insulating your basement or crawl space, you will save money on your energy bills, improve indoor air quality, and eliminate the risk of mold and mildew growth that can be so harmful to your health. These benefits are far greater than a few dollars per square foot you might spend on a commercial system, and you will see immediate savings on your heating and cooling bills! When it comes to hiring an expert to do your waterproof your crawl space. Call or text the experts at Feltch General Contracting. We do it right the first time every time. Contact us at 717.368.3653 to schedule yours.