Protect Your Oklahoma Home From Water
Every year, severe spring storms sweep the Oklahoma area, causing pooling water and water seepage into crawlspaces. Water intrusion can be problematic for homeowners, creating both immediate and long term issues. Musty odors, mold growth, and wood deterioration are just a few common symptoms of moisture in crawlspaces. If you suspect water in your crawlspace, don’t inspect it yourself. Standing water and messy crawlspaces can be difficult to inspect and service utilities. This is why you need to hire a waterproofing specialist to look for crawlspace water-related issues. At Pierman Foundation Repair Services, we’ll assess your water problems and find the best remedy for your crawlspace issues in Oklahoma. One solution is crawlspace encapsulation. We can prevent crawlspace water in your Oklahoma home.
What causes wet, damp crawlspaces in OK? Most wet crawlspaces are caused by poorly drained surface water. Sources of this water may come from the following:
Clogged or missing gutters- Gutter leaks or overflow
- Clogged or improper downspouts
- Saturated soil due to over-watering in flower beds around the foundation wall
- Rainwater runoff from driveways, walkways, and lawn
However, there are additional factors that lead to damp, wet crawlspaces, such as:
- Homes built on downslopes, forcing foundation walls to act as dams
- Overflowing nearby creeks
- Leaky or clogged drains
- Ruptured sanitary lines and leaking pipes under the home or outside the wall
- Closed or inadequate venting around the foundation walls causes humidity to buildup in the crawl space
Any of these issues will lead to a wet, damp crawlspace. If you suspect moisture in your crawl space, you may have one or more of the following issues:
Musty odors- Insect infestation
- Wood deterioration in beams, foundation footer, and floor joists
- Wall settlement
- Soil erosion underneath the foundation
- Wall movement and cracks
- Crawl space mold growth and mildew
- Wet insulation
- Surface condensation
- Warping or buckling floors above the crawl space
- Increase heating and cooling bills
Don’t let a wet, damp crawlspace reduce the value of your home and affect your family’s health. Since mold thrives in damp, wet environments, your crawl space becomes the perfect habitat for mold growth. Mold spores can be dangerous, causing serious respiratory issues for the elderly and children. Mold exposure causes a rash, watery eyes, coughing and other allergy symptoms. The best way to prevent mold growth and water in your crawl space is to control the level of moisture.
Regardless of what is causing your crawl space moisture, our experts can locate the source so you can feel comfortable and safe in your home. Pierman Foundation Repair Services offers the best solutions to prevent crawlspace water in your Oklahoma home.
Solutions to Prevent Crawlspace Water in Your Oklahoma Home
Inadequate site drainage and water issues often arise from new home construction as well as preexisting conditions. The key to preventing water in yards, wet crawlspaces, and wet basements is to have adequate surface drainage from all sides of the home. This will help prevent pooling water, soil erosion, and water intrusion in crawlspaces. Additional prevention tips include:
Installing a downspout extension to direct water away from the foundation wall- Construct a maximum slope to prevent soil erosion around the home
- Make sure walkways and driveways do not interfere with surface water drainage
- Install a heavy plastic sheet under the flower bed to avoid water from entering the crawl space
Most crawlspace problems are solved by repairing and maintaining gutters and downspouts. But if these solutions fail, then you may need to hire a professional to install crawlspace encapsulation. Crawl space encapsulation consists of a vapor barrier that guards your crawl space against moisture and water. A vapor barrier is a thick, high-density polyethylene membrane that is applied to the foundation walls and floor. It helps block out insects, pollutants, and moisture. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits!
The Benefits of Crawlspace Encapsulation
Crawlspace encapsulation refers to the process of sealing off and insulating the crawlspace area beneath a building. This technique offers several benefits:
- Moisture Control: One of the primary advantages of crawlspace encapsulation is moisture control. By installing a vapor barrier on the floor and walls of the crawlspace, it helps prevent moisture from entering the space. This reduces the risk of mold growth, rot, and decay, which can damage the structural integrity of the building and compromise indoor air quality.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: Encapsulating the crawlspace creates a barrier that prevents moisture, odors, and contaminants from seeping into the living spaces above. By reducing the humidity levels and minimizing the presence of allergens, pollutants, and radon gas, it helps improve indoor air quality, making the home healthier and more comfortable for occupants.
- Energy Efficiency: Crawlspace encapsulation can contribute to energy efficiency in a building. By sealing off the crawlspace, it minimizes the exchange of air between the crawlspace and the living areas, reducing the amount of conditioned air that escapes. This can lead to lower heating and cooling costs by reducing energy waste and improving the overall insulation of the building.
- Enhanced Structural Integrity: Moisture and excessive humidity in the crawlspace can lead to various issues that compromise the structural integrity of a building. By encapsulating the crawlspace and controlling moisture levels, it helps protect wooden beams, floor joists, and other structural components from rot, decay, and termite infestations. This can extend the lifespan of the building and reduce the need for costly repairs.
- Increased Property Value: Crawlspace encapsulation can add value to a property. Potential buyers are often attracted to homes with properly encapsulated crawlspaces due to the associated benefits, such as improved indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and reduced risk of moisture-related problems. Encapsulating the crawlspace can make a property more marketable and appealing to potential buyers.
Pierman Foundation Repair Services specializes in all crawlspace waterproofing methods, including crawlspace encapsulation. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and for a free estimate.
Our experts will help you find and prevent the source of your problem. Don’t settle for quick, easy alternatives because they won’t permanently fix the issue. Contact our experts today to prevent wet, damp crawl spaces in Oklahoma.
