Understanding Basement and Crawl Space Waterproofing

Dec 04, 2022

Basement and Crawl Space Water Intrusion:

What You Should Know

Here is what you should know:

When you are dealing with water intrusion in your home you will want the problem fixed and done correctly the first time. Repair should be made to last for the duration of your inhabitants and well past the time you are ready to sell or move to your next home.

Given enough time water is the most destructive force on this planet. If unchecked it will erode away from your home from top to bottom. This is why it is absolutely imperative that you hire a waterproofing company Richmond Va residents trust to tackle the problem from all angles ensuring nothing is missed.


Water damage can range from small foundation cracking to complete structural failure of your home. So it's important to have a professional come out to inspect your home to determine the real extent of the damage before requesting any specific repairs. Not only can structural damage be a result of water intrusion in your home, but it can also lead to dangerous micro-bacterial growth or breeding grounds for unwanted pests such as insects and other life. This is why it's crucial to hire waterproofing companies Richmond Va residents know are well rounded in all aspects of moisture remediation. Don't settle for anything less than a contractor that has the knowledge and experience to know what to look for and the safest practices to fix the problem right the first time. As a homeowner you know that there is no cutting corners when it comes to protecting your family and your investments, so if you are experiencing any sort of water coming into your home and causing problems, make sure you know what to look for in a quality waterproofing contractor.


Foundation repair you can trust will last the test of time


You may have been doing some yard work and noticed a few cracks at the base of your foundation. While this can be very common especially from homes settling over time, these cracks are perfect areas in which water can leak into your home and cause all sorts of issues. If you see these cracks starting to form, it's better that you address them before they lead to worse things. Once water starts to intrude these cracks the foundation will begin to further deteriorate, widening the cracks and leading to bowing walls or structural instability. Furthermore, you have to wonder where this water goes after it runs through your foundation.


In most cases this water will invade your crawl space or start flowing between the walls in your basement. At this point there are many more issues that can arise leading to more costly repairs down the road. If water is flowing into the wood structure of your home, mold can begin to grow and deteriorate things further. Not only does mold eat away at the structures in your home, but because most breathable air in your home comes from the ground up, your family could be inhaling toxic micro bacterial spores. This can be a very serious issue that will likely lead to health problems that are left unchecked.


The first thing to do when you notice you have foundation cracks is to call a specialist to determine the extent of the damage. Depending on how serious the damage is your waterproofing specialist might recommend repairs ranging from foundation crack sealing or in more serious cases adding additional structural bracing.


As the foundation is the main supporting structure supporting your home, it's imperative that it is fixed correctly. Make sure to call the best contractor for basement repair Richmond Va homeowners can get.


Crawl space repair and Crawl space encapsulation services

When a quality foundation repair Richmond VA is complete and it's clear that there is no more risk of structural loss your waterproofing specialist will likely recommend additional services to prevent further water intrusion. These services are crawl space encapsulation Richmond Va, crawl space sealing and crawl space repair Richmond VA services.

You may already have a crawl space or basement waterproofing Richmond VA system in place but if not installed correctly in conjunction with foundation cracks, it is possible that your old system may need to be removed and replaced to inspect for structural wood damage and mold growth.


To know exactly what is best for your home, calling a certified inspector is the only choice. Why put yourself at risk, trust a professional to tell you how to deal with the problem properly.


Crawl space vapor barrier installation

Crawl space encapsulation Richmond VA systems will keep the space free of moisture and debris. This will allow you to use that previously unusable area for many things like additional storage. Additionally, knowing this area is clean and free of moisture will allow your family to breathe easy knowing all the air flowing from your crawl space into your house is protected from micro bacterial growth and mold.

The process involves a number of practices depending on your specific needs like:


  • Applying heavy duty moisture barriers that line the whole space.
  • Adding sealed foundation vents to allow the space to vent without letting moisture in
  • Adding insulation to keep your home energy efficient

All of these practices properly installed and sealed will lead to an energy efficient and moisture free crawl space in your home. Making sure this is done correctly and by certified contractors will ensure that your home stays moisture free.

Sometimes if water intrusion is excessively persistent your local expert may recommend installing a tile drain and sump pump to further keep water from building up around your home. A sump pump system will pump water away from your home and to a safe location far enough away that it doesn't cause any problems.


Crawl Space Dehumidification Process

After you have chosen a crawl space encapsulation system with proper insulation, it is time to add an energy-efficient dehumidifier. A crawl space dehumidifier not only regulates humidity, but also filters out moisture, contaminants and musty odors.


How to Know When it is Necessary to Employ a Basement Repair Specialist?

If you have water problems in your home you may be asking if it's absolutely necessary to solve them right away. The truth is that you don't want to wait to find out. The problem could already be at a dangerous point where mold has grown and indoor air quality has become unsafe. Heavy rain and foundation problems are no joke and if you are not a certified expert on the matter you might not know how much trouble you are actually in.

Most reputable companies will come and give you an inspection and free estimate or at a reasonable price. If you have a wet basement or crawlspace, reach out to your local expert in Richmond Va today for help!


What are the Mold remediation and Micro-bacterial growth risks

Any time there is water intrusion in your home and no place for the moisture to escape, there is a risk of micro- bacterial growth becoming a serious problem and a risk to your family's health.

Black Mold is one of the most deadly and common types of fungi and it is found on many common household surfaces. Especially in humid climates it habitually grows on wood, clothes, carpets and in air conditioning systems.

Mold remediation Richmond Va is the only solution when you are facing a black mold problem in your home. If you are delaying in addressing this issue with a professional mold removal company Richmond residents can trust, then you are not only risking the integrity of your home but your family's health as well. There can be many other problems that stem from micro bacterial growth if you do not utilize the available mold removal services in Richmond Va. Let's talk in depth about the issues and problems that could arise due to black mold that is present in your home.


What are the Health Risks of Black Mold to your family?

When a mold problem persists without intervention, the negative health impacts compound daily for you and your pets. The beginning symptoms may arise as headaches and lethargic tendencies. As days go on, breathing in spores from mold in an infected home, people will experience coughing leading to serious respiratory issues.

You should hire a certified Richmond Va based Mold remediation specialist to tackle these problems. A Richmond based mold removal expert will carry out mold testing inspections and properly remove all the mold from the affected areas and identify the source of the moisture to prevent any further issues.


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