Crawlspace Waterproofing? Why You Need To Hire A Pro

In many parts of the country, basement waterproofing is common. Here in Southern California, most people don’t have basements, but many homes do have a crawlspace, and this area needs to be protected with proper crawlspace waterproofing.

Why Do Homes Have A Crawl Space?

One of the main reasons why a builder would add a crawl space to a house would be to allow air to circulate under your home. It also can be more cost-effective to opt for a crawl space foundation rather than bring in fill to create a level ground for a concrete slab. Additionally, it can be a good place to install your HVAC system, electrical wiring and pipes, etc.

Why You Need Crawlspace Waterproofing?

Whenever any part of a structure touches soil, proper waterproofing is crucial. Water soaks into the soil and this creates hydrostatic pressure. As the soil expands, it places pressure on the walls of the structure. Without quality waterproofing, this forces water into the walls which can reduce the integrity of the structure as well as cause issues such as mold and mildew.

Of course, with a crawlspace, the structure doesn’t have as much direct exposure to the soil, but soil can be very damp, and a wet crawlspace can cause many problems. This dampness can cause mold and mildew to form and cause damp rot in your floor joists. If the wood structure rots, this can affect the integrity of your flooring and foundation walls and entice critters such as termites to build colonies in your home’s walls.

While repairing flooring or problems caused by settlement issues and termites are costly to fix, mold can be very dangerous for everyone in your home. Mold can cause a wide range of health issues including chronic headaches and lung issues. If anyone in your home has asthma, allergies or a suppressed immune system, mold can be particularly problematic and crawlspace waterproofing can make a huge difference in the air quality in your home.

As a side note, if you have HVAC ducts running through the crawlspace, you will need both proper waterproofing and proper insulation. Waterproofing will keep out the dampness and insulation will ensure that your HVAC system works as efficiently as possible.

Additionally, you also need to ensure that your home has an efficient drainage system that directs rainwater away from your home’s foundation and out to the street. In some cases, it can even be smart to install a sump pump in your crawl space or French drains. Some homeowners also choose to install a dehumidifier in their crawlspace to further reduce the likelihood of any moisture damage.

Why Hire A Professional Waterproofing Company?

There are many tasks that homeowners can handle on their own, but there are also a few better left to professionals, including waterproofing your crawl space. Waterproofing in general can be much more complicated than you might think, especially when it comes to below-grade and crawlspace areas, which can be difficult to access.

We have extensive experience with all types of below-grade waterproofing, including crawlspace waterproofing. We can help you decide whether you should be installing a vapor barrier or perhaps opting for complete crawlspace encapsulation. Typically, encapsulation is the best option to consider, although it will be costlier.

With encapsulation, we completely seal off the crawl space and we use thicker barrier materials. Encapsulation does require the installation of a sump pump and dehumidifier, and while the cost is higher there are many benefits, including:

• An improvement in air quality throughout your home
• Decreased risk of mold and mildew
• Reduces energy costs
• Prevents pests such as rodents and insect infestations
• Protects your floor joists and wood flooring
• The crawl space can be utilized for storage

If you do opt for the installation of a vapor barrier rather than crawl space encapsulation, we do highly recommend that you inspect the crawl space vents regularly. These vents, if damaged, can provide easy access for rats, raccoons and other critters.

Why Thome Waterproofing?

At Thome Waterproofing, we have years of experience handling many different types of waterproofing projects. In addition to basement or crawl space waterproofing, we also provide planter waterproofing services, deck coating services and all types of below-grade waterproofing including positive and blindside waterproofing and negative-side waterproofing.

Our extensive experience with many different types of waterproofing materials allows us to select the best materials for your unique waterproofing project. Proper waterproofing and drainage are essential and will protect your home long-term and prevent costly repairs due to foundation damage.

Get A Free Estimate!

Whether you are building a new home using a crawl space foundation or you need crawlspace waterproofing for an existing crawl space, give the team at Thome Waterproofing a call. We serve the entire Los Angeles area and can provide you with quality waterproofing services that ensure your home is protected for many years to come.