Common Crawl Space Waterproofing Problems

Damp or wet crawl spaces can result in structural problems for your home. They can also result in serious health problems as a result of the growth of mold. It is important to obtain the services of a professional repair contractor to ensure that your crawl space is waterproofed.

There are several things that need to be done and factors to consider in the repair of a crawl space. However, many people overlook these factors and end up making errors in the repair of their crawl spaces. Some of the most common crawl space waterproofing errors that occur include:

1. Not covering vents

Vents in crawl spaces are important for ensuring that air circulates within the crawl space. Many people believe that adding many more vents will help in eliminating more moisture from the space. However, the addition of more vents will have the opposite effect. There will be increased moisture in the crawl space. It is therefore vital to ensure that the existing vents are covered to reduce the moisture build up.

2. Use of fiberglass for insulation

Fiberglass is often used for insulation within the home. It should however, never be used for insulating crawl spaces. This is because fiberglass is like a sponge. It will absorb moisture and water in the crawl space. The fiberglass will then become the perfect habitat for growth of mildew and mold.

3. Using spray foam for a crawl space

Spray foam is another material used for insulation of buildings. It is very effective in the insulation of tight spaces. However, it is not a great idea for a crawl space. This is because spray foam will trap water or moisture that may already be in the crawl space. The moisture is trapped between the wall and the foam. The moisture will therefore rise and result in the growth of mold or the rotting of the wood above the crawl space.

4. Improper installation of drainage systems

Leaks and standing pools of water are a common occurrence in crawl spaces. These leaks and pools of standing water will occur even in homes that have been built to the highest standards. Your crawl space can never be completely waterproof. A drainage system is therefore necessary to drain water out of the crawl space. There are various types of drainage systems used for crawl spaces. It is important to be diligent in finding the right system for your home.

Ensure that you contact a professional contractor to waterproof your crawl space. This will help you avoid problems in future.