If your home features a crawl space, it’s probably been a while since you last paid it much attention. These cramped areas often go ignored due to their size and lack of accessibility. If you suspect that your crawl space is causing issues for your home, then consider crawl space encapsulation in Baltimore to address some of the common problems seen in these structures.

Mold

Because of their location, lack of air flow, and vulnerability to water accumulation, crawl spaces are a common site of mold growth in homes. When mold is left to accumulate in your crawl space, it can spread to other areas where it can cause damage to your belongings and even lead to health problems for your family. One purpose of crawl space waterproofing and encapsulation is to prevent moisture from getting into the space from any source or surface. This process involves the installation of a crawl space vapor barrier, and sometimes the use of a dehumidifier. Protecting your crawl space against mold growth can help prevent the need for mold remediation in the future.

Air

The heating and cooling of your home can account for a significant amount of your overall energy costs. If your crawl space isn’t encapsulated, there is a good chance that the conditioned air of your home is penetrating your flooring, entering the crawl space, and being vented to the outside. This lack of insulation can account for an increased energy bill as your HVAC unit is forced to work harder and more often to cool and warm your home. Crawl space encapsulation is a simple way to reduce your energy costs by sealing part of your home against air leaks.

Pests

Many crawl spaces can be easily accessed by a variety of animals and insects. When you leave your crawl space untreated, it can become a breeding ground for termites, rodents, snakes, raccoons, and other pests that may make their way into your home or cause damage to its structure. Choosing to encapsulate your crawl space helps to prevent unwanted visitors from taking up residence in your home.

Homes that have not been treated with crawl space waterproofing in Baltimore are vulnerable to problems associated with water accumulation. Because of their location and lack of accessibility, a pipe leak that’s depositing water into your basement can easily go unnoticed. When left unchecked, leaky pipes can result in a series of issues for your crawl space.

Moisture attracts pests and, sensing a source of water, a crawl space suffering from a plumbing leak is likely to draw everything from termites and ants to raccoons and snakes. Also, the moisture can damage the wood, insulation, and other materials of the structure, causing them to require repair or replacement. Water accumulation can also result in a foul odor that can make its way into your home, as well as the growth of mold.

If you find that your crawl space has standing water or is very humid, it’s important to check your plumbing for leaks that may be the source of the issue. To avoid future problems, consider crawl space waterproofing services for your home to provide a crawl space vapor barrier and help prevent the need for mold remediation.

If you’re dealing with a wet or flooded basement in Baltimore, then there are several reasons why you should consider sump pump installation or basement waterproofing services . A wet basement can affect your health and cause damage to your home.

Growth of Mold

Mold loves to grow in damp locations that have little airflow. If there is high humidity level or water in your basement, this makes it a prime place for harboring mold. Even if they do spot mold in them, it’s common for people to ignore damp basements because they assume that the mold is harmless and will remain where it is. Unfortunately, mold can be damaging to structures, and its spores can easily become airborne. As these spores make their way around your home and through your ventilation system, they can begin new colonies in other areas of your home and cause health problems for your family.

Potential for Flooding

If your basement is anything but dry, then it may have a high potential for flooding in the future. Moist basements can be the result of poor drainage on your property that is allowing water to collect around your home’s foundation and accumulate on the sides or beneath your basement, leading to a buildup of hydrostatic pressure. If a heavy storm hits your area, you may find that your basement has flooded because of a weakened foundation, the walls or floors are cracked, or too much water has collected beneath your home.

Damage to Structures

Besides the destruction that mold can cause, water in your basement can lead to other issues. The excess moisture can cause wooden furniture to soften and decay, and this applies to your home’s structure as well. Decaying wood not only impacts your walls and floors, but it can also attract a variety of pests that can cause a significant amount of damage. Additionally, moisture can deteriorate the foundation of your home and create more ways for water to get into your basement. At the first signs of a wet basement, you should call your local waterproofing company.

Although basement waterproofing gets most of the attention in America, crawlspace waterproofing can be just as important. In fact, there’s not much difference between basements and crawlspaces except in terms of usable space. Besides that, moisture problems can have the same result in crawlspaces as they do in basements, namely mold and rot. And if there is enough water in the crawlspace and rot gets to the floor joists, your entire home could come crashing down. There are lots of companies in Baltimore that offer crawlspace waterproofing , but you probably have questions you want answered before you call. Here are some important things to know before you do.

Do You Need to Waterproof Your Crawlspace?

Of course you don’t have to waterproof your crawlspace, but there are lots of reasons you should . As mentioned above, moisture problems inside your crawlspace can lead to mold, which can negatively affect your family’s health and lower your home’s indoor air quality. Crawlspace water damage can also impact your home’s structural integrity, which means neglecting to waterproof your crawlspace can put your home and your family’s safety in jeopardy.

What’s the Difference Between Waterproofing and Encapsulation?

“Crawlspace waterproofing” and “crawlspace encapsulation” are two terms used to describe the same thing: Making sure that water doesn’t damage the inside of your crawlspace and cause health and safety problems for your family. Some companies advertise waterproofing, others call it encapsulation, but either way you can count on your crawlspace being nice and dry after the service is done.

How Much Does Crawlspace Waterproofing Cost?

One of the most important questions on anyone’s mind when considering crawlspace waterproofing is how much it costs. However, it’s hard to provide you with an accurate estimate here without knowing the specifics of your crawlspace, such as its size and whether it has already suffered water damage. These and other factors can affect the cost, so get in touch with a crawlspace waterproofing company in Baltimore to receive an accurate quote.