Has your home been feeling a little strange lately? Uneven floors or a persistent musty smell could indicate issues stemming from your crawl space.
Luckily, proper crawl space repair can address and prevent foundation problems, saving you time, money, and headaches in the long run.
Read this complete guide to understand common crawl space issues, possible preventative measures you can take, and the best and longest-lasting solutions.
What Is A Crawl Space Foundation?
A crawl space foundation raises a house 1.5-3 feet above the ground, providing easy access to plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC systems. However, without proper maintenance, moisture buildup, mold, and structural damage can occur. If you ignore crawl space issues, you may have to deal with structural damage and poor indoor air quality in the future.
Top Signs Your Crawl Space May Need Repair
How can you tell if your home requires crawl space repair? What are the leading indicators that should prompt you to seek out professional crawl space repair services? Here’s what you need to know:
Humidity Levels Are Rising In Your Home
If you observe increasing humidity levels, it may indicate that your crawl space is retaining moisture.
The continual moisture can result in mold growth, wood rot, and other structural problems. Taking care of the rise in humidity levels with crawl space repair can improve your home’s air quality.
Uneven Floors, Bouncy Floors, Squeaky Floors
Uneven, bouncy, or squeaky floors are classic signs of foundation problems. These issues indicate that your home may need crawl space repair to stabilize the foundation, prevent further structural damage, and ensure your floors remain level and secure.
Furniture Shakes When You Walk By
If your furniture shakes as you walk by, it may indicate an unstable foundation. To resolve this issue, you can reinforce the foundation and eliminate the shaking through targeted crawl space repair.
You’re Noticing Tile or Wall Cracks
Cracks in your tiles or walls may indicate a shifting foundation. Repairing the crawl space can prevent worsening cracks and maintain the integrity of your property.
Unexplained Cost Of Energy Increases
Poor insulation in your crawl space can lead to higher energy bills. Invest in crawl space repair to improve insulation, reduce energy costs, and enhance the efficiency of your home’s heating and cooling systems.
You Have Mold On the Baseboard or Floor Above the Crawl Space
Mold growth on the baseboard or floor above the crawl space is a major health hazard. This mold is a clear sign of moisture problems. With professional crawl space repair, you can eliminate the source of moisture and prevent further mold development.
There’s A Foul, Musty Smell
A musty smell often indicates mold or mildew overgrowth. These organisms thrive in damp environments like an unmaintained crawl space. Crawl space repair can effectively remove these humid conditions, eliminating musty odors and improving the air quality in your home.
One or More Crawl Space Walls Are Bowing Inward
Bowing walls are a big issue that demands immediate attention. These structural concerns can be addressed through crawl space repair to reinforce the walls and prevent further damage.
Crawl Space Condensation
Condensation in your crawl space is a sign of excess moisture, which can lead to numerous problems, including mold and wood rot. Consider crawl space repair to manage moisture levels and keep your home’s structural integrity intact.
The Top 5 Causes Of Crawl Space Foundation Problems
Crawl space foundation problems can be a homeowner’s nightmare. Understand the top causes and learn how to prevent crawl space problems from happening in the first place.
Drainage Problems Around the Foundation
Poor drainage around the foundation is one of the most common issues leading to crawl space problems. When water isn’t directed away from the home, it can saturate the soil, weakening the foundation.
This excess moisture can also create an ideal environment for mold growth, wood rot, and pest infestations, which can further compromise your home’s structural integrity.
Settled Support Piers Aren’t Vertical Anymore
Support piers help maintain the stability of your home. These piers bear the structure’s weight and help distribute it evenly across the foundation. If these piers settle or shift due to soil movement, they can cause structural issues, such as cracks in walls, uneven floors, and doors or windows that no longer close correctly.
Wooden Crawl Space Support Piers Have Rotted
Wooden support piers are susceptible to moisture and rot. Over time, this can lead to weakened support and an unstable foundation. To prevent such issues, it is essential to regularly inspect the piers for signs of water damage, mold, or decay.
Not Enough Support Piers
The right number of piers is crucial to distribute the weight evenly.
When considering crawl space repair, it’s essential to assess the condition of your foundation and support system. Properly spaced and installed piers can prevent sagging floors and other property damage.
Screw Jacks That Weren’t Correctly Installed
Incorrectly installed screw jacks can lead to uneven support, structural instability, and further complications down the line, such as floor sagging and increased humidity.
To avoid these issues, ensure proper installation and maintenance. For reliable results, contact professional crawl space repair services. These professionals have the expertise and tools to handle the job correctly.
What Are My Options For Crawl Space Repair?
When you notice signs of damage, contact an expert crawl space repair service. Here are some of the most effective solutions they may consider.
Crawl Space Encapsulation
Encapsulation involves sealing the crawl space to prevent moisture from entering. Opt for crawl space encapsulation to protect your foundation and improve air quality.
Install Drainage Systems Like Sump Pumps
Install a drainage system and sump pump to manage water around your foundation. Drain tile systems divert surface and groundwater from your home, while sump pumps eliminate the collected water.
Foundation Underpinning
Foundation underpinning involves installing piers to stabilize the foundation. The piers reach stable soil layers, providing robust support. This process minimizes disruption to the existing structure and is suitable for various soil conditions.
Installing or Replacing Screw Jacks
Over time, screw jack replacement may be required. The replacement process involves:
- Removing the old jacks.
- Accessing the condition of the floor joists.
- Installing new and more durable screw jacks in their place.
Adding Additional Beams
Another effective option for crawl space repair is adding additional beams to enhance your home’s overall stability and support. Some of the most common options include steel beams and wooden beams, the latter being a more cost-effective choice.
Sistering The Joints
Joist sistering is when you reinforce existing floor joists by attaching extra joists. This is an effective crawl space repair method for dealing with damaged or weakened joists.
Joist sistering provides several benefits, including reduced risk of further damage, boosted structural stability, and increased load-bearing capacity.
Always Tackle Root Problems
Take care of the underlying issues causing damage, not just the visible signs!
For example, if your support piers are uneven due to wet soil, address the drainage problems first to avoid more damage. Installing a drain tile system can keep the soil around your foundation dry.
Also, consider using a vapor barrier and dehumidifier to manage moisture and shield your crawl space from mold and mildew.
Can I Prevent Crawl Space Foundation Problems?
Yes, with regular maintenance, you can prevent crawl space foundation problems. However, if you are unsure what to do or your property is already in trouble, contact a professional crawl space repair service.
Clean The Gutters Regularly
Remember to keep your gutters clean to ensure water is directed away from your home, reducing the risk of problems related to excess moisture.
Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, foundation issues, and mold growth inside your home. Consider scheduling seasonal cleanings or installing gutter guards to keep debris out.
Use Downspout Extensions
Downspout extensions help divert water from the foundation, preventing soil saturation and reducing the risk of damage, flooding, and erosion.
Regrade Your Yard If Needed
If your yard slopes toward your home, regrading can help redirect water away from the foundation. Proper drainage can prevent water damage, foundation issues, and basement flooding.
Install A Drain Tile System
A drain tile system can help manage water around your foundation and prevent moisture buildup in your crawl space. This type of system generally consists of perforated pipes installed around your foundation’s perimeter. These pipes collect and redirect water away from the structure.
Why Should I Choose An Expert For Crawl Space Repair?
Attempting DIY crawl space repairs is possible, but they may not be as effective or long-lasting as professional solutions. Many crawl space issues require expert assessment and intervention.
Contact Quality Foundation Repair Today
Crawl spaces might be out of sight, but they should never be out of mind. Contact Quality Foundation Repair for the longest-lasting and most affordable foundation repair solutions.
Why choose Quality Foundation Repair?
- Over 70 years of Combined Experience: Thanks to years of experience, our experts can quickly identify problems, provide accurate assessments, and deliver effective solutions.
- Top Customer Service and Superior Attention to Detail: Customer satisfaction is our top priority at Quality Foundation Repair. Our team is committed to providing timely updates, clear communication, and personalized solutions.
- Angie’s List Super Service Award: We have been honored with the esteemed Angie’s List Super Service Award, demonstrating our dedication to customer satisfaction and excellence.
- A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau (or BBB): We are a reliable and trustworthy foundation repair service. When you choose a company with an A+ BBB rating, you can trust that they will put your needs first!
- 5-Star Rated on Yelp: The customer reviews say it all! Satisfied customers praise Quality Foundation Repair’s professionalism, expertise, and exceptional results.
Our comprehensive foundation repair services include crawl space repair, foundation inspection, slab foundation repair, house leveling, and residential foundation repair. Whether you’re in Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Pflugerville, San Marcos, or Cedar Park, we’re at your full service!
Do you need professional crawl space repair? Contact Quality Foundation Repair for a free estimate today!
