Symptoms of crawl space damage can show numerous signs. This kind of damage can be subtle needing a trained eye to see the issues. These include damaged piers or footings, rotted wood beams, joists or perimeter band, sagging or sloped floors, cracked masonry, cracking sheet rock and gaps between ceiling and wall sheet rock and doors that don’t close properly. We have found that a damaged foundation results in structural damage to other parts of the dwelling and we have found that structural damage is not static but grows with time. If left alone, damages could progress from the roof to ground level. It is important to diagnose the issue and address it in a timely manner. No matter the extent of the foundation problem you’re facing, our expert team at Wells Capital Foundations and More LLC can help find the best solution.
Our Crawl Space Services include foundation repairs, re-leveling, installation of wood or metal beams, wood joists, installation of concrete footings, block or brick piers, perimeter band and perimeter footings. Crawl space remediation is an additional service that can be provided to the client to include crawl space dig out, mold removal, sump pump installation, dehumidifier installation and vapor barrier installation.
The Vapor Barrier
One more thing about the crawl space vapor barrier, what is it? A vapor barrier in your crawl space has two important functions. The vapor barrier is an effective way to reduce the moisture level in your crawl space; secondly, it effectively reduces risk of insect infestations. A simple way to install a vapor barrier is to install a layer of 4 ml plastic on the ground through out the crawl space. It is our opinion that all crawl spaces should have a vapor barrier installed. The vapor barrier may well pay for itself in the long run. I installed a vapor barrier under my home when I found out our pest control provider would reduced my annual fee after 70% of the crawl space was covered with the plastic. The plastic layer prevents moisture from the ground from evaporating and condensing on structures under the dwelling. This reduces mold growth potential in the crawl space. Moisture on wood is not good. Insects like roaches and termites are attracted to moisture. Reducing the crawl space moisture level reduces exposure to mold growth and insect infestations. Termites are burrowing insects that find their way under a foundation and into a crawl space where you can’t see them. They attack the wood as a food source, then one day a hall way or floor space has a soft floor. Whoops, termite damage to beams, joists and flooring. Wow, costly damage, some of our customers have found out the hard way. The burrowing termite colony can not penetrate the plastic vapor barrier and must resumes burrowing. So, as long as the crawl space is covered, termites are prevented from entering your crawl space and moisture level in the crawl space remains low. Let us install your vapor/insect barrier.
