Providing Answers To Crawl Space Foundation Repair Questions
Being a homeowner in Texas is a rewarding experience, but not an easy feat. As a family-owned and operated business, G.L. Hunt Foundation Repair understands the importance of making essential decisions for your home.
When it comes to the structural integrity of your residence, our team is here to assist! We’re honored to provide answers to common crawl space questions across the Lone Star State.
A crawl space is a type of foundation that creates a gap between the ground and the bottom of a house. Unlike a basement — which is a fully formed underground room — a crawl space is typically only high enough for someone to crawl through — hence the name.
It usually ranges in height from one to three feet. These areas can offer certain advantages, such as improved air circulation under the house and easier access to plumbing and electrical utilities. Proper ventilation and moisture control are essential for maintaining a healthy crawl space environment.
Before insulating a crawl space, you’ll need to be familiar with local building codes and regulations. The current condition of the area will need to be assessed. It’s crucial to clear the space of debris and repair any sources of moisture or water issues.
You can seal this area off from outdoor air by using treated plywood or flat panels and caulking the edges. Afterward, use rigid foam board or R-value spray foam insulation on the foundation walls for a tight seal. G.L. Hunt has the expertise necessary for this task, preventing air leaks while promoting healthy ventilation beneath your home.
To encapsulate a crawl space effectively, our team cleans out debris and addresses any standing water issues. We prepare for the process by checking for potential problems like wood rot or loose wiring.
Next, we insulate the walls and lay down a vapor barrier on the ground, ensuring all seams are properly sealed. It’s crucial to maintain an adequate drainage system to direct moisture and water away from the area. Finally, we maintain the encapsulated crawl space by using a dehumidifier and conducting regular inspections to ensure its integrity.
During crawl space encapsulation, a strong plastic liner is wrapped around the area’s floor and walls. The ceiling is also covered, in some cases. This liner our team uses is made of polyethylene — a durable plastic material — and is capable of protecting your crawl space from moisture and humidity issues.
Crawl space mold can be detrimental to your home without the proper treatment. At G.L. Hunt, we advise against DIY mold removal and recommend having our experts solve the issue.
Our foundation specialists will carefully assess your crawl space and determine the best solution to the problem. We utilize top-of-the-line technology to scrub and remove mold from this area. Our experts will also share preventative measures to combat future mold growth beneath your home.
A damp crawl space can damage your home if not corrected. G.L. Hunt can help you combat moisture issues with our industry-grade dehumidifiers. This technology extracts moisture from the air, creating suitable humidity levels beneath your home. Crawl space fans can also be used for large-scale water issues, leaving the area dry.
