Effective crawl space and basement repair requires an understanding of why structural integrity is threatened in the first place and finding the right tools to address the situation. If your space has developed severe moisture problems, there is no question that you need to take immediate action.
Rising Health Concerns Due to Water Damage
Wetness in the crawl space creates the potential for all types of health problems to develop, including increased allergy symptoms, improper respiratory function, asthma attacks, headaches, watery eyes, dry mouth, and more. A moisture problem also represents a significant safety concern because moisture poses the potential for a buildup of toxic gases in your home that can cause serious health concerns. You should address crawl space repair issues promptly as they may lead to major issues.
Mold Treatment
If water problem is not too advanced, encapsulation will help keep wood rot from starting. Wood damage happens due to condensation and excess level of water. Once you eliminate moisture causes, you can then begin to treat mold.
Ozone gas is very effective. It combines physical and chemical removal without damaging any structural components of your home. In addition to killing mold, ozone gas also kills fungi and bacteria that can cause health problems in humans and animals.
Proper Drainage System
Poorly maintained drainage systems often cause wet crawl space. Many older homes have what is called infiltration drainage systems. These drainage systems are connected to the main sewer line or the city’s storm drain. The system includes many drains and septic tanks.
Unfortunately, many older homes were built with drainage systems that are not equipped to handle the volume of water that these systems are supposed to handle. Thereby, basement repair contractors Columbia focus on installation of better interior and exterior drainage systems.
Epoxy Coating
Basement seepage can also occur when water seepage is caused by a leak from the roof. Many times the water will pool around a basement wall, instead of trickling down to the surface. A foundation repair contractor can address this situation by removing the concrete that is between the roof and the walls of the crawl space. This is commonly referred to as “peeling out”. After the concrete has been removed, the remaining portion of the wall can then be repaired using an epoxy coating.
Sealing the Space
Another way to prevent water leaks in basements is to make sure that there is no space between the floor joists and the walls. This will help to prevent soil movements that will often cause leaks. Also, keep any loose boards away from where they are connected to the floor. This can be done using steel brads or with nails, or both.
Vapor Barrier
Structural damage to basement walls can be caused by excessive humidity. This can result in cracked paint, mildew and water stains. If the walls are already dry, it is a good idea to seal them up and add a vapor barrier between them. This will prevent moisture from leaking into the room. Most waterproofers that are used for interior use will seal up the interior of a wall, but exterior waterproofing materials will work just as effectively.