The last thing you want to discover is standing water under the foundation of your home. But all too often, homeowners with crawl spaces find themselves facing this expensive and potentially hazardous situation.
Excess moisture in your crawl space opens you up to a host of problems, including the degradation of your structural foundation, a high likelihood of mold and mildew growth, and an increased possibility of pest infestations. With the stakes so high, it’s no wonder you’re looking for ways to waterproof your crawl space! At Crawl Space Care, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for our top tips on how to keep your Roanoke, VA crawl space clean and dry.
Top Tips for Waterproofing Your Crawl Space in Roanoke
Soggy crawl spaces are a real concern in Roanoke, VA. The area receives an average 42 inches of rain per year, compared to the US average of 38 inches, and experiences higher than average humidity in the summers. Plus, according to riskfactor.com, Roanoke has a moderate flood risk in some locations. But if you follow these tips, you’ll be much more likely to enjoy a dry, healthy crawl space.
1. Remove Debris
The first step to waterproofing a crawl space is to remove any materials that don’t belong or have been damaged. Often if you’re dealing with a wet crawl space, you’re also dealing with wet fiberglass insulation. This material retains moisture that will leach into drywall, wood, or even concrete.
2. Check for Leaks
The next step in waterproofing your crawl space is to check for cracks, leaks, or openings. This usually involves venturing into your crawl space to get a close look. Water often enters through cracks in your foundation or even straight from the ground. While you’re there, be sure to look for signs of mold and mildew as this is a sure sign of seepage.
3. Seal Cracks and Openings
Once you’ve identified all the leaks, it’s time to seal them up. You’ll want to employ different methods for different types of leaks like patching holes in the foundation or sealing cracks. Concrete sealant or hydraulic cement is often a great choice for effectively addressing leaks.
After all the cracks are addressed, it’s important to remove any standing water that might be left. You can do this bucket by bucket or by installing a pump or drain. Once everything is fully dry you can begin to truly waterproof the space.
4. Install a Sump Pump or French Drain
If your space is constantly inundated with flooding, then it’s important that you install a sump pump or French drain to remove water regularly. Sump pumps work by pumping water away from the foundation while French drains are installed on the perimeter of your crawl space and drain water away from the foundation.
If you’re not sure which option will work best for you, be sure to call a crawl space expert. Hiring an expert ensures that the job is done correctly so you can avoid problems down the road.
5. Install a Vapor Barrier
A vapor barrier is a durable plastic sheet that covers the floor of your crawlspace and serves as a waterproof layer between your home and the ground. Vapor barriers prevent moisture from seeping in through the ground and into your foundation. Vapor barrier installation requires careful installation to guarantee full coverage and good seal.
Call A Roanoke Crawl Space Expert
Waterproofing your crawl space is essential to protecting your investment and ensuring the health of your family. If you need extra support waterproofing your crawl space, give us a call!
At Crawl Space Care VA, we take a broad and thorough approach to crawl space protection. Our family-owned business proudly serves Roanoke and the New River Valley and our technicians go the extra mile to find out the true condition of your damp, dark crawl space. Getting started with a crawl space encapsulation is easy. Contact us today to get a free inspection!