If your crawl space is leaking, mold is growing, or you smell an unpleasant odor, you likely need to hire professionals to properly assess the situation and make the necessary repairs. Although it’s possible to address most problems on your own, there are times when complete restoration is required, even though there may be less damage to expect. There are several reasons why crawl space maintenance services may be needed.
How to Repair Crawl Space?
If your crawl space is receiving sufficient ventilation, the only way to ensure optimal conditions for the microbial flora that thrive in it is to seal it off from the environment. The most common method for encapsulating a crawl space is with mineral wool or with insulating paint. Unfortunately, these materials don’t work for all types of crawl spaces, which means that other options are available. Fortunately, there is a professional crawl repair company that can help you understand the best options when it comes to how to repair crawl space repair.
Improper Use of Insulation:
If your insulation is not doing its job, you may not be able to avoid the necessity of repair. If you do not install the proper type of insulation, you will be paying for it for years. Professional companies can check the insulation and make recommendations on how to make it more effective. Often, the best option is to simply move forward with an upgrade. This can include putting in insulation that matches or is a better match than the existing material.
Wood Rot:
If you have wood rot, you may need to repair the boards on the walls and ceiling. Wood rot tends to be most common in areas with poor ventilation, such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Professional companies will often be able to use special products to combat wood rot, including ultraviolet light. Mold remediation is often necessary to eliminate the mold spores that cause the damage.
Leaks:
In addition to water damage, leaks are often a concern in crawl space maintenance. Whether they are from construction materials or human error, leaks are a concern. You may be responsible for some leaks in your home if you have a sub-floor that is below grade. Wet, damp areas are a perfect breeding ground for harmful molds, so you must fix leaks immediately. Fortunately, there are several options for fixing leaks. You can use a pump and absorbent pads, or fix holes with wood rot treatment.
Sewage Leaks:
One of the biggest concerns in crawl space maintenance is the presence of hazardous chemicals and molds. Improper septic tanks or poor plumbing equipment can lead to flooding, which in turn promotes the growth of mildew and mold. A professional can thoroughly cleanse your area, then remove the contaminated soil for proper sewage disposal. Depending on the severity of the contamination, you may also be required to install new drains or vents to ensure indoor air quality is maintained. Finally, the removal of contaminated soil can often be the key step in removing the roots of mildew and mold.
Crawl Space Encapsulation:
As you can see, there are many different options for addressing the problem of wetness, leaks, or mold growth in your crawl space. In many cases, the best course of action is to contact a local professional company that offers both dry and wet drain and vent cleaning services. They will evaluate your situation and determine which option best suits your needs. Typically, they will recommend encapsulation or drainage system repair as the best solution for improving indoor air quality.
