Crawspace problems & solutions
Services
Moisture Control
What We Look For
Moisture problems often start where homeowners can’t see them. During an inspection, we look for standing water, damp soil, mud trails, water stains on walls or support columns, and condensation on pipes or ductwork. We also check for musty odors, mold growth, wet insulation, rusted metal, and wood that looks dark or soft.
Why Moisture Is a Problem
Too much moisture under a home creates serious long-term issues. It allows mold and mildew to grow, attracts termites and pests, causes wood rot, and can weaken the structure of the home. Moisture also affects indoor air quality and can increase heating and cooling costs by making the home harder to regulate.
How We Fix Moisture Problems
We fix moisture issues by stopping water at the source and controlling humidity. This includes installing a vapor barrier to block moisture from the ground, improving drainage to keep water from collecting, and adding a crawlspace dehumidifier to keep humidity levels safe year-round. If water continues to enter or pool, we install a sump pump system to actively remove water from under the home.
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Reduces excess humidity under the home
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Helps prevent mold and musty odors
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Protects wood, insulation, and structure
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Improves indoor air quality
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Creates a healthier crawlspace environment
Crawlspace Encapsulation
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What We Look For
Encapsulation is recommended when a crawlspace is open, damp, or poorly sealed. We look for exposed dirt floors, sagging or wet insulation, outside air entering through vents, high humidity, mold growth, and cold or uneven floors inside the home.
Why Encapsulation Matters
An open crawlspace allows moisture and outside air to freely enter under the home. This leads to mold, wood damage, poor air quality, and higher energy bills. Because air from the crawlspace rises into the home, problems below the house often affect living areas above.
How Encapsulation Works
Encapsulation seals the crawlspace completely. We install a thick, durable vapor barrier over the entire ground and seal it to the walls and around support columns. Vents and gaps are sealed when appropriate, and the crawlspace access door is properly sealed. A crawlspace dehumidifier is installed to maintain dry, controlled conditions long-term. This system protects the structure and improves comfort inside the home.
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Controls moisture and humidity
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Improves indoor air quality
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Lowers heating and cooling costs
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Protects wood and insulation
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Increases home comfort and value
Drainage Solutions
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What We Look For
Drainage problems occur when water has no clear path away from the foundation. We inspect for pooling water, muddy areas, soil erosion, water stains on walls or piers, and crawlspaces that become wet after heavy rain. We also look at how exterior water, such as gutter runoff, may be entering the crawlspace.
Why Drainage Is Important
Water that sits under the home will continue to cause damage no matter how dry the crawlspace is otherwise. Poor drainage leads to constant moisture, mold growth, wood rot, and foundation stress. Without proper drainage, other solutions will not last.
How We Fix Drainage Issues
We design drainage systems that move water away from the home. This may include interior drainage lines, gravel systems, or channel drains that direct water to a safe exit point. When gravity drainage is not enough, we install a sump pump system that collects water in a basin and pumps it away from the foundation through a discharge line.
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Removes water from under the home
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Prevents mold and wood rot
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Reduces foundation stress
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Stops recurring crawlspace flooding
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Protects all other crawlspace systems
Structural Support
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What We Look For
Structural support issues happen when floors are not properly supported underneath. We look for sagging or bouncy floors, cracks inside the home, doors that stick, long spans with too little support, and support blocks or piers that have shifted or settled.
Why Structural Support Matters
Without proper support, floors continue to sink over time. This can cause cracks to worsen, doors and windows to misalign, and stress to build throughout the structure. Addressing support issues early prevents more expensive repairs later.
How We Add Structural Support
We strengthen the crawlspace by installing steel support jacks or additional beams in weak areas. These supports help carry the weight of the home properly and stabilize the floor system. Where possible, we carefully adjust and level floors and secure all supports so they remain stable long-term.
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Stops floor sagging and bounce
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Restores proper load distribution
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Improves floor stability
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Prevents worsening structural issues
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Extends the life of the home
Structural Repair
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What We Look For
Structural repair is necessary when wood is already damaged. We inspect for rotted or soft joists, cracked or failing beams, termite or pest damage, and wood that can no longer safely support weight.
Why Structural Repair Is Necessary
Damaged wood cannot simply be supported—it must be repaired or replaced. Ignoring these issues can lead to unsafe floors, major structural damage, and significantly higher repair costs in the future.
How We Repair Structural Damage
We remove and repair damaged sections of the structure by replacing or sistering joists, repairing or replacing beams, and securing all connections properly. After repairs, we address the cause of the damage by installing moisture control, drainage solutions, sump pumps, encapsulation, or dehumidifiers to prevent the problem from returning.
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Restores damaged structural wood
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Improves safety and strength
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Prevents structural failure
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Stops damage from spreading
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Protects long-term property value