WATERPROOFING YOUR CRAWLSPACE
Nevertheless, with the proper care and maintenance, almost any crawlspace can become a useful part of your home, and, dare I say, even enjoyable.
Waterproofing is the starting point for all of this. The issue of water entering crawlspaces can be addressed in a number of different ways, and we will discuss some of the more traditional fixes that, in conjunction with proper monitoring and air quality control, can make your crawlspace more accessible, livable, and enjoyable.
DRAIN TILE SYSTEMS
A drain tile system is one of the most prominent methods of waterproofing and prevents water from entering the building. When water levels are high, tile drain systems are necessary to move large amounts of water to the sump pit, where they can be pumped out. Since the entire drain tile system is dependent on a reliable primary pump, having a backup pump is extremely important. Monitoring these pumps properly can ensure you are prepared for the next storm.
SUMP PUMPS AND BATTERY BACK-UP SYSTEMS
In order for the system to continue to function properly, quality sump pumps and battery backup with monitoring systems are essential. This is because all the liquids and solids that move through the system must be moved by the pumps. Leakage occurs when the water stops flowing and starts to accumulate. If one is unaware of a pump failure, the end results can be catastrophic to personal possessions, finished areas, and the air quality in the home, as all of that water is no longer being pumped out and can find its way into your crawlspace to wreak havoc on anything in its path.
CRACK REPAIR
Another common water issue fix is crack repair, which can usually be performed from the interior or exterior. A crack repair will stop water from coming through the crack, but will not stop water from rising from the ground. In addition to helping control the air quality of the home by preventing moisture, this is typically suitable for small leaks. Many crawlspaces tend to have cracks, and a quick epoxy injection is the typical repair.
CRAWLSPACE ENCAPSULATION
An encapsulated crawlspace provides the best control of moisture and odors. Covering the floor and walls of a crawlspace with a plastic membrane is typically the preferred method of encapsulating it. Despite the fact that encapsulation can help with odors and moisture, it isn’t necessarily a waterproofing solution, but rather a method for controlling air quality.
Once we have made any necessary waterproofing repairs, coupling an encapsulation with the proper air quality monitoring systems will help to control moisture levels to create a safe, healthy, and even pleasant environment for your crawlspace.
