crawl space encapsulation
Are you considering waterproofing your crawl space? Closing off the crawl space completely is the best choice if you want to prevent moisture problems. As you search the web for information on crawl space waterproofing however, it is important to be wary of common myths that could cause you to be misled.

Crawl Space Waterproofing to Eliminate Water Issues

The care of your foundation shouldn’t be taken lightly. The stability, safety and health of your home and household depend on it. Whether you have a bit of moisture in your crawl space, or occasional pooling, these seemingly minor or infrequent inconveniences can be rooted in big issues that can cause both structural damage and health concerns for your home and family.

Common Misconceptions

If you want to avoid being misled, note the following common myths about crawl space waterproofing:

  • You should include vents in closed crawl spaces: This was a common practice in the past. However, including vents has been shown to defeat the purpose of closing off the crawl space in the first place. Including vents in the crawl space will only result in more moisture problems.
  • You can only use a 20mil vapor barrier: There are various types of vapor barriers available in the market. Barriers range from 6 mil to 20 mil. The 20 mil barrier is the thickest and offers greater protection to your crawl space for longer. Any of the barriers will do, but you may have to replace them sooner.
  • You should only be concerned about moisture: Many people are only concerned about moisture when they think of crawl space waterproofing. However, you should also be concerned about air in the crawl space as well as soil gases such as radon. It is important to control the volume of moisture in the air in the crawl space using a dehumidifier. Your vapor barrier should also keep radon gas out of the crawl space.
  • You can DIY the repair of your crawl space: Many homeowners would like to save money on crawl space encapsulation and therefore try to go it alone. However, the results are more often than not disastrous. This is because there is much more to crawl space encapsulation than meets the eye. It is important to engage a professional contractor who can guide the encapsulation process to ensure that you get the best results for the long term.

Water Issues? Request Your Free Crawl Space Assessment

Do not ignore your crawl space. This is one of the costliest mistakes homeowners make. It is important to address your concerns as early as possible. This will not only save time, but also save money. Be sure to speak with an experienced professional to oversee the waterproofing process from start to finish.