If your crawl space has been leaking or needs waterproofing, it is time to hire professionals who can fix the problem. Cracks and leaks usually happen at the foundation footer walls between the house’s main structure and the crawl space. Water seepage from a broken sewer line, poor foundation construction, and wood rot are some of the reasons why your crawl space needs fixing. If this problem goes unnoticed, it will get worse over time.
1. Mold Assessment
A good Hickory crawl space repair provider will analyze the situation before any work is done. One way they do this is by taking a soil sample to determine if there is any waterlogging. This way, the drainage problem can be addressed before any work is done. By the time this is done, a mold assessment can be completed. Mold identification will help your crawl space repair contractor decide on the best method to fix the problem.
2. Cracks
Cracks can be very tough to repair. They usually appear at the corners of the space. Sometimes, they emerge as a separate big hole in the exterior wall. You might have noticed them when walking through your basement in the evening or during the hottest part of the day. Cracks that occur near windows or doors are sometimes the best ones to address right away since they may be a sign of a much larger problem elsewhere in your home.
Your crawl space is a sealed environment. If you are not fixing a major leak in your foundation or floor, the outside just won’t have the moisture that is necessary to fix the problem. A dry basement will prevent the problem from worsening.
3. Hire Professional
After the crawl space has been repaired, it must be maintained. You should regularly sweep and mop out the area. You should also hire a professional company that deals with crawl space remediation to clean up any leftover chemicals or debris from the site. If there was water damage, the contractor may suggest drying techniques to prevent future mold problems.
4. Necessary Upgrades
Before fixing the crawl space, you should also consider making the necessary upgrades to improve the space’s usability. This might include new flooring, wallboard, insulation, or painting. Some of these upgrades might be too expensive to do on your own, but there are many guides available online that will help you do them correctly. These guides will also give you suggestions for fixing the problem with just a few dollars spent.
5. Products
There are also several chemicals that can be used to treat the crawl space if you have the money to spend on them. These chemicals are generally safe to use if you follow instructions, and are designed for use outside. Most home improvement stores sell products designed to deal with crawl spaces, and they’re usually affordable.
The cost of repairing a crawl space can be quite high, depending on the type and location of the problem. However, there are many things you can do to avoid needing a repair contractor in the future. One simple thing is to make sure that your foundation is built correctly. Even if the crawl space is small, problems can arise if the foundation is not strong enough, so paying attention to details is key.