April showers bring…crawl space flooding. While Arkansas Spring welcomes sunshine and blossoming gardens, it also includes the state’s “Rainy Season.” Arkansas rainy season is considered to be April through May and incurs an average precipitation of over 5 inches of rain. Anyone with a crawl space on their property knows that these rain showers can cause serious property damage without right precautionary measures. A damp crawl space can foster mold and bacteria growth, poor air quality and attract insects into your home. If you notice pooling water or funny smells coming from your crawl space, Foundation Pro has the solutions.
How to Prevent Moisture Damage in Your Crawl Space
Crawl space encapsulation is a sealing method to protect your crawl space from moisture. It can transform a damp, moldy space into a dry, clean area that doesn’t foster mold or attract insects. Foundation Pro will tackle your project in three steps: Remove, Repair and Restore.
- Remove- Before beginning a crawl space encapsulation project, all of the standing water must be removed from the area. This can be achieved by installing a crawl space drain or sump pump system.
- Repair- Before any encapsulation can begin, your crawl space structure must be in tip-top condition. Foundation Pro offers crawl space repair with adjustable steel piers and cinder block piers. We can also raise existing piers by supporting them with metal shims or treated wood.
- Restore- Foundation pro use a heavy-duty polyethylene barrier to cover every inch of your crawl space. The barrier is then sealed with industry-standard sealing tape.
After your encapsulation project, Foundation Pro reduces the lingering possibility of mold or mildew by treating the reinforced polyethylene with an antimicrobial finish that protects your liner against bacteria growth.
Maintaining Healthy Humidity Levels During Spring
Spring is the dampest time of year. After you encapsulation project is complete, you will want to defend your newly protected crawl space by monitoring the humidity levels. Foundation Pro will assess your crawl space and determine the proper steps to keep your indoor air quality under 50% humidity. You can maintain safe and pathogen-free air quality by adding a high-performance dehumidifier air filtration unit to your crawl space. It’s important to first consult with you HVAC contractor, to verify that the venting in your crawl space is adequate for a dehumidifier system.
Signs You Have a Crawl Space Problem
The biggest problem crawl spaces suffer from is excess moisture. This moisture doesn’t exclusively affect your crawl space. It can also influence the quality of your air and comfort upstairs. Sometimes structural damage to your property can be directly correlated to the dangerously damp space beneath your home. The following are some signs that your home may require crawl space encapsulation services.
- Musty of Mildew Smells
- Mold
- Wall Moisture
- Saggy Ceilings
- Uneven or Squishy floors
- Higher Energy Bills
- Insect Infestations
These problems can be caused by elements such as standing water, moisture evaporation and indoor air escaping through vents. If you notice any of these symptoms, call Foundation Pro immediately! If these issue go on unattended, they can cause serious, long-term and expensive damage to your property.
Most Common Springtime Household Pests
Arkansas is no stranger to springtime pests, and they are all looking for a dark, damp spot to peacefully breed and situation their colony. A place that looks a lot the wet space beneath your home. The most common pests that are attracted to damp areas are the following:
- Termites- If you are trying to avoid termites, this year, the first step is eliminating sources of damp wood. Termites love Arkansas weather and can be an expensive burden to property owners.
- Mosquitos- Mosquitos search high and low for stagnant water pools in which to lay their eggs. They can breed in puddles as small as a tablespoon of water. Only crawl space encapsulation can keep every inch of your crawl space clean and dry.
- Spiders- Spiders are sneaky creatures that look for a cozy, secluded environment to weave their webs. A female spider can lay as many as 3,000 eggs in a season! If spiders are attracted to your crawl space, they have easy access to your upstairs areas as well.
Call Foundation Pro to Solve Your Crawl Space Problem!
Once a crawl space suffers from moisture and structural damage, it’s important to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Call Foundation Pro for a FREE estimate! Our experienced foundation repair technicians will develop a custom solution to suit your home.
