A crawl space is a smaller version of a basement that typically has a dirt floor. Located underneath the home, it is an often overlooked area. It is also mostly dirty, smelly, and at times it can be damp.
Having an overly wet crawl space can create numerous problems for the entire house reducing its value. Excess moisture is hazardous! It can create an unsafe environment full of potential health risks such as fungal growth and mold that can be detrimental to the entire family’s health. Nobody wants a home that can make them sick!
Southern Home Structural Specialists of Birmingham, Alabama, will provide basement waterproofing solutions to create better structural drainage for your crawl space. With a fully encapsulated crawl space, you’ll keep the crawl space moisture out, preventing structural problems for the crawl space floor or the concrete foundation walls.
Let’s look at why encapsulating your crawl space is a good idea.
What Is Involved in the Encapsulation Process?
Encapsulating a crawl space involves installing a high-strength, reinforced plastic membrane with a special sealer such as vapor barriers to protect the space. The installed system will convert the space’s relative humidity into a dry area suitable for several purposes by adding active sump pumps.
Is Crawl Space Encapsulation Worth the Cost?
For the sake of your loved ones’ health and the life and value of your home, it pays to take care of crawl space problems immediately, including:
- Standing water
- Poor air quality
- Dry rot
- Water damage
If the crawl space foundation has high humidity or trapped hot air, these problems can affect the home’s structural integrity.
How Much Does it Cost to Encapsulate Your Crawl Space?
The average cost of a crawl space encapsulation can reach approximately $5000. However, the total cost will depend on many factors, like labor and materials, and could run anywhere between $1,500 and $10,000.
Consider getting a free inspection from Southern Home Structural Specialists of Birmingham, Alabama, to ensure structural damage from abnormal humidity levels in your crawl space doesn’t get out of control. A thorough examination of the house will determine if waterproofing is necessary to avoid a serious problem.
Reasons to Maintain Your Crawl Space
You may be wondering if crawl space repair is worth it. Here are some of the main reasons why taking care of your crawl space will help you save money:
- Reducing energy costs
- Preventing insect damage, dust mites, and mold
- Eliminating musty odors
- An additional storage area
- Avoiding moisture problems like a sagging floor, warped wood, a cracked wall
- Preventing damage to the home’s foundation leading to costly foundation repair work
- It may increase the home’s value
- Most importantly, it will help prevent potential health hazards
Crawl Space Encapsulation Birmingham, Al
Birmingham, Alabama, and surrounding areas have the unique opportunity to receive a free estimate from Southern Home Structural Specialists to determine if the house needs a crawl space encapsulation system. With proper encapsulation, you can rest easy knowing that you protected your family from a harmful environment while saving money in the process.