Crawl space issues in Michigan often originate from heavy rainfall, excessive snow in winter, and moisture-rich soil. If your floors sag, slope, or have a strange bounce, you may need to hire a professional to perform structural repairs and install waterproofing systems. Here are some common crawl space repair myths and facts for Michigan homeowners:
Crawl Spaces Can Be Damp
During the rainy season, many Michigan homeowners assume that damp crawl spaces are normal. Long-term moisture in this part of your house can cause wood rot, mold growth, and pest invasion, among other issues. Moisture can migrate from foundational structures to other areas of the home, resulting in increased humidity and poor air quality.
To keep your crawl space dry, a professional installs thick plastic sheeting to prevent moisture from rising above the soil. Installing interior drains or sump pumps helps channel water away from your foundation, managing drainage problems. Another way to reduce moisture is by sealing this area with liners, insulation, and vents through encapsulation.
The Problem Only Affects the Crawl Space
If you don’t see or use your crawl space often, you might think moisture-related issues affect that area only. The truth is, the contaminated air from this space may contain allergens and unpleasant odors that enter your home through the HVAC system, worsening allergies. HVAC systems may also have to work harder to combat high moisture levels inside the house, decreasing energy efficiency. Humidity may penetrate through subfloors, causing wood to warp and floors to buckle in your home. If key wooden beams are damaged, professionals can replace them with steel to prevent wood decay from recurring. To control humidity, running a quality dehumidifier in moisture-prone spaces can help remove water from the air, keeping a space drier.
DIY Fixes Solve All Issues
Some homeowners attempt to control crawl space dampness using thin plastic liners, which might not be a sustainable solution. Within a short period, you might notice more cracks in the foundation that allow water to enter, making the situation worse. Many DIY fixes also fail to address mildew problems, wood decay, or pests that can affect insulation or subflooring.
When you hire a professional crawl space repair team, they inspect the area for issues such as ground moisture, air leaks, or drainage failures. Depending on your home’s layout and soil conditions, they create a plan to address the underlying causes of water penetration. Specialists install working solutions, such as vapor barriers and drainage systems, to keep your home dry. They may also address above-ground causes, such as poor property grading or downspouts located too close to the foundation.
These Areas Don’t Need Insulation
Your crawl space requires insulation to prevent heat loss during the winter, which reduces energy usage and keeps your home comfortable. During crawl space repairs, an expert uses spray foam insulation to seal gaps and cracks. Since this product repels moisture, your floors can remain in good condition, free from the constant risk of water damage. Quality spray foam sets up into a hard, dense material, deterring small insects and larger pests from invading your house and causing destruction. If walls and joists are shifting or settling, this type of insulation makes them stronger because it bonds to the surfaces. To keep the area insulated properly, spray foam is applied to pipes, wiring, and vents within the crawl spaces.
Make an Appointment for Crawl Space Repair
If you don’t manage water damage in your foundation, crawl space, or basement, your floors may sag, and mold may grow. To prevent these issues from damaging your home’s structural integrity, a professional can inspect your crawl space and waterproof it. For quality crawl space repair, call an experienced contractor today to make an appointment.
