5 Common Crawl Space Problems

Common Crawl Space Problems

We’ve seen these 5 common problems in thousands of crawl spaces throughout Virginia. You’re not alone in your crawl space being impacted by the warm, humid temperatures we experience on the Virginia Peninsulas. Thousands of homeowners have contacted us for help solving these problems permanently.

Falling Insulation – Falling insulation occurs in a crawl space as it is impacted by moisture over time. The insulation absorbs the moisture in the crawl space and becomes heavy. The weight of the insulation is pulled down by gravity, resulting in large sections of insulation falling to the floor. When it looks like insulation is “Dripping” from the floor joists, this is a result of delamination. Delamination occurs when the fibers of the insulation begin to separate, which is also affected by moisture.

Mold Growth – Mold growth is often found in crawl spaces on floor joists and the paper backing of fiberglass insulation. Mold requires 3 things to grow: organic material, warm temperatures, and high relative humidity (above 60%). In the home, you may notice musty odors or high humidity, which is often an indicator of microbial growth in the crawl space.

Ground Water & Water Infiltration – Many crawl spaces are affected by bulk water. This can come from the ground, which is particularly damp in some areas and is even affected by soils that tend to hold more water. Alternatively, water can infiltrate the crawl space through the foundation walls. This is usually a result of water pooling against the foundation on the exterior and seeping through the block wall. Pooling water can be a result of poor drainage, either from clogged or absent gutters or around the home, or a lack of grading away from the home.

Missing, displaced, or damaged vapor barriers – Vapor barriers are designed to protect your crawl space from the moisture in the ground. Liners with holes in them allow moisture through. Most vapor barriers installed in construction are “secured” in place using U-shaped pins. These pins create holes in the barrier that is intended to keep moisture out. A 6-mil vapor barrier is the standard for homes when they are built. These liners are thin and rip easily. Due to the oily or slick nature of the liner, they are difficult to seal with tape to create the barrier between earth and crawl space. Attaching them to the walls can be achieved, but they quickly rip away.

Wood Rot – Wood rot begins to occur when the wood moisture content reaches 19%. Visibly, you might notice that the wood is darker, almost black in areas, softening of the floor joists or girders, and sinking of the girder onto the piers. Inside your home, you might notice bouncy or spongy floors, sagging/uneven floors, or musty odors. Wood rot is a serious concern in crawl spaces because it impacts the stability of the structure.

If you’re experiencing issues like these in your Church Road, VA home or surrounding areas, contact The Drying Company for a FREE inspection and estimate!