Is Crawl Space Waterproofing Worth It?

Before you start searching for crawl space waterproofing near me’ on google, let’s first clarify what a crawl space is before discussing why you should waterproof your crawl space. According to Wikipedia, the purpose of a crawlspace is to allow for proper airflow throughout the home and to provide the homeowner access to electrical, pipes, and plumbing that might need repair. 

A crawl space is a vacated, unfinished, tight passageway within a building between the ground and the first (or ground) floor. Wikipedia does not mention that most homeowners fear entering their crawl areas.

After reading this, you may ask about waterproofing an area you cannot access. This is an excellent question as well. Only a few people ask about it. However, here is why: your crawl space becomes a hub of humidity in the summer when the hot months bring incredibly high moisture levels. This same crawl space becomes a home for freezing cold and wind in the colder months. This push and pull of the seasons act as a force that causes the crawl space too often either leaks water in your home or straight flood the interiors. 

Thus, it is crucial to waterproof your crawl space. Let’s talk more about it. 

Reasons why you should invest in crawl space waterproofing 

Wood rot and fungus

In a crawl area that is not sealed off, the fungus causes wood to deteriorate and thrives due to the extreme humidity. Being a hygroscopic substance, wood draws and retains water by simply absorbing it from its surroundings. Why does wood rot occur? One or more different types of fungi are what cause wood to deteriorate. 

Usually dry and brittle, the damaged wood is extremely readily broken apart. This is terrible for your house since the structure of the damaged crawl area will start to droop inward. Your property may experience structural problems due to this, including uneven upstairs floors that can result in grout cracks and sticking doors that may stick and jam more readily. 

Pests 

The list of pests includes mice, rats, termites, carpenter ants, roaches, powder post beetles, and much more. Pests can cause havoc in your crawlspace by gnawing through wiring and air ducts, shredding insulation, and even harming the timber substructures of the house. The best offensive is the best defense, according to one of the biggest pest control firms in the world. 

To put it another way, take precautions to assist in halting the pest problem before it arises. Moisture management is crucial! In addition to creating favorable conditions for wood-eating organisms, the buildup of moisture also invites pests by jeopardizing the structural integrity of your home.

Mold 

Mold grows when moisture condenses in a small area, like a crawl space. Imagine what is in your air if you have mold in the crawl space, as one of the critical functions of a crawl space is to enable air flow throughout the property. I bet you guessed it! Your upstairs breathing air is being pumped with mold spores! Right? Yikes!

Thus, 

Basement waterproofing not only keeps your house healthy, but it also keeps you healthy. Wood rot will harm the health and integrity of your property, mold is a deadly spore to breathe in regularly that may cause some significant health issues, and bugs are, well, pests! So, it’s crucial to maintain your crawlspace for your health and your property. 

HeatBlock Ultra 

Applying a radiant barrier to the bottom of the attic roof deck may drastically cut the radiant heat entering the building, lowering cooling needs and saving you money. Since it blocks more than 80% of the radiant heat that is attempting to enter your attic from the roof, radiant barrier attic insulation is advantageous to homeowners. Reduced cooling and heating loads increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment like furnaces and air conditioners. 

An aluminum-colored, water-based, low-emissivity coating is called HeatBloc-Ultra. Radiant heat accounts for 80% of the heat gain in a southern American home throughout the summer. HeatBloc-Ultra will significantly impact the home’s performance when applied to building materials like plywood, plasterboard, or OSB. It will also block over 80% of the radiant heat that is attempting to enter your attic from the roof.  

Conclusion 

Crawl space waterproofing serves many purposes, but to speak frankly, its pros outweigh the cons. Waterproofing your crawlspace will only give you better results and will only keep your house feeling like home. Before you search ‘crawl space, Contact Zavza Seal LLC today and get a free estimate! Call now for competitive prices and save on your crawl space waterproofing cost.

About the author: Amina Tahir has experience in writing for over 6 years. For the past year, she has been working for Zavza Seal. She knows the importance of having a stable, well-cared-for home. Thus, she writes in hopes that no homeowner faces any problem they have to face on their own.Â