Crawlspace Repair and Restoration: What Homeowners Need to Know

While you can probably think of more exciting ways to spend your hard-earned cash, crawl space repairs can help save your home from mold, rodent infestations and serious structural problems.

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What Is Crawlspace Wood Rot?

Crawlspaces contain wooden joists and beams that support the floors inside your home. When moisture gets inside the void, harmful fungi can grow on the wooden structures. These fungi consume the wood, weakening it and causing it to bend or warp. This type of deterioration is known as wood rot.

Wood rot in a crawlspace is a serious issue because it impacts the frame supporting your house. As the problem worsens, your floors may start to slope or sag and feel unusually bouncy or springy when you walk on them. Other signs include:

• Visible discoloration on wooden structures

• Mushrooms growing in your crawlspace

• Moldy, musty odor

• White, powdery deposits on woodwork

• Condensation or standing water in your crawlspace

When left unchecked, wood rot will spread across your woodwork. In severe cases, the crawlspace could collapse and cause significant structural damage to your home. Therefore, scheduling a crawlspace repair as soon as you notice the warning signs is essential.

What Is Crawlspace Beam or Joist Repair?

During a crawlspace joist repair, your contractor will replace any rotten beams and joists. If the damage is minor, they may remove the rotten section and reinforce the weakened joist with a new "sister" joist.

They may also replace the wooden beams supporting your interior floors. Your contractor might recommend replacing rotten beams with a steel beam to prevent rot from recurring.

What Are Crawlspace Vents?

Crawlspace vents allow fresh air to circulate around the void beneath your floors. They're often installed in the foundation wall to let air in and out.

In the past, experts believed these small vents prevented moisture accumulation and reduced the risk of wood rot. However, they're no longer recommended because they can actually increase the moisture in your crawlspace by allowing warm outdoor air inside.

Letting warm air in increases moisture when it condenses on the cool surfaces inside your crawlspace. You may also find that the vents impact the temperature inside your house during very hot or cold weather and let pests or contaminants in. While some local building codes still require crawlspace vents, it's worth consulting an expert before installing them in your home.

How Often Does Crawlspace Insulation Need to Be Replaced?

Crawlspace insulation helps prevent moisture and reduces the risk of problems associated with a wet crawlspace, such as wood rot and mold. You should replace your insulation when it reaches the end of its expected lifespan, or you notice signs of deterioration, such as:

• Increased heating and cooling bills

• Uncomfortable indoor temperatures

• Wet or moldy insulation

• Pest infestation

• Drafts

• Moisture or standing water in the crawlspace

How long crawlspace insulation lasts depends on the material and whether you installed it correctly. Generally, you can expect properly installed insulation to last for at least 20 years.

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What Is Crawlspace Restoration?

During restoration, your contractor will thoroughly clean and disinfect your crawlspace. They'll also conduct any necessary crawlspace repairs to address problems such as mold growth, infestation and sagging floors. Which services you need depends on the condition of your space, but options include:

Sump Pump Installation

Your contractor may recommend installing a sump pump to remove standing water if you have a high water table or your crawlspace floods frequently.

Vapor Barrier Installation or Crawlspace Encapsulation

A vapor barrier is a plastic lining that prevents moisture from entering your crawlspace. Installing a vapor barrier helps prevent moisture-related problems, such as rot and fungus growth. This process of installing a plastic vapor barrier is sometimes called "encapsulation."

Pest Control

You'll need to hire pest controllers if your contractor discovers an infestation in your crawlspace. Rodent, mosquito and termite infestations are relatively common in crawlspaces.

Mold Remediation

Treating mold by removing or containing it stops it from spreading. Without treatment, mold can negatively impact indoor air quality and damage building materials and furnishings.

Structural Repairs

Your contractor may repair or replace the framework supporting your floors to stop structural issues from worsening.

Insulation Installation

Installing new insulation or replacing old materials helps improve your home's efficiency and minimizes the risk of moisture damage.

Avoid High Crawlspace Repair Costs With Regular Service

Crawlspace restoration can be expensive, especially if you have a large home or your crawlspace is in very poor condition. You can avoid costly crawlspace repairs by checking the space regularly and calling a professional as soon as you suspect an issue. Regular crawlspace inspections can also keep repairs at bay.