Methods of Crawl Space Repair in Virginia by Basement Masters Waterproofing

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Common Crawl Space Issues in Virginia

Crawlspace Wall Crack Repair Methods in Virginia There are many issues that can occur in the crawl space of your home. Crawl space problems in Virginia are actually quite common since most people do not consider the crawl space a very important area of the home. However, the crawl space provides support for the entire structure, making it a vital area of the home. Crawl space issues can cause structural damage to the rest of the home; that is why it is important to make sure that your crawl space does not have a moisture issue or a foundation problem. If you do discover an issue in your crawl space, make sure you contact the professional basement waterproofing experts at Basement Masters Waterproofing as soon as possible.

One issue that commonly causes moisture problems in crawl spaces are cracks in the foundation walls or crawl space walls. Cracking crawl space walls are often the result of a sinking foundation. As the foundation sinks or settles unevenly, the walls start to settle as well, pulling away from the foundation or the floor above and forming gaps, spaces, and sometimes cracks. These cracks provide an entry point for water, leading to a wet or damp crawl space. Water in your crawl space can cause rotting wooden supports, rusting metal, and several other serious issues. There are a few different foundation problems that may result in wall cracks in your crawl space:

Erosion: When water from recent heavy rains washes away soil under your foundation, it may form spaces or holes. These holes do not provide adequate support for the foundation; as a result, the foundation settles, leading to wall cracks and uneven floors.
Soil Shrinkage: Another common cause of wall cracks in your crawl space is soil shrinkage from lack of moisture. This causes the soil to shift and create voids that lead to settlement and crack formation.
Hydrostatic pressure: This pressure is caused by water in the soil, and an excess amount of groundwater can increase the pressure, causing it to push on the foundation and cause settlement and cracking.

Another common problem is the growth of crawl space mold and mildew. This mold can infect the air in your crawl space. The air in the crawl space then circulates through the rest of your home through the heating and cooling systems and the vents in your home. This means that you and your family could potentially be breathing in mold-infected air from the crawl space even when you are in other areas of the home. Signs that your wet crawl space has developed a mold issue are:

Damp walls
High humidity
Musty odor
Condensation
Rust on metal
Wood rot
Water stains

If you see any of the above problems in your crawl space, do not hesitate to contact Basement Masters Waterproofing immediately. We can provide you with a quality solution to take care of all of your crawl space issues.

Crawl Space Repair Experts Serve Northern Virginia.

carbon fiber strap crack repair One of the best repair methods for crawl spaces is to seal any cracks that may have formed in the crawl space walls. This is done with our premiere epoxy injection wall crack repair services. We use an epoxy injection process to fill and seal the crack while bonding the faces of the concrete together. Once the crack is filled with the flexible and strong polyurethane material, water can no longer seep into the crawl space. This repair method leaves the wall completely sealed and even stronger than before.

Another crack repair method is to use carbon fiber repair strips. These strips are applied to the cracked or bowing wall and used to close cracks while adding strength to the wall. The strips have become a more eco-friendly replacement for steel reinforcements used to repair cracking or bowing walls in your basement or crawl space. Not only does this help to close and prevent foundation cracks, but it can also help to make the foundation strong enough to prevent cracks from forming again in the future.

Wall anchors may also be used to stabilize the bowing and cracking walls in your crawl space. These are devices that work to stabilize shifting walls. The anchor uses a rod and plate system installed horizontally in the ground to stabilize the wall. Once the wall is properly stabilized, the cracks close and can be sealed using epoxy injection techniques if necessary.

Perhaps one of the most common methods of crawl space recovery is crawl space encapsulation. This is done by installing a vapor barrier all along the interior of the crawl space. The vapor barrier, usually made of a kind of thin plastic or foil material seals out water that could otherwise infiltrate the crawl space and cause problems such as mold and mildew growth, or the deterioration of support beams.

Our team knows just what to do to take care of any problems in your crawl space. If you see water pooling, cracks in the walls, leaning posts, or sagging ceilings in your crawl space, contact us right away. We serve the following cities and more in Northern Virginia: