While the crawl space typically houses electrical and plumbing systems in many Kansas City, MO, homes, it’s one area that’s often neglected. And the fact that it’s limited in height and prone to high moisture levels doesn’t help matters, either. Over time, water-related issues like leakage, water damage, and mold growth can degrade this area.
Waterproofing your crawl space is your best defense against these issues. Here are eight reasons why you should invest in crawl space waterproofing.
1) Improve indoor air quality
Where there is moisture, there likely is mold. And crawl space mold can contaminate indoor air in your home. Don’t forget, the exposed crawl space also lets in toxic gases like radon into your home. All these can cause breathing problems and other respiratory issues. Waterproofing your crawl space prevents mold spores and toxic gases from entering your home, thereby improving the quality of air throughout your home.
2) Prevent water seepage
An unsealed crawl space is prone to water damage, especially during rainy seasons where surface water is plentiful. Water from rain or melting snow slowly seeps through the walls and floor of your crawl space, making it damp. Waterproofing your crawl space with proper drainage, sump pumps, and moisture barriers effectively addresses these issues, saving you from costly repairs in the future.
3) Keep your property dry
When water pools in your crawl space, it can leak or increase the humidity level in your home. These leaks can drench your carpets, stain your belongings, and destroy your furniture. Waterproofing your crawl space ensures your home stays dry and clean all year round.
4) Reduce mold and interest from pests
Mold thrives in dark and damp places like the crawl space. Leaving yours exposed is an open invitation to pests and mold. Left unchecked, mold and pests can take over your home and cause health issues. What’s worse is that both can destroy the wooden structures and compromise the structural integrity of your home.
5) Improve energy efficiency
An open crawl space also lets conditioned air out and allows outdoor air in. This will affect temperatures indoors. During winter, you might be forced to use your heater for many hours. Hot summer months will be unbearable, compelling you to run your cooling system for many hours. The result is a higher utility bill at the end of the month. Encapsulating your home prevents air leakage, lowering your monthly energy bills, and making your home more energy-efficient.
6) Preserve the integrity of your foundation
High humidity levels are bad for your foundation. When moisture gets trapped in the walls, they expand and contract with fluctuations in temperature. This can cause cracks in the foundation walls and floors. Moisture can also cause wooden joists and beams to rot, weakening the above structure. This makes the foundation ineffective in supporting your home. By waterproofing your crawl space, you can keep the foundation intact for years.
7) Enhance home value
No one would want to buy a house with an exposed crawl space knowing the sorts of problems it will cause a few months down the road. Sealing your crawl space with a plastic vapor barrier not only locks out moisture but inspires consumer confidence. Anyone who comes across your property listing won’t shy away as your property is protected against water and moisture.
8) Save money in the long run
While waterproofing a crawl space may seem costly at first, it can save you a lot of money in the long run. Waterproofing prevents you from incurring costly water damage and structural repairs. It also reduces your monthly utility bills. So it makes more sense to waterproof your crawl space now when it is still dry than wait for it to be damaged by water and moisture.
An unsealed crawl space becomes a haven to all kinds of undesirable conditions. If not properly waterproofed and encapsulated, a crawl space can become a homeowners’ worst nightmare. Improve your whole home today by waterproofing your crawl space with reliable solutions. Contact your local contractor in Kansas City, MO, to request a free crawl space inspection and repair estimate and to discuss your options in waterproofing your crawl space.
