Crawl Space Tips & Insights

This article was written by our team at Crawlspace Medic of the Upstate in Greenville, SC. The health of your home’s crawl space plays a vital role in the structural integrity and overall health of the home. When it comes to keeping a crawl space free from moisture issues, fungal growth, and stru…

The “Stack Effect”, or “Chimney Effect” as you may have heard it called, sounds confusing; but it’s really all about how the air flows throughout your home. What Is the Stack Effect? cycle is called the Stack Effect. The Stack Effect occurs when air infiltrates the lower part of a structure & exf…

This is a hot topic in crawl space repair! In most cases, insurance companies won’t cover the encapsulation cost unless your crawl space had been encapsulated before any damage occurred. If you have no major damage, and are considering encapsulating your crawl space – even though this isn’t cover…

Most of us know very well how crucial your home’s HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems and ducts are in maintaining indoor comfort, especially in hot summer months!

What is Wood Moisture Content? Wood Moisture Content (or WMC) is the weight of water expressed as a percentage of dry weight of wood. It measures how much moisture is present in wood in order to prevent water damage to wood. We measure Wood Moisture Content by inserting a moisture meter device in…

How Does Moisture get into the Crawl Space? Having a vapor or moisture barrier in the crawl space is essential to maintain a healthy crawl space. Rising moisture and vapor from the ground is a naturally occurring event that can cause adverse effects to the structure and health of the home. When w…

Basement waterproofing is the process of making your basement resistant to water or moisture to prevent structural damage to your property. Basement waterproofing is an important but frequently overlooked aspect of home upkeep, particularly in unfinished basements. Mold, mildew, and structural da…

At Crawlspace Medic, we often find homeowners asking the same questions about their crawl spaces in the field, over the phone, and online. Check out the answers to 6 commonly asked questions about crawl spaces below! 1. Crawl Space Vents: Open or Closed? This is a common question asked by homeown…

Crawl space encapsulation is a technique that involves sealing off your crawl space to prevent moisture and other harmful elements from entering your home. This method helps protect against structural damage and health hazards, and improves indoor air quality. Encapsulation is an effective way to…

If you have a crawl space in your home, one of the most important things you can do is to check it for moisture problems. Moisture problems in a crawl space can lead to a number of issues, including mold growth, wood rot, and even structural damage. That’s why it’s essential to make sure that […]

When it comes to home improvement and storage, many people don’t realize that there are two distinct types of spaces in their homes: the basement and the crawl space. While both provide extra storage and utility space, there are several key differences between the two. The first major difference…

If you experienced a particularly chilly winter season, you may have thought about your insulation. Insulation will keep your home warm and protected from the outside, and particularly in your basement. Your basement plays a large role in regulating the overall temperature and air quality of your…

If you own a home with a basement or a crawl space, you may have heard of the term “sump pump” before. While this may seem like a foreign concept to some, it’s actually an essential piece of equipment for protecting your home from water damage. A sump pump is a pump that is installed […]

Termite damage in your crawl space can be a severe issue. As termites feed on wood, they can cause considerable damage to the structure of your crawl space, as well as to any insulation, wiring, and other items that may be stored there. Mostly, termites feed on wet wood. So the presence of termit…

Many homes in the U.S. feature crawl spaces. Crawl spaces provide additional storage space and easy access to essential systems, but if not properly maintained, they can also be the source of various problems. In this article, we will explore the most common crawl space issues and provide tips fo…

If you’re looking for ways to improve the air quality in your home, crawl space repair should be at the top of your list. Crawl spaces are often overlooked when it comes to home maintenance and improving air quality, but they play an essential role in the overall health of your home and family. A…

Are you noticing strange odors in your basement? Are you seeing water coming in from the walls? Are you feeling a dampness in the air? These are all signs that you may have issues with your basement. Your basement is a valued place in your home, it is where your friends and family gather, so […]

As a homeowner, it is essential to understand the impact that your crawlspace can have on the overall value of your home. The crawlspace or basement is often a forgotten aspect of the home, but it holds a significant portion of the structural integrity that keeps your home standing strong. By neg…

Maintaining a healthy crawl space is essential for preserving the structural integrity of your home. A crawl space is an area between the ground and the first floor of a home, and it’s important to keep it in good shape because it can affect air quality, energy efficiency, and even mold growth. T…

When it comes to maintaining your home, it’s easy to forget about the crawl space. After all, it’s not an area of the house that you typically think of as being important. However, understanding your crawl space and its importance can help you to keep your home and its inhabitants safe and health…

Just like with other parts and rooms in your home, your crawl space should be insulated as well for similar reasons. Your crawl space holds a lot of important things that are vital to the health of your entire home, so protecting and caring for it is essential.

With summer coming to a close, we can all be thankful to escape the heat and humidity. Those with an encapsulated crawl space are even more so, knowing that their crawl space has managed to stay dry and relaxed through the hot summer months. But, as the summers are getting hotter, an encapsulatio…

A crawl space is usually the last place on your mind when it comes to your home. The less time you have to look at it, or the less time you have to think about it the better. Unfortunately, we are about to burst your bubble. What most people don’t know is that over half […]

Curious about basement waterproofing systems? Here’s a case study from a job our team in Richmond completed! How to Waterproof a Basement: Step-by-Step Step 1. Remove and clear a path along the basement walls for installing the drain system. Step 2. Find and mark the location of the sump pump for…

Roughly 1 in 50 insured homes make a claim due to water damage or freezing each year. Almost all homes have multiple pipes throughout. Various systems involve the transfer of water, but in cold conditions water can be susceptible to freezing. Frozen pipes in your home can lead to a range of probl…

Is Water In a Crawl Space Normal? Across the US, an estimated 10,000 gallons of water are lost every year due to leaks. Depending on where these leaks are, they can cause problems beyond just wasted water. While you may never go into the crawl space under your house, you still want to keep it in…

If you’re concerned about mold or other issues, you may wonder, “Should the crawl space be sealed?” Your crawl space plays an important part in protecting your home. However, it can’t do its job if it’s not in top condition. To learn more about how to seal a crawl space, keep reading. What Does a…

Are you looking for more information on how to seal crawl space vents? Do you want to know how to seal your crawl space on your own? Sealing off your crawl space is extremely important, especially if you live in an area with a lot of humidity or if you live in an area where […]

Did you know that mold destroys more wood than fires and termites combined every year? Although mold is a slow killer, more raw materials become its victim. The main cause of mold in outdoor and indoor air is moisture. If you have a crawl space area that is part of the foundation of your home, yo…

Mold is a severe problem in houses that you shouldn’t overlook. It’s not only ugly, but it has the potential to create significant health issues. Mold can be hazardous to anybody. But the elderly, newborns, and people with allergies are most at risk from mold exposure. Residents of houses with mi…

If you find water in your basement, you might wonder, “Can mold in basement affect upstairs?” For most property owners, the answer is usually yes. Mold can turn into a serious issue if you don’t deal with it correctly—and quickly. Many mold situations even warrant enlisting the help of a well-qua…

Many homeowners and owners of commercial property have dealt with a sagging floor. Floors can sag for many reasons. For instance, they may sag due to the natural settling of your property or building materials over time. However, a sagging floor may also signify damage from water leaks or pests,…

What do you do if you find water in your crawl space? You don’t want to panic, but the last thing you want is for the problem to get worse. Luckily, there are several things that you can do on the spot if you’re sure you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and do some […]

We humans are simply remarkable creatures. Our incredible array of senses have been put in place to guide us and keep us safe from harm, many of them operating unconsciously as we go about our daily lives. It’s instinctual to squint when the light is too bright, to jerk our hands away from someth…

There are few things that a homeowner despises more than a flooded basement. What looks to be a minor trickle or puddle is often a sign of a much larger problem, meaning you might need basement waterproofing. Damp basements can lead to a slew of expensive and time-consuming repairs. Water in your…

Did you know that, according to The Balance, the cost of repairing clean water damage can be as much as $3.75 per square foot? If it’s caused by gray water, this cost is around $4.50 a square foot while it’s around $7 a square foot for black water damage. If you have standing water under your […]

Did you know that the weight of an average US home is between 80 and 160 tons? To that, you have to add the foundation at seven-and-a-half tons. The foundation is a critical component of the overall construction of your house. The foundations provide a flat platform upon which to construct a hous…

What is a crawl space and what’s its purpose? Does your home have a basement or a crawl space? Many people confuse the two if they have an unfinished area under their homes. However, crawl spaces really are different than basements and have their own set of unique problems. Identifying whether yo…

Have you ever taken a look at your wooden walls and noticed there were holes in them? You might immediately chalk it up to rot, but this isn’t necessarily the case. Sometimes, your wooden walls can get destroyed thanks to little critters such as termites. And, knowing when you’re dealing with ter…

In your home, 10 percent of the heat loss in your home is lost through the flooring. However, properly insulating and sealing your crawl space can prevent this and will make your home more energy-efficient. Having an energy-efficient house can lower your energy bills, along with many other benefi…

Want a simple way to save up to 15 percent on your heating and cooling costs? You may want to consider marking sure your home is properly insulated and adding more if needed. Proper insulation can save you a lot of money while also making your home more comfortable. But what part of a house shoul…

Only 30 percent of homes in America have basements. Most of the remaining 70 percent have crawl spaces or are built directly on concrete slabs. While every type of foundation has its pros and cons, homes with crawl spaces are among the most likely to suffer sagging. But what do sagging floors in…

Crawl space encapsulation is the process of lining your crawl space with heavy-duty polyethylene. The polyethylene barrier covers and seals the floors, walls, and, in some cases, the ceiling of your crawl space. Some crawl space professionals will recommend adding a dehumidifier to keep moisture…

Flood damage costs approximately $17 billion every year in the United States. Even recurring water issues can cause problems like mold, rust, rot, or electrical fires. If you have regular flooding in your basement or crawl space, a sump pump could be the solution. There are a lot of different sum…

A crawl space or basement inspection can help you avoid big problems. If you’re buying a home, a crawl space inspection can help you to pinpoint issues before making an offer. If you’re selling a home, you’ll want to think about scheduling a crawl space inspection to avoid unpleasant surprises. I…

Imagine this: you’re in the new home you just bought, and you’re walking around, checking out every area. Everything seems fine. Flash forward a few years, and you have some serious problems going on with your home’s foundation. An expert comes by to check out what’s going on, and it turns out th…

The crawl space under your home is more important than you might think. You may wonder, “Do I need a vapor barrier in my crawl space?” Well, you’re in the right place to learn the answer. Somewhere between 15% to 20% of all homes in the United States have a crawl space. A crawl space costs less […]

✅ TL;DR – How Your Crawl Space Impacts Your Home’s Air Quality Around 50–60% of your home’s indoor air comes from the crawl space. Mold, mildew, and pests in the crawl space can directly affect the air you breathe. Moisture and poor ventilation are top culprits behind poor air quality. Crawl spac…

While it’s no secret that the air we breathe in our homes has a major impact on our health, it’s not exactly a simple thing to control. There are so many external factors that can affect your home’s air quality, but most especially a crawl space (if you have one!). A large portion of the […]

Few things are as scary to homeowners as water intrusion in their homes. Excessive moisture compromises a home’s structural integrity and also poses serious health risks to its inhabitants. Water damage repair can also do a number on your bank account. But can you waterproof a basement? Remediati…

It’s vital to keep your home free from mold and moisture to maintain a healthy indoor environment. Most people spend a substantial amount of time at home. Accordingly, the air quality of your home can affect your health greatly. However, it’s not always easy to make the connection between signs o…

TL;DR – French Drain Mistakes You’ll Want to Avoid If you want to install a French drain, there are a few things that you need to know. A French drain sounds like a fancy device. However, it’s really just a gravel ditch with an embedded pipe for diverting water away from your home. Gutters collec…

Basement flooding is more common than you might think. Even the White House has had problems with flooding in the basement. You may wonder if you need a sump pump. Hopefully, you’ll never need one. That’s a best-case scenario. However, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you could bene…