Musty smells. Cold floors. High energy bills. If you’re a Tacoma homeowner, you might think there’s nothing you can do about these problems. It’s all just a part of living in the Pacific Northwest, right?
Wrong! Luckily for you, there’s a simple solution that not only can help with the above problems, but also keep your home dry. That solution is crawlspace encapsulation.
Many homes in Tacoma were built on crawlspaces, but the area’s climate makes those crawlspaces especially vulnerable to moisture problems. Encapsulation keeps that moisture out. Here we’ll discuss what crawlspace encapsulation is, why it’s needed, and how it can help protect your Washington home.
Crawlspace encapsulation is a type of waterproofing that prevents moisture from entering your crawlspace and damaging your home’s foundation. It involves installing a vapor barrier along the floor and walls of the crawlspace and sealing everything off so water cannot enter.
At Rescuers Down Under, our vapor barriers feature a radon deflecting bottom layer with an insulated center, and the white color provides a clean, polished look. The barrier is secured to the entire perimeter for full protection. A dehumidifier can also be installed to ensure the crawlspace stays dry.
It’s no secret that the Pacific Northwest is wet. And more water means more risk of water damage.
Pierce County’s annual rainfall is high, averaging about 45 inches of rain each year. Add to that the clay-heavy soil that retains moisture, and water can quickly build up in the ground around your house, especially in the spring when groundwater is rising. If your home hasn’t been waterproofed, all that built-up water can make its way into your crawlspace, causing water damage.
Water damage takes many different forms, and each home is different, so it can be hard to know for sure if your crawlspace has a moisture problem. However, there are several common signs you should watch for, including:
If you notice any of these signs, you should call a contractor to inspect your crawlspace and see if moisture is the problem.
Leaving a wet crawlspace untreated can lead to serious problems and safety concerns.
Perhaps the biggest potential issue is structural damage to the floor joists and subflooring. Prolonged moisture exposure causes wood rot which can weaken your foundation and may require costly repairs.
Untreated moisture can also lead to mold and mildew growth in your crawlspace. The mold can then spread to living areas, affecting the health of you and your family. Even without mold, a damp crawlspace can cause poor indoor air quality as air rises from the crawlspace into the rest of the home, something known as the stack effect.
Even if moisture and water damage doesn’t affect you currently, it can hurt you and your home down the road. It can easily lead to failed home inspections and a reduced home value if you decide to sell your home later on.
Professional crawlspace encapsulation offers several benefits, including:
You may be tempted to DIY your crawlspace encapsulation, but this is one job best left to the professionals. The process of encapsulation is complex, and improper installation could actually make your problem worse if moisture is sealed in where it doesn’t belong. You are better off hiring a contractor.
Moisture problems in your crawlspace won’t fix themselves. They’ll only get worse over time. If you’ve noticed any signs of water damage—musty smells, cold floors, mold, or even pests—now is the time to call a contractor for an inspection.
At Rescuers Down Under, we have over 16 years of experience working on crawlspaces in the Pacific Northwest. We know exactly what kinds of challenges the Tacoma area faces, and we know just how to solve those problems. We have the knowledge and skills to tackle even the most complex issues.
If you’re worried that you might have water in your crawlspace—or if you want to proactively prevent moisture before it happens—give us a call or visit our website for a free quote. Don’t wait until water causes bigger problems!
