Like most homeowners, you probably haven’t given much thought to your crawlspace before. After all, the main purpose of a crawlspace is to elevate the home so that vermin and flooding do not affect your living space. However, this is not the whole story.

Crawlspaces are intensely vulnerable to flooding and moisture problems, which can have serious knock-on effects for the rest of your home. A crawl space moisture barrier, also called a vapor barrier, falls under the category of crawl space encapsulation. Encapsulation is when your entire crawl space walls and floors are sealed using a thin 10 to 20-mil thick polyethylene sheeting.

This is why crawl space waterproofing is increasingly popular. But what is crawl space waterproofing, and what is the importance of crawl space waterproofing for your home? Read on to find out. 

1. Crawl Space Waterproofing Protects Your Belonging

Crawl space encapsulation is a process that transforms the space into a completely watertight room. No water will be able to get in or out. In addition, it will be harder for pests to enter the space, just as it will be much more difficult for mold or spores to grow.

This means that you can start to use your crawlspace for storage, without worrying about damage to your property. Moisture in your crawl space creates the perfect conditions for unhygienic issues. When you get your crawl space encapsulation done by professionals, the sealed vapor barrier makes it difficult for pests to enter.

2. Improve the Structural Integrity of Your Home

Although you might not think too often about your crawlspace, it is important to remember that it is essentially the foundation of your home. This is why you need to waterproof your crawlspace. Moisture can easily cause rot to set in and destroy the wood and drywall foundations of your crawlspace. Knowing how to waterproof your crawlspace will prevent this rot from causing your home to collapse. 

The most common cause of foundation repair comes from the soil beneath it, leaking pipes, a damaged crawl space, and a number of other situations that can severely affect your foundation as well. Not to mention, any floods your home has experienced or shifting sands and soils.

Uneven floors in a house are usually a sign of a foundation problem, but not always. For example, if you live in a house with a crawl space foundation, uneven floors might be a sign the support posts in your crawl space have settled, or the screw jacks have deteriorated and rusted out. 

3. Better Regulate Indoor Air Quality 

Did you know that a waterproof crawlspace can result in cleaner, healthier air for your and your family? In any home, a large proportion of the air you breathe flows up from below. Since the bottom level of your home is your crawlspace, this means that you are breathing in air that has flowed directly through that space. If you would rather not breathe in mold spores, you should waterproof your crawlspace. 

4. Boost Your Insurability 

A house with strong foundations is a house that is more insurable. Remember, with home insurance rates on the rise across the US, the last thing you want is for your home to be locked out of the market. With a waterproof crawlspace, you can strengthen the foundations of your home and show your insurers that you have taken steps to prevent the buildup of mold or dampness in your home. This will result in lower insurance rates and better coverage. 

5. An Inspection is 100% Free of Charge 

Finally, it is important to note that you can begin your waterproofing journey without spending a penny. By consulting a local professional such as HERNDON’S TRUSTED FOUNDATION REPAIR COMPANY, you can arrange a free inspection and consultation. This will allow you to receive a professional assessment of your waterproofing needs, with no pressure or commitment. There really is nothing to lose.  

More Tips On Long-Term Home Living 

Understanding the importance of crawl space waterproofing will help you build a more sustainable home. For more tips on future-proof living, we have got you covered. Make sure to consult our expert Life & Household guides to learn from the best.