CRAWL SPACE REPAIR & WATERPROOFING SERVICES | CHESTER COUNTY, PA

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Having a crawl space can have its advantages and disadvantages. They serve as a good place to run utilities and a good storage space. Although without proper insulation and mold resistant materials, they can be an energy wasting space with hazardous bacterial growth.

First, it is imperative to set up containment barriers to be sure the mold stays in the crawl space throughout the project. It is important to set up negative air machines with the proper HEPA filters while working. All molds must be cleaned out of the crawl space using HEPA Vacuums and disinfected with EPA Registered chemicals.

During mold removal it is very important that all employees where the proper personal protection equipment.  This includes Tyvec suits, chemical resistant rubber gloves and a respirator.  If the mold has spread in the crawlspace you have to make sure everything is cleaned and disinfected.  Any moldy personal belongings should be bagged and hauled away.  Spray everything including ceiling, walls and any utilities in the crawlspace with EPA registered mold disinfectant.  After spraying everything should be wiped down getting rid of all dust, debris and mold.  The floor should be swept then washed and scrubbed with disinfectant.

After setting up containment and removing mold, you would need to stop any water that may be entering the crawlspace. Depending on budget and situation, we either waterproof the interior using a French Drain with a sump pump or the exterior using rubber membrane waterproofing systems.

Ventilation and dehumidification in the crawl space needs to be addressed to remediate any airborne mold spores and ensure low humidity. There are multiple ways to address this – EZ-Breathe systems, crawl space fans and dehumidifiers.  The humidity needs to be below 50 percent to stop all growth of mold and keep it from returning.  When the water and mold has been stopped, we are then ready for encapsulation.

Encapsulation of a crawlspace can also be accomplished in a multitude of ways. Any time you are waterproofing a basement, it is a good idea to use a concrete sealer to prevent moisture from passing through the foundation wall. Then, depending on the situation, we either use waterproof coatings or vapor barriers. There are plenty of different encapsulation coatings you can use for these applications. We have found that White Cap Vapor Barriers work the best for crawl space encapsulation. White Cap is a liner made up of heavy-duty multi-ply cord and reinforced polyethelene with fire related additives.

After your crawl space is waterproofed, disinfected and encapsulated, it is then a good idea to insulate the ceiling. Insulating your crawl space will pay for itself in heating costs over time.

It is very important to call a mold remediation contractor at the first sign of mold or mildew.   If you are having trouble with high humidity, mold or water in your crawlspace give Waterproofing One a call today at (800) 508-4144!