AI-Powered Case Study: Crawl Space Waterproofing, Encapsulation, and Repair in Bellingham, WA
Longtime homeowners in Bellingham, WA, knew their crawl space always had problems, but issues such as leaking water and sagging floors recently became concerning. They were motivated to take action after a friend recommended contacting Groundworks for a solution.
A Groundworks inspector found multiple issues that needed immediate attention, including standing water and heavily water-damaged and crumbling wooden supports. They recommended installing waterproofing, encapsulation, dehumidification, and support jack systems.
After removing the water to dry out the crawl space, crews waterproofed and stabilized it. The homeowners were pleased with the work, and these solutions helped them gain peace of mind and a safer and healthier home.
The Challenge
- Open crawl space vents
- Crawl space water intrusion
- Moldy crawl space insulation
- Damaged crawl space supports
- Sagging floors
The Solution
- Crawl space drains and sump pump
- 120-mil vapor barrier
- Dehumidifier
- Support jacks
- Vent sealing
The Impact
- Sealed crawl space
- Improved indoor air quality
- Humidity control
- Floor structure support and protection
- Safer and healthier home
Before Crawl Space Repair:
Moisture Problems
Moisture is a home’s No. 1 enemy, and this crawl space had it in spades. Open crawl space vents and aging door materials allowed water to flow into the area under the house. Trapped moisture and damp air resulted in standing water on the dirt crawl space floor, elevated humidity levels, and wet insulation that began to develop mold and fall from between the floor joists.
Sagging, Uneven Floor
The excessive moisture also began to attack the home’s support system. Standing water damaged wooden support posts, leaving them to rot, splinter, and crumble. This lack of support affected the above floors, creating sagging and uneven sections that were noticeable in the main living areas.
After Crawl Space Encapsulation and Repair:
Crawl Space Drainage
First, crews pumped the flooding water out of the crawl space and then installed proper drainage solutions, including a perimeter crawl space drain and sump pump. Should any water leak into the crawl space or percolate through the soil, the drainage system captures it and directs it to a sump pump system. The sump pump then removes the water from the crawl space, draining it far away from the home.
Floor Stabilization with Support Jacks
The crew then shored up the home’s support system with durable crawl space jacks, which you can see pictured here. These heavy-duty jacks permanently reinforce sagging floors and floor joists, and are rated to support up to 24,860 pounds each. They are cut to fit the crawl space height and can be adjusted for potential floor improvement.
Encapsulation and Dehumidification
With stabilization and drainage systems in place, crews wrapped up the project by encapsulating the crawl space with a vapor barrier. This 120-mil-thick sheet fully seals the crawl space, isolating it from the earth and preventing moisture intrusion. An energy-efficient dehumidifier is the icing on the cake, as it further controls humidity, prevents mold growth, and improves indoor air quality. The vents were also sealed, and the doors were upgraded to airtight and watertight units.
Seeing the Positive Effects
The homeowners no longer have to worry about unstable floors or a wet crawl space. The crawl space repair and encapsulation systems that were installed represent a comprehensive approach that creates a safer and healthier home that the owners will be able to enjoy for many years.
Other Reviews for Our Crawl Space Repair Near You
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The floor is more level and supported so there should not sag more in the future.
The floor is more level and supported so there should not sag more in the future.
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We have just begun our experience with Groundworks. Corey Meyers the CFI was very knowledgeable about the process and diligent in his…
We have just begun our experience with Groundworks. Corey Meyers the CFI was very knowledgeable about the process and diligent in his assessment of how to solve our wet basement issues. He followed up as promised and has put us at ease with our decision to move forward. I will follow up after the work is completed.
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The team at Groundworks did an excellent job, from start to finish, sealing my basement and installing drainage and sump pumps….
The team at Groundworks did an excellent job, from start to finish, sealing my basement and installing drainage and sump pumps. Knowledgeable staff, easy quote process, reliable, efficient and affordable. Wyatt, Tyler, Erik, Quevin, and Amari, thank you for a job well done! I highly recommend Groundworks. All around great experience. Lorraine Smith ~ Snohomish.
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Amazing! Wyatt, Quevin, & Tucker came out to do some work in our crawlspace. I am super happy with their work! They were very professional…
Amazing! Wyatt, Quevin, & Tucker came out to do some work in our crawlspace. I am super happy with their work! They were very professional and I never doubted for a second that they were doing what was best for our home. I can’t thank them enough, and I will absolutely be back if we need more work done! Also, Ed, who bid the project was great too. Start to finish, I was very impressed with Groundworks!
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We are very happy with the work Groundworks did to waterproof our basement. Thank you to the crew, Dave, Derrick, Jordan and Sam for all…
We are very happy with the work Groundworks did to waterproof our basement. Thank you to the crew, Dave, Derrick, Jordan and Sam for all the hard work they put in during the 2 days of the project!
Need Crawl Space Repair for Your Home?
Have you felt bouncy floors in your home, or wonder if you have a damp crawl space? Don’t ignore them. These problems worsen with time and affect your home and family’s well-being.
You can take back your home and create a healthier living environment. Groundworks provides lasting crawl space solutions trusted by millions of homeowners nationwide, including areas in Northwest Washington like Bellingham, WA.
Contact us today to take the first step in improving your home’s health by scheduling a free inspection and estimate.
Related Resources
Crawl Space Repair FAQs
Inspect your crawl space after any major rainstorm and at least twice a year as part of regular home maintenance.
In many climates, closing crawl space vents and opting for encapsulation are recommended to prevent outside moisture from entering and causing mold or mildew issues.
Ideally, humidity should be kept below 60% to prevent mold and mildew. Using a dehumidifier can help maintain this level if the crawl space is prone to moisture issues.