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Case Study: Crawl Space Repair for a 100-Year-Old Home in Virginia

A homeowner in Virginia contacted JES Foundation Repair to address severe structural concerns in their 100-year-old residence. The home suffered from extensive wood rot and mold in the crawl space, which caused the original flooring to become unstable and uneven. The homeowner’s top priority was to restore the flooring to a safe, level condition.

JES created a tailored crawl space repair strategy to restore the home and the owner’s peace of mind.


The Solution

The Impact

  • Uneven floors stabilized to a level position
  • Crawl space moisture protection
  • Enhanced resale value

Before Crawl Space Repair:

Wood Rot and Mold Growth

The crawl space of the 100-year-old home showed signs of long-term moisture exposure, leading to wood rot and visible mold. These issues severely weakened the subfloor and floor joists, causing musty odors and safety concerns throughout the home.

Unstable, Uneven Flooring

During inspection, the JES team found that the first-floor framing no longer provided adequate support. The flooring system had become unstable, leading to a visibly sloped and unsafe walking surface throughout the home. The root cause stemmed from failing structural supports and prolonged moisture exposure.

After Crawl Space Repair:

Floors Stabilized

JES crews removed the damaged floor joists and subflooring and installed IntelliJacks with S4 i-Beams to support the structure. These components provided immediate and lasting stabilization, allowing for the installation of new joists and a uniform floor surface.

Crawl Space Moisture Protection

The crawl space was fully encapsulated to prevent moisture buildup, mold growth, and wood damage. The system included new crawl space insulation, a vapor barrier, drainage system, a dehumidifier, and a sealed door for long-term protection.

Enhanced Resale Value

The homeowner was highly satisfied with the results, noting improved air quality and structural safety. Extra care was taken during the process to preserve the home’s integrity. It is now stable, protected from moisture, and prepared for many more years of use while retaining its historic and sentimental value.

Other Reviews for Our Crawl Space Repair Near You

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We had our first annual encapsulation inspection, and it was very thorough. Phillip, the technician made sure that we understood the entire …

We had our first annual encapsulation inspection, and it was very thorough. Phillip, the technician made sure that we understood the entire process and explained clearly. He showed us pictures of the space and discussed each one. The evidence gave us confidence in the assessment. We appreciate the professionalism and attention to details, and would highly recommend JES.

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What an awesome experience we had with Groundworks and their representative, Kristian! Unfortunately, the work we wanted done couldn’t be…

What an awesome experience we had with Groundworks and their representative, Kristian! Unfortunately, the work we wanted done couldn’t be done because of California codes and regulations, The experience with Kristian was everything that I had expected after listening to the owner of Groundworks on several podcasts, It is obvious this company culture is excellent and customer service first, a rare thing in today’s climate. I highly recommend Groundworks if you’re looking for thoroughness, excellence and quality.

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I was very impressed with Andre Williams as my service technician. He was prompt and professional and spent time talking with me and…

I was very impressed with Andre Williams as my service technician. He was prompt and professional and spent time talking with me and explaining what he was looking at and telling me about it. He was great to talk with and a nice guy.

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We had JES come out because we thought we had foundation issues and it was refreshing to know that there are still honest people out there. …

We had JES come out because we thought we had foundation issues and it was refreshing to know that there are still honest people out there. Christian Distler-Caravetta was the inspector that came to our house and he told us what we were seeing was normal and even though there were a few things would could address right now, he also said we can monitor them and compare photos of the areas in question in the future. He was very thorough in explaining what could and would be done depending on what we decided. He was very professional and I would recommend him and this company to anyone.

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Great customer service, staff was friendly and polite. Only issue, the price was hundreds more than the other 2 quotes, apples to apples. …

Great customer service, staff was friendly and polite. Only issue, the price was hundreds more than the other 2 quotes, apples to apples. Had it been closer I would have 100% gone with A1. I did find out later they will price match. I would suggest mentioning that when they quote their price, just as an FYI. It would have changed my mind.

Need Crawl Space Repair for Your Home?

Have you noticed sagging floors, musty odors, or signs of wood rot in your crawl space? JES Foundation Repair offers customized solutions that restore safety, stability, and value.

Schedule a free inspection with our experts and protect your home for the future.

Related Resources

Crawl Space Repair FAQs

Yes, a vapor barrier is necessary in a crawl space to prevent moisture from seeping through the soil and creating dampness, mold, and structural issues. A properly installed crawl space vapor barrier helps maintain healthy air quality in your home and protects your foundation from moisture-related damage.

Proper sealing and insulation reduce energy loss, keeping your home’s temperature stable and lowering heating and cooling costs.

When properly installed and maintained, crawl space encapsulation can last 15 to 20 years or more. The vapor barrier, a key component of encapsulation, typically has a lifespan of 20 to 25 years. However, longevity can vary based on factors such as installation quality, climate conditions, and regular maintenance. With proper care, some encapsulation systems can even last the lifetime of the home.