Frequently Asked Crawlspace Questions
American Crawlspace Solutions offers crawlspace and basement waterproofing, foundation repair and mold remediation services for Atlanta, Georgia, and beyond.
Questions About Basement & Crawl Space Services
What is the difference between an encapsulated crawlspace and a wall-vented crawlspace?
An encapsulated (closed) crawlspace has a seamless vapor barrier on both the floor and exterior walls. All of the foundation vents will also be sealed from the inside with this model. A wall-vented crawlspace has a floor liner only and will have open foundation vents. Visit www.crawlspaces.org for more information.
Should I leave my foundation vents opened or closed?
In order to provide a clean, dry, and energy efficient crawlspace we recommend all foundation vents remain closed.
Do I need to replace my crawlspace insulation?
Maybe. If your insulation has been ruined by excessive moisture or rodents, you should at least consider having it removed. Once a crawlspace is properly sealed, the insulation is usually not necessary. However, if it is in good shape there is no harm in leaving it in place.
My Pest Control company has offered to do a fungal treatment. Is this the same treatment you provide?
No. Physical removal is the standard for Mold Remediation. Spraying it with a pesticide may kill the mold, but unless it is physically removed you still have mold.
Why is my wood floor cupping?
Wood floors experience “cupping” when temperature changes and moisture is absorbed from underneath. Basically, it results in edges of each plank rising higher than the center of the plank, giving the wood an odd shape. If you have not experienced a plumbing leak or flooding in your home, yet your floors are still cupping, you should consider whether the crawlspace air may be the source. If the air under your home is damp, this can increase Wood Moisture Content (WMC). In Georgia, the standard WMC ranges from 9 – 12%. High relative humidity under the home causes condensation on the subfloor which increases the WMC of your hardwood floor upstairs. American Crawlspace Solutions has saved many hardwood floors with our system.
Do you recommend spray foam insulation on my exterior walls?
Absolutely not. Although popular and easy to install, closed cell foam insulation presents a few obstacles for a properly encapsulated crawlspace. If the exterior crawlspace walls have spray foam insulation, keep in mind that termite activity will be impossible to detect. Spraying foam insulation on the subfloor may cover up unsightly floor joists, but it might also cover up access to plumbing and electrical work. Lastly, keep in mind that closed cell foam can trap moisture…if you have a leaky pipe covered by spray foam, guess what happens? Most likely the leak won’t even be detected until lots of damage is done.
Why is there water on my air ducts?
In order to understand why this happens, first you have to understand what we call Relative Humidity (RH) and the Dew Point Temperature. RH is defined as the amount of water the air can hold at a given temperature, expressed as a percentage. More simply: air is like a sponge… the warmer the air, the more water vapor it can hold. (in Georgia, we have hot humid Summers because the RH is HIGH) The Dew Point Temperature is the temperature at which the air can no longer hold any more moisture and water vapor is released from the air. Inside your crawlspace, (during warmer weather) the air inside your crawlspace is cooler than the air outside. If your crawlspace is wall vented, the air drawn into your crawlspace is rapidly cooled, and releases moisture into the air (condensation). The air inside of your air ducts is presumably cooler than the air inside the crawlspace; therefore, the surface of the air ducts is cooler than the crawlspace air, and the air ducts “sweat.” To be more accurate, condensation forms on the outside of the air ducts.
Why does my crawlspace smell bad?
Crawlspaces stink because of several factors: open foundation vents draw in humid air, mold begins to grow, the wooden subfloor begins to decay, and it stinks. If the crawlspace does not have a vapor barrier, the area normally will take on a musty-earthy-dirt smell. Obviously if there are unwanted animals in the crawlspace, odors can develop as well. Get it sealed!
Questions About ACS
What makes ACS different?
We are a small business focused on providing services with a “needs based” approach. As you shop the competition you’ll encounter many franchise operations that cannot provide custom solutions to match your problem.
Do you offer a written guarantee?
Yes. Our sealed crawlspace system comes with a “life of the structure” warranty. We also include manufacturers’ warranty on sump pumps and dehumidifiers.
What forms of payment do you accept?
American Crawlspace Solutions accepts cash, checks, and all major credit cards.
Are you insured?
Yes. ACS carries a one million dollar General Liability policy, as well as a one million dollar Worker’s Comp Policy. Proof provided upon request.
How much do your services cost?
Jobs are priced out on a case-by-case scenario. As each home is unique, so is each crawlspace. Contact us for an estimate.
We’re here to help.
If your question wasn’t answered above, please contact American Crawlspace Solutions today.