Five Important Questions To Ask Your Crawlspace Waterproofing Contractor

 Crawlspace waterproofing is important for creating a safe, pest-free home. Hiring a professional contractor is the first step towards ensuring the waterproofing is done right. The following are some questions you should ask your waterproofing contractor to ensure that the waterproofing will be up to standard.

1. Will you be including vents in the crawlspace?

In the past, crawl spaces were required to have vents. However, this is no longer a requirement. In fact, you are encouraged to avoid having a vented crawlspace. This is because vents encourage the accumulation of water in the crawlspace. If you want to keep your crawlspace dry, go with complete encapsulation of the crawlspace to keep the elements out.

2. Does the barrier meet requirements for insulation?

This is especially important for an unvented crawlspace. The barrier will make up the walls of the crawlspace. It should therefore provide thermal insulation for the crawlspace. This will prevent the home from losing heat in winter and gaining too much heat during the summer.

The barriers that contractors use should meet specific insulation requirements. The IRC sets the R values at between R-5 and R-20. The particular R value for the insulation chosen for your home will depend on the local building code requirements in your area.

3. Does the door meet building code requirements?

Many people like to use their crawlspaces for storage. This means that you should be able to access the space. A crawlspace door may be installed for this. This door should meet building code requirements.

The size of the door should be no less than 18 by 24 inches. If your crawlspace will have mechanical equipment, the door should be large enough to accommodate the entry and removal of this equipment. This is important for the preservation of the walls after waterproofing.

4. Will you install a vapor retarder on the crawlspace floor?

The crawlspace floor should be sealed as part of the waterproofing process. This often involves the installation of a high-performance vapor retarder. This retarder will help to prevent ground water from entering the crawl space. A good retarder should be no less than 6-mil.

5. How will you take care of service lines in the crawlspace?

If there are service lines running through the crawl space they may need some sort of insulation. This is especially true for HVAC lines that may form condensation and introduce moisture into the crawl space. The contractor should have a way to deal with these service lines.

How To Save Money With Carbon Fiber Crack Repair Parma, OH

 The appearance of a crack in a foundation is enough to send chills down a homeowner’s spine. That is because the last thing a homeowner wants is to spend a lot of money on repairing their foundation. It’s therefore not surprising that homeowners search for the solution they believe will cost them the least to have their foundations repaired.

Quality over Cost

The problem with looking for the lowest cost solution is that it isn’t always the best solution for your foundation. Foundation cracks don’t go away if you ignore them. Neither is the problem resolved by applying a band-aid solution such as crack injection. Your issue is only going to get worse if you don’t use the best solution for crack repair.

Quality has to take priority over cost when it comes to foundation repair. Spending money to repair the problem now will help to avoid higher amounts in the future. You will prevent the problem from becoming worse and therefore save money in the long term.

Saving money with carbon fiber crack repair

If you’re looking for an affordable way to repair the cracks that will give you long term results, you should opt for carbon fiber crack repair. Carbon fiber is a sturdy material that is easy to install. It provides the foundation wall support and prevents further movement. It is ideal for use in walls that haven’t moved more than 2 inches.

If you want to save money on foundation repair by using carbon fiber, you should:

1. Opt for professional installation

Don’t make the mistake of trying to install carbon fiber strips on your own. You’re likely to make mistakes while fixing it even after carefully reading the instructions or watching a video. Licensed professionals have training and years of experience behind them. They know how best to install the straps for maximum efficiency and long-term benefit.

2. Have the cracks repaired ASAP

It is important to have foundation cracks repaired as soon as you notice them. Foundation cracks only get worse the longer you ignore them. Investing in crack repair early enough will save you money. You won’t have to pay for the extensive renovation of your wall when the damage becomes worse.

3. Seek solutions for the underlying cause

While carbon fiber straps are a great solution to prevent further movement of the wall, it is still vital to resolve the underlying cause of motion. You will otherwise experience other forms of damage that may cost a lot more to repair. A foundation repair specialist can help you identify the causes of movement and offer solutions.