Crawl Space Encapsulation and Foundation Repair in Lexington, NC

Signs of foundation settlement may include:

• Cracks in the walls or floor
• Sticking doors and windows
• Sagging or uneven floors
• Leaning chimney
• Bowing basement walls
• And more…

The severity of foundation settlement is influenced by factors such as the speed and degree of settlement, as neglecting foundation issues can result in substantial structural damage. 

Professional inspection and repairs are crucial to prevent further structural deterioration and safety risks. 

Crawl space encapsulation will permanently protect your home from any and all moisture. Each part works together with the others in this system to ensure a complete waterproofing experience.   

• Sump Pumps and Dehumidifiers    

Oftentimes, installing an interior drainage system and a sump pump is the first step to the encapsulation process. If your crawl space is flooded, our experts cannot work on waterproofing this space until that water is all drained away. Our drainage system and sump pumps require very little maintenance, but it’s still important to have these systems checked by professionals on a yearly basis to make sure they continue to work in keeping your crawl space dry.   

Installing a dehumidifier is actually the last step to the encapsulation process. It is often added as a precautionary measure should any moisture still remain. These industry-grade dehumidifiers are much more powerful than the ones you might find at a department store. You can rest assured that these machines will protect your crawl space against any lingering humidity or other irritants floating about to create a cleaner, drier crawl space environment.   

• Vent Covers, Insulation, and Vapor Barriers    

If open crawl space ventilation only worsens existing issues, it makes sense to cover them up from the outside elements. After draining all the standing water from your crawl space, Tar Heel Basement Systems can then install our sturdy vent covers directly over the open vents themselves. This ensures that no outside moisture or mold will be able to sneak their way into the crawl space or the rest of your home. No encapsulation process is complete without sealing off any open crawl space vents, which makes these covers all the more necessary for your home.   

We’ll then place durable insulation panels on the walls and cover the crawl space walls and floor with a 20-mil vapor barrier that will not tear under any duress or pressure. The two particular solutions help seal your crawl space from outside nuisances like unconditioned air and moisture, and they make it more difficult for pests to get inside. Additionally, our insulation panels are treated to resist termites, and the vapor barrier is treated with an antimicrobial to resist water and mold. Both these solutions also are installed with a three-inch gap allowing for pest control inspections.

No. While nearly all foundations experience minor settling, cracks are an indication that something is wrong with the soil below your basement. For that reason, keep an eye out for even the smallest cracks in your basement floor. If you notice any, hiring a foundation expert to inspect your floor can help you stop damage before it gets started. Don’t hesitate if you notice any abnormalities in your basement floor! 

Just how bad can settling get when it comes to concrete steps? Things like driveway and garage floor settling are often overlooked because there is no immediate change in the pavement’s overall functionality. The same can’t be said for stairs. The slightest tilting can make you lose your balance, so as soon as you spot the following problem signs, you’ll want to call an expert for help. 

• Wobbling  

If there is settling, there is an inherent problem with the concrete’s foundation. When the soil begins shifting and shrinking, the first thing you’ll notice is that your steps will begin to wobble slightly if you put weight on one side. That’ll be the side that has the most severe shrinkage. 

As time goes on, the wobbling will get worse until you won’t be able to securely use the steps without fear of falling. Eventually, the concrete will settle. What you want to avoid is having someone be the straw that breaks the camel’s back and fully settle the steps mid-way through using them. The abrupt settling can cause a serious injury. 

• Tilting  

If wobbling is an indicator you can feel, tilting is one you can see. Most homeowners feel the difference in their settling steps before they see it, but if you notice any kind of tilting, your steps are very likely settling. Lopsided steps are uncomfortable to use, so it might not be long before you try to fix them. 

Tilting can also be caused by poorly constructed steps, so the issue might not be related to concrete lifting at all. The good news is, reputable repair professionals will offer free inspections, so you can get an expert opinion on what’s going without worrying about it too much.