What many of the people might consider to be a “useless” investment, crawlspace waterproofing can mean a lot if given a profound insight. This article may help shed some light on the importance of crawlspace waterproofing.
The problem in question is mold. You might be surprised when you find out how does mold forms up and how it affects our lives. It is definitely something you do not want to oversee in the maintenance of your household. Mold starts infesting and growing in areas which remain damp for a long period of time. Basements are one of the favorite places for mold to fester, as all runaway water from the house, gardens and even snow leads right into it. Simply removing the mold from eye’s view is not enough. It will simply grow up again. Waterproofing your crawlspace is the only real and effective solution to mold growth. If gone unchecked, it can lead to allergies and even asthma. Molds produce allergens and mycotoxins, which have the capability of inducing heavy damages to the human body. Prolonged exposure to mold can lead to irritation in eyes, nose etc. It can even lead to dangerous diseases.
Remember, mold growth is relative to the amount of moisture present in the given environment. Unless it is made moisture proof, removing mold again and again will make no difference. Crawlspace waterproofing can go a long way by sealing off your walls and fighting invading moisture, thus cutting off the main food supply which is required by mold to fester.
Water getting inside basement walls poses a threat to your health by way of mold. What more is that it can even weaken the structure of your home over a prolonged period of time, causing it to collapse on top of your head. Now, we want to avoid all that, and the best way to avoid that is by getting your home crawlspace waterproofed.
So the most basic question that arises is, how much will this cost. On an average, crawlspace waterproofing can cost you anywhere between $5000 to $11000, depending upon various factors such as size, space, degree of concentration of mold etc. It might seem to be a big number, but it involves heavy work and can be considered like a renovation. Moreover, When it comes to the health and safety of your family, no number is too big. A number of factors determine the cost, a few of them being:
Size- The bigger the dimensions of the room, the bigger the area to be covered. A larger basement can inflict higher costs, as there is more place to be covered.
Concentration-Sometimes, only a section of your wall might need waterproofing. You can save costs by knowing where the mold is festering repeatedly, and direct your focus towards that area to avoid further colonization.
Repairs-With the already infesting mold on your walls, there is no saying what actual damage has been caused. An assessment by a professional can give you a fair idea.
Waterproofing your crawlspace may seem to be of very less significance at first, but if you allow the mold to expand, it can lead to dire consequences.