Drainage Pipe in Crawl Space Foundation

  In many crawlspaces throughout Indiana, there are 4" corrugated drainage pipes going through the foundation or under the footing.  These are installed by a builder as a means to prevent a wet crawlspace.  Unfortunately, in many cases, this is the only means of waterproofing that is utilized.  We've seen many homes with improper grading, and non-existent footing drains.  The builder just puts in a pipe to the outside.

All this does is prevent major flooding (2"-6" water levels). It is not a means to prevent or stop water from flooding the crawlspace.  In some cases, we have found that the drainage pipe leads to nowhere, just basically set in the earth and back filled with soil.

In any case, if the crawlspace remains wet, a perimeter drainage system or external waterproofing systems need to be installed to keep the crawlspace dry.  If this is the only source of drainage in your crawlspace, give us a call at 1-317-893-7016 for a FREE no-obligation inspection of your crawlspace.

Indianapolis Crawlspace Insulation Contractor

Indianapolis - Save Money By Insulating Your Crawl Space!

Does your home have a crawlspace? Well, if it isn't insulated properly, then it should be! Even though they are small areas, crawl spaces offers huge savings on heating bills when properly insulated. So if you’re going to insulate your home this winter, DO NOT forget about the crawl space.

Crawl spaces are small, tight spaces installed directly into the earth under your home. Since the earth's temperature is 55 degrees and even colder in the winter, crawlspaces tend to stay cooler year round. Most crawlspaces have vents and air leaks that are drafting unwanted frigid winter air into the home.

If you have heat ducts, furnace, or hot water pipes in your crawl space, your energy bills will increase. This cold air entering through the vents and air leaks will work against your utilities, forcing them to work harder just to maintain a warm temperature.

At Indiana Crawlspace Repair, we will upgrade your crawl space's energy efficiency with products that are durable, long-lasting, and made especially to optimize energy efficiency in the crawlspace.  We are the premier crawl space insulation contractor in Central Indiana.

Contact us today 1-800-371-1939 for your free, no obligation insulation quote! We service the Greater Indianapolis Area and many surrounding areas, including Avon, Carmel, Brownsburg, Fishers, Noblesville, Bloomington, Columbus, Greenfield, Plainfield, Mooresville, Martinsville, Greenwood, Franklin, Columbus and nearby. 

CALL TODAY TO KEEP YOUR FLOORS WARMER IN THE WINTER AND SAVE MONEY EVERY MONTH.

Crawl Space Indianapolis

Crawl spaces in indianapolis are not unlike those in the rest of the great Hoosier state.  Crawl spaces in general are a design flaw.  They have an exposed dirt floor that is open to the outside air via ventilation.  There are so many problems with this scenario.

For starters the exposed earth evaporates moisture into the air of the crawlspace.  A standard vapor barrier is installed in most crawl spaces to reduce this evaporation but does not manage to eliminate all the  moisture emitting from the dirt floor.

Most importantly, the vents (standard building codes) allow for outdoor unconditioned air to enter the crawlspace environment throwing off the balance of the conditioning occurring in the home.  Hot humid air in Indianapolis summers enter the crawlspace and cause the colder surfaces (air ducts, water pipes) to condensate.  In some cases, the entire floor structure is saturated in moisture from condensation. Vented crawlspaces also bring in cold air in the winter that leads to cold floors, frozen water pipes, and higher heating bills.

There is a remedy to vented crawl spaces in Indianapolis.  Proper drainage and encapsulation of the crawlspace can turn an unhealthy environment into a clean, dry, energy efficient, health crawlspace.  For more information or a free quote , give us a call at 1-317-893-7016.  Our Indianapolis Crawlspace Insulation Contractors can keep your home warm and dry.

Best way to insulate a crawl space

There are several methods to insulating a crawl space.  Some can be efficient, and others can be detrimental to the environment of the crawl space.  Do your research before choosing the insulation method that is right for your home.  In Indiana's harsh winters, a properly insulated, conditioned crawl space can save a homeowner 15% to 20% in energy savings.

To determine the best way to insulate the crawlspace under your home, a homeowner must identify all the current airflow, foundation, and moisture problems within the crawlspace.  Since not all crawlspace construction and potential problems are the same, I am going to outline some factors to take into consideration before insulating your crawlspace.

Question: Is your crawlspace above the ground level of the outside soil, or is your crawlspace below the ground level of the outside.   This factor is going to way into potential moisture problems, and possibly how you address insulating the perimeter walls.

Answer: Above Grade Crawlspace  - If this is your crawlspace, you are less susceptible to water intrusion through the foundation and dirt floor of the crawlspace.   This crawlspace can be sealed with an appropriate encapsulation/conditioned system, and the walls insulated with either 2" rigid foam board or spray foam insulation.  The most efficient would be to spray foam the walls and bandboard with spray foam after the crawlspace floor and bottom portions of the walls is properly sealed with an encapsulation liner.

Answer: Underground Crawlspace  - This is the most common crawlspace construction method found in Indiana, and unfortunately, the type with the most problems.  Before insulating this type of crawlspace, it is imperative to research all potential problems in the crawlspace.  These crawlspace are often built without proper drainage methods in place to prevent water intrusion into the crawlspace via the foundation walls or ground floor.  In these crawlspaces, an external or internal drainage system, downspout extensions, or re-grading the soil around the home may be necessary before attempting to properly insulate the crawlspace.  Mold is a common occurrence in below grade crawlspace, and must be remedied prior to encapsulating the crawlspace.  The best way to insulate these crawlspaces is to first install an encapsulation liner on the foundation walls and ground, and permanently seal all air leaks and vents from allowing air intrusion into the crawlspace.  Once this is done, the most effective insulation method is to install 2" rigid foam insulation on the walls and along the band board.  Spray foam is not recommended on the walls due to the trapping of potential moisture into the sills, joists, and band boards.  Spray foam can (but not always) lead to dry rot in the wood structural components that are attached to the external foundation wall.

Question: Is your crawlspace foundation a solid poured foundation wall or block and mortar foundation?

Answer: Solid Poured Foundation -  These foundation walls are the least susceptible to water intrusion, and are the best candidate for spray foam insulation; however, the crawlspace floor should always be sealed with a durable encapsulation liner prior to insulating with spray foam.  If it is a below grade crawlspace and remains dry year round, spray foam could be applied to the walls as well.  In cases where there is a high water table in the soil, it is not recommended to spray foam these walls.  If there is any water intrusion at all, it is recommended to first address the water intrusion completely or use the encapsulation/conditioning with 2" rigid foam board insulation method.

Answer: Block and Mortar Foundation - This foundation type is the most susceptible to water intrusion, and need to be properly waterproofed prior to any crawlspace insulation installation.  If at all possible, it is best to manage the water intrusion from the outside footing and walls.  This can be accomplished with proper footing drainage, waterproofed foundation walls, positive grading, and downspout extensions.  Once the crawlspace is determined to remain dry, the crawlspace can be insulated with spray foam or rigid foam board.  In all cases an encapsulation system is required.  If the crawlspace is below grade, rigid foam board insulation is recommended over spray foam.

If any more questions about your crawlspace insulation, shoot us an email @ indianacrawlspacerepair@gmail.com.  If you live in Indiana, and would like a free quote, give us a call at 317-893-7016.

How to Treat Smelly Crawl Space Odor

When there is a strong crawl space odor, it can spread throughout the home via the duct system.  Crawlspaces are typically a dirt floor that are vented to the unconditioned outdoor air.  This allows for multiple odor sources.  Vented crawl spaces are especially susceptible to moisture problems.  Moisture can lead to mold growth and other odor problems.

The first step in how to treat a smelly crawl space is to find out the source of the problem.  If the crawlspace is vented, it is recommended that an encapsulation or conditioning system be installed to remedy unwanted humid air from entering the crawlspace in the summer months.  If the crawlspace is wet or moist after heavy rains,  it is recommended that a interior or exterior drainage system is installed to facilitate the water out of the crawlspace.  An encapsulation system would be installed after the drainage problem is resolved.

Another source of odor is from the dirt floor in the crawlspace.  You might just be smelling the odor of soil after has become damp and that moisture starts to evaporate.  In this case, a vapor barrier would help stop some of the smell, but an encapsulation system would do a better job of containing the smell under the liner.

Sometimes an odor can come from dead animals or animal fecal matter.  In this scenario, an encapsulation system would also help to ensure animals do not enter the crawlspace because it would be sealed off from curious critters entering.

If mold already exists in the crawl, then professional mold remediation needs to take place prior or during the moisture control remedy.

In either case, if you are unsure of the source, or need help addressing the source, give us a call for a no-obligation estimate to help remedy the odor.  Our Office Phone is 317-893-7016.

Crawlspace Insulation Contractor in Martinsville, IN

Does the insulation in your crawlspace look like the picture above?  Are your floors frigid cold in the winter?  Are your heating bills higher than you would like them to be?  Do your water pipes freeze and burst in the winter.  If you answered yes to any of the previous questions, then Indiana Crawlspace Repair can help.

We specialize in insulating and conditioning crawlspaces.  Our crawlspace insulation process can save you up to 20% on your energy bills.  

Vented crawlspaces let in cold air in the winter causing your floors to be cold and your heating bills to skyrocket.  An effective solution is to seal the crawlspace with an effective vapor barrier system covering the walls and floor of the crawlspace.  The vents and air opening are completely insulated and sealed.  The crawlspace is conditioned with your existing heating system or a dehumidifier.  This system can save you thousands of dollars over your lifetime.  

Fiberglass insulation is not as efficient in keeping your floors warm and saving on heating costs.  The insulation fits loosely in the joist cavity allowing air to flow in and around the insulation.  Not to mention that the insulation absorbs moisture from the crawlspace environment, becomes heavy, and falls to the ground, rendering the insulation useless.  

Additional insulation can be added to the bandboard, rim joist, and foundation walls to save even more $$$$$$$$.

Our systems are more affordable and compare in quality to that of our competitors. We are the premier crawlspace insulation contractor in Martinsville, Indiana.  Give us a call today 317-893-7016 for a free no obligation estimate.

Welcome to Indiana Crawlspace Repair Blog

Thank you for visiting our new crawlspace repair blog.  Through this blog, we hope to educate homeowners about the problems with crawlspace foundations, and the repairs necessary to create a healthy environment for your home.   Many of the repairs can be done by the homeowner, and we will be posting DIY tips in the near future; however, some of the solutions should be repaired by trained professionals.  In either case, we hope you find this blog insightful and provoking.  If you read anything you do not understand, please give us a call or send us an email with any of your questions.  We will do our best to answer your questions in a timely manner.  If you are out of our service area, we offer affordable paid consulting.  Enjoy.