Crawl Space Repair & Encapsulation
Crawl space repair and encapsulation ensures your South Carolina home remains safe, stable, and dry. Enhance indoor air quality and create a healthier home environment with tailored repairs from Mount Valley Foundation Services.
Get Your Free EstimateCrawl Space & Encapsulation Problem Signs
Address problem signs and protect your home with specialized crawl space repair and encapsulation solutions from local experts. Learn more about how Mount Valley Foundation Services can help.
Remedying Sagging Floors in Your Home
Sagging floors are telltale signs of foundational distress. Mount Valley’s IntelliJack™ Crawl Space Jacks provide a durable fix.
Rotting Wood
Preserve your home's integrity with Mount Valley Foundation Services' expert wood rot solutions, ensuring durability and safety.
Musty Crawl Space Smells
Mount Valley Foundation Services offers specialized solutions and proprietary products to effectively address musty odors in your crawl space.
Mold in Crawl Spaces
Crawl space mold can lead to severe health issues. Rely on Mount Valley Foundation Services for expert solutions.
Notice musty odors or sagging, uneven floors? These signs often point to crawl space foundation problems. Many southern homes in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Savannah were built with crawl space foundations to elevate the house from the ground. However, these spaces can become volatile environments, potentially causing structural damage and health risks due to mold growth and pest infestations.
Are you curious whether basement crawl space encapsulation is right for your home? While the term might sound logical, there isn’t actually a basement crawl space encapsulation process because basements and crawl spaces are two distinct foundation types. Crawl spaces are small, vented, or sealed spaces beneath your home, while basements are larger, enclosed areas. Encapsulation applies to crawl spaces, addressing moisture, mold, and structural concerns.
Causes of Crawl Space Damage
Crawl space foundation issues often stem from construction practices during the home's initial build. Additional causes of crawl space foundation damage include:
Crawl spaces typically have dirt crawl floors that are not covered. Simply placing a 6-mil plastic liner on the floor, which is a minimal code requirement, will not cut it. This liner is thin, allows water and moisture to collect, mold to grow and thrive, and leads to a variety of damage. Other liners with thicknesses of 10 and 12-mil are only slightly better, but they still can easily tear and fail.
Water and moisture also can have a significant impact inside your home, as well. If you have a dirt crawl space with open vents, this allows outside air, water, and pests inside the crawl space directly underneath your house to cause a host of problems. More than 50% of the air you’re breathing indoors comes from below-grade areas like crawl spaces. So, whatever is in your crawl space such as mold, moisture, and humidity, also is in the rest of your house and affecting you.
One example of a structural impact is with the support system under your house. If wooden support systems become saturated with water or exposed to high humidity and excessive moisture, they can rot and buckle. Metal supports also will corrode and rust in the same conditions. All this then leads to sagging, uneven floors and problems with hardwood floors.
The stack effect is the airflow pattern in your house from bottom to top. Air pressure also comes into play. Air flows from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. When there is a greater difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the more significant this airflow becomes.
True, you can’t actually see airflow, but it might be helpful to have a way to visualize the stack effect to better understand it. Your home certainly is not located in the northern portion of the country, but a lot of good information can be gained from The Cold Climate Housing Research Center’s YouTube videos, including “Your Nothern Home: Stack Effect” that illustrates the stack effect.
Award-Winning Service
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MV encapsulated our crawlspace, replaced joists, and installed new subfloor. The entire experience was excellent. Matt and Andrew were…
MV encapsulated our crawlspace, replaced joists, and installed new subfloor. The entire experience was excellent. Matt and Andrew were incredible. Their work was perfect, beyond our expectations. We would highly recommend MV. The entire organization was outstanding to work with.
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I had an appointment with Mr Edwardson and he arrived on time. After explaining what I needed he spent the time to draw up a plan with 3…
I had an appointment with Mr Edwardson and he arrived on time. After explaining what I needed he spent the time to draw up a plan with 3 different scenarios. We sat down. And he discussed all of the options along with the various payment plans. I would highly recommend this company and specifically Mr Edwardson.
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We had driveway concrete lifting, leveling and repairs performed by Carnell with Mountain Valley Foundation. Our customer experience was…
We had driveway concrete lifting, leveling and repairs performed by Carnell with Mountain Valley Foundation. Our customer experience was top of the line! Carnell arrived promptly; kept us informed every step of the process; updated us on what to expect; he was very professional; experienced; courteous; personable; friendly and assured us if the process. When the process was completed-he provided information on the drying process, etc. Thank-you Carnell for your great service!! Greatly appreciated!!
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Carnell & Desmod were quick and professional! They successfully secured and listed my slab. Thank you!
Carnell & Desmod were quick and professional! They successfully secured and listed my slab. Thank you!
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Don Lester did a great job of inspecting my property and showing me several options to correct the problems I'm having in my crawlspace. He …
Don Lester did a great job of inspecting my property and showing me several options to correct the problems I'm having in my crawlspace. He took his time, and was able to answer all of my questions. Thanks for an informative afternoon1
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TJ and crew,Alex and crew,Jason and David all great works. Came worked hard and communicated with us every day.
TJ and crew,Alex and crew,Jason and David all great works. Came worked hard and communicated with us every day.
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We had an excellent experience with Mount Valley Foundation. Will was informative and supportive from the first evaluation to the…
We had an excellent experience with Mount Valley Foundation. Will was informative and supportive from the first evaluation to the project’s conclusion, going above and beyond to alleviate concerns. Ron (the foreman), Jacob and Von were professional, respectful, and very patient throughout the entire project to encapsulate the foundation and address some issues. Ron took the time to explain each step and made sure all of our questions were answered. The worksite was kept clean and organized, and we received regular updates along the way. The quality of work and communication from the entire team really stood out. We would absolutely recommend this company to others.
Yiannis and Bernard arrived and instantly made me feel at home with this repair. Due to curiosity, I watched their entire repair and was…
Yiannis and Bernard arrived and instantly made me feel at home with this repair. Due to curiosity, I watched their entire repair and was amazed. Both Yiannis and Bernard were great with explaining the project with each step. I couldn’t possibly be more pleased. My Valley is blessed to have these two on the team.
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Andres Bookert and his crew were knowledgeable, professional and courteous. They were timely and had great communication with us. They…
Andres Bookert and his crew were knowledgeable, professional and courteous. They were timely and had great communication with us. They reflected a great image for the company as well as doing a great job. Our Crowl space encapsulation looks great.
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I would like to say that Mount Valley Foundation Services did an outstanding job at my home. They completed crawl space structural repairs. …
I would like to say that Mount Valley Foundation Services did an outstanding job at my home. They completed crawl space structural repairs. They also complete the crawl space encapsulation. I would like to thank Nick, Noah, & Tyrese for completing the work safely and professionally. They communicated daily on steps being performed and always asked if I had any question. The work site was always clean and neat. I would also like to thank Elliot, he performed the initial inspection and developed the scope of work to be completed. I would highly recommend Mount Valley Foundation and this team for your home crawl space repairs & encapsulation.
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I’ve been looking to have the foundation on my garage stabilized for sometime. My wife saw an ad by Mike Rowe from Dirty Job and we reached …
I’ve been looking to have the foundation on my garage stabilized for sometime. My wife saw an ad by Mike Rowe from Dirty Job and we reached out and we were connected with Mountain Valley Foundations. The initial contact and proposal by Josh was seamless and very professional. The work was scheduled within a reasonable time and the work crew arrived on time and completed the job early, with great communication and pictures of the work. Jack the foreman kept me in the loop throughout the entire project. Dalton and Cameron worked diligently to complete the project always careful not to damage existing landscaping or encroach the neighbors land. Highly recommend if you have foundation issues.
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Dan from Mount Valley was extremely knowledgeable, polite and diligent. I would 100% recommend!
Dan from Mount Valley was extremely knowledgeable, polite and diligent. I would 100% recommend!
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These guys did a great job from start to finish, Brandon, the rep explained everything in detail, was very straightforward and honest about …
These guys did a great job from start to finish, Brandon, the rep explained everything in detail, was very straightforward and honest about the process, Will, Jimmy, Ober showed up time and worked very hard in the bad weather till past dark . Austin and Michael showed up on time the next day and worked Nonstop and carefully to finish the process. Mount Valley gave me peace of mine regarding the repair and stability of my home. I would definitely recommend them in the Myrtle Beach area and other areas which they service,
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Excellent company. I spoke with Johnathan and he was extremely informative and helpful. Highly reccommend!
Excellent company. I spoke with Johnathan and he was extremely informative and helpful. Highly reccommend!
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These guys are the ones to call. They are honest, punctual, transparent and extremely knowledgeable. Thank you so much.
These guys are the ones to call. They are honest, punctual, transparent and extremely knowledgeable. Thank you so much.
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Very informative and helpful in understanding the maintenance.
Very informative and helpful in understanding the maintenance.
We had the best onsite crew (Joe, Chris and Jauan) I have ever dealt with. They were courteous, knowledgeable efficient and left the…
We had the best onsite crew (Joe, Chris and Jauan) I have ever dealt with. They were courteous, knowledgeable efficient and left the property as clean as they found it. Their work looks great and I tend to believe Mount Valley will stand behind it if we have any problems in the future. If Mount Valley is as good as their workers proved to be we will be extremely satisfied….Thanks
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Have cracks in walls and uneven doors, walls separating from ceiling. Contacted Mt Valley for an estimate. Dylan L. arrived on time and…
Have cracks in walls and uneven doors, walls separating from ceiling. Contacted Mt Valley for an estimate. Dylan L. arrived on time and was very pleasant and professional. Did a great job of informing me what his company could do to fix. I found the bid expensive, so I had 2 more estimates. Both were lower than Mt. Valley- yet doing the same thing. The warranty states they do not guarantee that the cracks will come together, that the windows won't stick and that if any plumbing gets messed up it's all on me. Unfortunately all the foundation companies I contacted have the same warranty. Can't see the reason to hire a "foundation" company vs a general contractor to just add a support beam under this 1000 Sq ft house. Dylan is good at what he does, however I just can not afford "the best".
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Twenty Four Hours ago A Superior Crew from GroundWorks Completed an Encapsulation of our Crawl Space! Lead Man Ron , along with Koby,…
Twenty Four Hours ago A Superior Crew from GroundWorks Completed an Encapsulation of our Crawl Space! Lead Man Ron , along with Koby, Jacob, and Mike finished Their Amazing Performance on Our Home. It’s 90 degrees here in Easley this afternoon and already We are noticing a Huge Decrease in the Humidity Level! Attention All Home Owners in The Upstate of South Carolina- Call GroundWorks to Have Your Crawl Space Professionally Encapsulated. They Provide Free Inspection and Estimates. And Do Yourself a Favor and Request that Ron and His Caring, Customer Service Oriented Crew Perform the Service!
Crawl Space Encapsulation & Repair Solutions
Mount Valley Foundation Services offers warrantied crawl space repair and encapsulation solutions tailored to your needs and budget. Our services include:
Crawl Space Sump Pump
Discover how Mount Valley Foundation Services' crawl space sump pump eliminates standing water for a more stable home environment.
Crawl Space Dehumidifier
Achieve superior crawl space humidity control and moisture management with Mount Valley Foundation Services' AquaStop™ Air System.
Crawl Space Vapor Barrier
Wet, damp crawl space? Seal it with a durable vapor barrier installation from Mount Valley Foundation Services. Schedule a free inspection!
Crawl Space Drainage
Ensure the integrity of your home with Mount Valley Foundation Services' CrawlDrain™ system – a solution for crawl space drainage.
Is Crawl Space Repair and Encapsulation Right for Me?
Open crawl space vents were initially designed to improve airflow. However, these vents often cause more harm than good. Instead of reducing moisture, vents allow humid air infiltration, leading to condensation, mold, and wood rot.
The humid climates in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia exacerbate these problems, weakening home structures and creating health risks.
Investing in professional crawl space repair and encapsulation solutions, including vapor barriers, vent covers, interior drainage systems, sump pumps, and dehumidifiers, helps combat these issues. Contact Mount Valley Foundation Services today to schedule your free inspection and learn more about creating a safer, healthier environment for your family.
Crawl Space Repair FAQs
We are committed to your satisfaction and your home’s safety. That is why we only use the very best repair solutions. The products we use are manufactured right here in the United States, and they are tested and proven to effectively work in keeping your crawl space clean, dry, safe and healthy. All these solutions also are designed to work together to give you the most bang for your buck and prevent any further problems.
Here is how we tackle crawl space problems, as well as the solutions we use and how they work:
- Address Leaking Water — To address seeping water, we first need to catch the water, then get this water to a sump pump system, and then send this water away from the home.
Our specially designed CrawlDrain™ perimeter drainage system is placed in the dirt crawl space floor around the perimeter to catch seeping water from the walls and floor. The drainage channels then direct this water into the SafeDri™ Crawl Space Sump Pump System, which then pumps the water out of the crawl space and away from the home. A FreezeGuard™ also can be attached to the exterior sump pump discharge line to prevent flooding if the line should freeze or become blocked.
- Seal the Crawl Space from Outside Elements — It is important to seal your crawl space from outside air, water and pests. The first step is having durable vent covers placed over the crawl space vents.
Then, a heavy-duty moisture and vapor barrier is installed. Our CrawlSeal™ is a true 20-mil liner rated above 25-mil strength at the seams. This liner, which is three times thicker than builder’s grade liner, is used to completely isolate the crawl space from the earth. CrawlSeal™ prevents moisture and vapor intrusion, is waterproof, and has been treated to resist mold.
Additionally, thick drainage matting can be placed on the crawl space floor before the encapsulation process to help direct water to the perimeter CrawlDrain™ system, as well as enhance the strength of the CrawlSeal™ liner.
- Properly Insulate the Crawl Space — Rigid ExTremeBloc™ panels placed on crawl space walls will better insulate the area and will not fail or develop mold like fiberglass insulation. These panels resist moisture, and an integrated termiticide is added to deter termites below grade. CrawlSeal™ also helps insulate the crawl space, and spray foam can be added to rim joists to seal gaps around the perimeter of your foundation. These insulation methods help prevent wood rot and enable termite treatments.
- Condition the Air — Our low-profile crawl space dehumidifier is powerful and energy efficient. It effectively works to clean and filter the air, control moisture and humidity, and reduce odors and potential mold growth. This dehumidifier also is self-draining, meaning there aren’t any reservoirs or buckets to have to worry about emptying. The unit can be directed to drain into the crawl space perimeter drainage system or sump pump system, or a condensate pump can be installed.
- Reinforce Support Systems — Wooden floor supports and light-duty jack posts commonly fail in wet and humid crawl spaces. Our durable IntelliJacks™ are made of galvanized steel, making them more reliable supports that can stabilize and lift sagging floors and floor joists back to level.
When you contact us, you can speak to one of our customer care representatives about your crawl space concerns. We will then work with you to schedule an appointment for a free inspection and estimate with one of our certified field inspectors.
Here’s what you can expect during this consultation. The inspector will:
- Complete a thorough evaluation of your home’s interior and exterior. This includes going into the crawl space to check the condition of the area including any water intrusion, damage, pests, etc.
- Discuss his findings with you, as well as your goals with a repair project.
- Offer customized solutions that best fit your repair needs.
- Provide you with a proposal of recommended solutions before leaving your house.
- Discuss payment and financing options with you.
Then, if you decide to move forward with a repair project, we will work to schedule your repairs with one of our highly trained installation crews. Our crew members will treat your home as their own, with the utmost care and respect. They will use world-class solutions for your repairs, and their work is not complete until you are 100% satisfied with the job. If something crops up after installation, we will return to fix any issues. We also offer various service and maintenance opportunities to protect our work and your home.
Along with writing a review about your experience with us, it would mean the world to us if you would refer us to your friends and family!
Now that you’ve seen what nastiness could be lurking underneath your feet and the toll it can take on your home and your family, aren’t you motivated to get rid of it? As tempting as it might be to head out to your local home improvement store to gather supplies, pause for a moment.
Crawl space repair is not something you can tackle in a weekend, no matter how handy you are. A lot can go wrong, and we have seen many problems result from fast fixes. Especially concerning real estate transactions, quick fixes can raise red flags. You’ll then have to spend more time and money to repair these issues. It’s best to leave these projects to professional contractors so the problems will be fixed correctly the first time around.
We encourage you to educate yourself to make the best decision and sound investment with trustworthy repair solutions from a reliable contractor.
Why would you want disgusting conditions underneath your home? That alone should be enough for you to want to correct the problems. But you might be wondering, “what’s in it for me?” A lot, actually. There are so many benefits of having a clean crawl space, which you can read about in our blog, “10 Reasons to Clean Your Crawl Space This Season.” Here are a few of the major perks:
- Health — A cleaner crawl space means improved health for you and your family. Especially if anyone in your house suffers from asthma or allergies, a cleaner crawl space can help prevent flare-ups and sickness. If you choose solutions like a dehumidifier, the air quality will be greatly improved throughout the entire home.
- Structural Integrity — Compromised support systems and sagging floors are dangerous and could result in significant structural damage and safety hazards. By shoring up the support system in your home, you will have a more stable living environment for your family.
- Energy Efficiency — When you invest in proper, reliable crawl space encapsulation and insulation to reduce energy loss, you can save between 30 and 50% on your energy bills. (Source: Clean Crawls)
- Functional Space — Once your crawl space has been properly waterproofed, sealed and insulated, you have an area of your home you can use in a new way. You’ll be able to store your belongings in the crawl space without worrying about them being damaged by water, mold or pests.
- Real Estate Value — There are a lot of factors that impact a home’s resale value, but issues with the structure, any water intrusion and crawl space problems are all areas you need to be aware of. When selling your house, it is important to disclose any known past or current damage. This sets clear expectations regarding the quality and condition of the home. Homeowners selling their house in South Carolina are required to provide a written disclosure statement to the purchaser noting any known defects. This includes information on the foundation, basement and other structural components, as well as current or prior infestations of wood destroying insects or organisms. (Source: Nolo)
If you take a look online for instructions on how to fix your crawl space vapor barrier, you will find there are many DIY tutorials available. Many homeowners think installing a vapor barrier will not take long and won’t be too complicated. After all, it is possible to purchase all the materials you need to do it yourself at your local expert supply store.
At Mount Valley Foundation Services, we have installed many crawl space vapor barriers over the years. We can tell you that this is not an easy task, and it is not something that many people can figure out just by watching an online tutorial. If anything goes wrong or you make a mistake, you will still have to contact a professional to complete the task. Therefore it is best to contact our team and have your new vapor barrier installed by members of the oldest foundation services companies in all of South Carolina.
Contractors once believed that placing vents on the walls of crawl spaces would help improve the airflow in these dark and humid areas. But over the years, we have learned that crawl space vents do more harm than good. They allow moisture to enter into the crawl space, which can promote mold growth and affect the internal temperature of your home, causing your energy rates to rise.
Crawl space vent covers are the ideal solution to this problem, and they do not take long for our professionals to install. Our crawl space vent covers are made from solid and durable materials, and they are designed to prevent moisture and pests from entering your crawl space.
If you think you could benefit from installing our vent covers, get in touch with us at Mount Valley Foundation Services today.
Why Crawl Space Repair and Encapsulation Are Needed
Crawl space problems affect your home and your family. Here are just a few of the benefits of crawl space repair and encapsulation:
Avoid Exposure to the Elements
Vented crawl spaces are exposed to the region’s exterior elements, including summertime heat and humidity, year-round precipitation, and coastal storms. Crawl spaces can sustain flooding and moisture-related damage. However, your crawl space can withstand the harshest weather challenges with airtight vent covers and encapsulation solutions.
Prevent Structural Damage and Instability
Crawl space foundations rely on support systems of beams, girders, and floor joists. Excess water and moisture can lead to wood rot and attract pests like termites, which damage these wooden structures. These issues often result in sagging or uneven floors. Crawl space repair and encapsulation manage moisture and protect these critical supports while specialized support jacks stabilize, reinforce, and lift sagging floor joists.
Deter Pests
Pests and rodents are attracted to isolated, dark, moist areas like crawl space foundations. Managing moisture with crawl space repair and encapsulation solutions, including airtight vent covers, door installation, vapor barriers, and durable insulation panels, reduces pest infestations and damage.
Crawl Space Repair and Encapsulation Tips and Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid:
- Using Sand and Fans: While sand can absorb liquid, spreading it in a crawl space only conceals the issue by covering the moist ground soil. This method does not remove the moisture or address its source. Similarly, installing fans to circulate air may seem helpful; however, it often exacerbates the problem by increasing the presence of unconditioned, humid air.
- Investing in Improper or Partial Encapsulation: Saving money on repairs for a rarely seen crawl space area can be tempting, but using reliable products is crucial. Some companies or hardware stores sell liners covering only the floor or walls, not the entire crawl space area. Many retail outlets offer thin vapor barriers with a minimal 6-mil thickness. These insufficient liners are prone to tears, moisture, mold, and other damage.
- Implementing DIY Solutions: Many DIY solutions provide temporary relief and do not address the underlying causes of crawl space foundation problems. Since crawl space areas are limited and often store essential HVAC systems, plumbing, and ductwork, it’s best to rely on professionals for repair. Crawl space foundations can also harbor unsafe conditions like mold and pests, making it challenging and hazardous to navigate alone. Professionals have the expertise and safety gear to provide thorough crawl space inspections and repairs.
Tips to Consider:
- Manage Exterior Drainage: Exterior gutters and downspouts are your first defense against water and moisture infiltration. Inspect and clean these systems at least twice yearly – in the spring and fall. Ensure downspouts and the extensions angle downward and away from the foundation to prevent water pooling. Landscape and yard grading should also slope down and away from the house to ensure proper water flow.
- Do Not Navigate the Crawl Space: Crawl space foundations are typically one to three feet high, making navigation challenging. Crawl spaces often store essential fixtures like plumbing pipes and HVAC equipment and harbor hazardous pests and rodents. If you notice signs of damage or the need for crawl space repair, contact a professional to ensure safety.
- Trust Local Crawl Space Repair Experts: Trusting professionals for crawl space repairs ensures safety and a thorough job. Mount Valley Foundation Services teams are highly trained and experiences in crawl space inspection and problem diagnosis. We install specialized solutions tailored to your home’s needs and your budget.
Providing Expert Crawl Space Repair & Encapsulation in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia
Pennsylvania trusts Mount Valley for reliable basement waterproofing, crawl space, foundation, and concrete repair services. Contact us for a free inspection!
Top Cities We Serve
Our Locations
53 N Market St, Suite 5
Asheville, NC 28801
630 Ellis Street, Suite 2-B
Augusta, GA 30901
1850 Ashley River Rd
Charleston, SC 29407
401 Gamble Dr., Suite B
Columbia, SC 29209
300 South Ave
Spartanburg, SC 29306
1704 N. Oak Street, Suite 3
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
6606 Abercorn St., Suite 211
Savannah, GA 31405