Skip to Main Content
Dehumidifier in crawl space

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 Estimate

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.


Banner reads "10 Year Fixed Monthly Payments* Apply Now" beside a woman talking to a man in a uniform holding a clipboard.

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

Groundworks, LLC BBB Business Review
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/

Big thanks to Chris, Dan, Javon and Adam. The team was able repair foundation supports and encapsulate the crawl space of our 130 year old …

Big thanks to Chris, Dan, Javon and Adam. The team was able repair foundation supports and encapsulate the crawl space of our 130 year old cottage in a timely fashion, extending its life. We appreciate the whole team working so hard to meet their schedule commitment. I can highly recommend Mt. Valley Foundation Services of W. Ashley.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

I am pleased with the job Chris and Ted done. They informed me of what they were doing when performing the task. I saw a difference in the…

I am pleased with the job Chris and Ted done. They informed me of what they were doing when performing the task. I saw a difference in the wall being closed up. I am very satisfied with the job they done.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

The follow-up is always the proof of good service. It's pretty hard to get good contractors out here in the middle of nowhere South…

The follow-up is always the proof of good service. It's pretty hard to get good contractors out here in the middle of nowhere South Carolina. When I moved into my home with a slab foundation, the last thing I thought I have to deal with was PVC plumbing pipes being used as foundation supports. Apparently the house had settled, crushing one of the drainage pipes, allowing fresh water to flow into my septic system. The plumber couldn't repair the pipe due to fear of the house sinking more. So I did some research, and chose Mount Valley Services. The work was relatively minimally invasive, and everything looked normal after the support was installed. Flashforward to today, Service Technician Bryan Curtis was able to keep me reassured about the foundation's support by solving the issues I was having with wide gaps under my doors. He had to go full Sherlock Holmes style to do it, but he figured it out, giving me peace of mind, and one less thing to worry about. All of these reports about sinkholes have me paranoid. Thank goodness my house is supported at the bedrock level. Thanks Mount Valley. Highly recommended.

Maurice Brown (Lt. MB)

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

I had some recaulking of a basement concrete floor seams. Kevin A. And Michael M. did a fast and excellent job. They were very helpful and…

I had some recaulking of a basement concrete floor seams. Kevin A. And Michael M. did a fast and excellent job. They were very helpful and friendly young men and informative about what they did.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Okay. I thought that I wrote a review for Mt. Valley last year for the work that was done in October, 2025. Since last year, all who have …

Okay. I thought that I wrote a review for Mt. Valley last year for the work that was done in October, 2025. Since last year, all who have come to do other work on my home have been impressed by the work that was done by Messiah and the team of men that worked with him. The team was very professional and explained everything, clearly, that had to be done. They had no problems answering my questions. I've had two concerns since the work and Mt. Valley came out right away to check out my concerns. I am pleased with the service that has been given to me. Groundwork has taken over or merged, I don't know. I've since had to get pier work done due to a foundation issue as of July 8, 2026. So, Groundworks has come out to do the work. It is not completed yet. The inspection has to be done. I'll give a review on that work afterwards. As of this writing, Patrick and the team of men who worked with him were great and addressed my concerns. Thank you.

  • 4/
  • 4/
  • 4/
  • 4/
  • 4/
Review Logo

Ron, Koby and Jacob were very friendly and arrived in a timely manner. They finished the project in 2 days and Ron explained how…

Ron, Koby and Jacob were very friendly and arrived in a timely manner. They finished the project in 2 days and Ron explained how everything worked.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Kevin Kliner scheduled an appointment with us and was right on time. He was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and personable. We will be…

Kevin Kliner scheduled an appointment with us and was right on time. He was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and personable. We will be contacting him again soon. My wife noted that he provided us with exactly what we needed. We also didn't feel pressured. If every sales person employed this approach, they could potentially generate more revenue.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

I highly recommend Will S., Jimmy B., and Myshawn J. for any foundation repair needs. This crew was not only professional but also…

I highly recommend Will S., Jimmy B., and Myshawn J. for any foundation repair needs. This crew was not only professional but also incredibly polite and respectful throughout the entire process. They took the time to answer all my questions and kept me informed every step of the way, ensuring I understood what was happening. Their teamwork was seamless—like a well-oiled machine—working efficiently while carefully checking for any additional issues along the way. On top of their excellent work, they left the area spotless with meticulous cleanup. I truly appreciate their dedication and couldn’t be more satisfied with the service. If you need foundation repairs, this is the team to call! Thank you, Mt. Valley Foundation!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Clint was wonderful to work with. He was very good at explaining everything that we needed and how to budget around but we needed vs what…

Clint was wonderful to work with. He was very good at explaining everything that we needed and how to budget around but we needed vs what we could afford.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

From the initial inspection by Landon, through the foundation repait by Brantley, Pat, Julian and Bobby, through the pier and beam…

From the initial inspection by Landon, through the foundation repait by Brantley, Pat, Julian and Bobby, through the pier and beam installation by Matt and Tyron, to include the cost saving change, and finally the concrete leveling by Carnell and Desmond all work was done completely, professionally and timely with a constant flow of information on the process. Great work, timely arrival, superb coordination, and hard work is the entire team's standard at Mount Valley Foundation.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Clint Weismann was very patient and professional before, during and after the inspection process. He explained every question that was…

Clint Weismann was very patient and professional before, during and after the inspection process. He explained every question that was asked of him in a very simple way that was easy to understand. He was very through in his job and very impressive to watch and I will certainly recommend him to my friends.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Struggling with water seepage in the lower level of our house, I wanted to fix the problem once and for all and called Mount Valley. The…

Struggling with water seepage in the lower level of our house, I wanted to fix the problem once and for all and called Mount Valley. The inspector, Scott, did a detailed review, took the time to discuss everything, and made certain that my questions were answered. He also responded to follow-up questions that I had a few days later. Familiar with sump pump installations, having had one in a prior home, I became convinced that it would be the best way to ensure the problem would be solved. The initial installation schedule was farther out than I wanted, as we were trying to get ready for an influx of family, but MV was able to move us to an earlier date when they had a slot open up on their schedule. The installation foreman, Durand, worked with me to resolve site issues even though it meant another visit a few days later. The final installation was accomplished as Durand, Ron T, and Patrick worked past normal hours as the sun was going down to get the job done. In the end, I was grateful for a professional job by the MV team and the courtesy extended by everyone throughout. They are deserving of a fine review.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

The crew from Mount Valley arrived on n time and proved to be very professional in their work and performed everything with excellence….

The crew from Mount Valley arrived on n time and proved to be very professional in their work and performed everything with excellence. They described everything they were doing which was per the engineered drawing. I was very pleased with their work.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Marybeth, Scott and Jesus did an excellent and professional job on my foundation repair. Very friendly and professional. Explained…

Marybeth, Scott and Jesus did an excellent and professional job on my foundation repair. Very friendly and professional. Explained everything to me. I am very satisfied and would highly recommend. Thank you

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Great work. Andrew Wright and Kaleb Lee were professional and prompt. All work was quickly and efficiently completed. Give Mt Valley…

Great work. Andrew Wright and Kaleb Lee were professional and prompt. All work was quickly and efficiently completed. Give Mt Valley Foundtions a well done

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

I can't say enough good things about the team from Mount Valley Foundation Services. Oscar M., Cory H. and Brandon W. did an outstanding…

I can't say enough good things about the team from Mount Valley Foundation Services. Oscar M., Cory H. and Brandon W. did an outstanding job with the foundation repair. I was very impressed with the entire process and the materials used. They explained each step of the repair and completed the job in a very timely manner. Thanks for a job well done!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Miles is awesome.

Miles is awesome.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Clint Weimann is a great representative. He did a complete and detailed inspection including taking the time to call his engineers to…

Clint Weimann is a great representative. He did a complete and detailed inspection including taking the time to call his engineers to develope a unique solution to the problems i have in my basement. He is exceptionally knowledgeable and detail oriented. Definitely suggest you ask him to come help you solve your problems! Ask for him by name!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Will, Adam and Ober, come out on the scheduled date and got right to work, as things went along they identified some ways to improve the…

Will, Adam and Ober, come out on the scheduled date and got right to work, as things went along they identified some ways to improve the initial solution, we talked about it, I appreciate the opportunity they took to improve my situation. Without delay they charged straight ahead with the new plan and actually saved me a few dollars in the process. Will and Adam's explanation of each and every step of the project was perfect. Outstanding service, would recommend these people for any foundation issues you may have. 10 out of 10 would do it again.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

The gentlemen, and they were all gentlemen, were amazing. Oscar clearly explained the process before, during and after the project and…

The gentlemen, and they were all gentlemen, were amazing. Oscar clearly explained the process before, during and after the project and answered any questions we had. His team worked together so hard while carrying on a banter like good friends. Oscar handled one stumbling block easily working with my HVAC guy.

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


Mount Valley Service Map

Our Locations

Charleston Location

1850 Ashley River Rd
Charleston, SC 29407

Columbia Location

401 Gamble Dr., Suite B

Columbia, SC 29209

Greenville Location

300 South Ave
Spartanburg, SC 29306

Myrtle Beach Location

1704 N. Oak Street, Suite 3
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Savannah Location

6606 Abercorn St., Suite 211
Savannah, GA 31405