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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We are happy to leave an outstanding review for Kevin A and Harley for the work they did for us to stabilize our concrete slab. They went…
We are happy to leave an outstanding review for Kevin A and Harley for the work they did for us to stabilize our concrete slab. They went above and beyond to complete the work on a Sunday with very short notice. They were very willing to explain all of the procedures and answer any questions we had. They were polite and conscientious. They left everything clean and took careful attention to look out for walls and baseboards. We would definitely recommend them to others and use them again for any future needs.
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Mr. Daniel Herren is the best foundation specialist I’ve spoken too. He covers all possibilities of how it could happen, fixing etc. Mr….
Mr. Daniel Herren is the best foundation specialist I’ve spoken too. He covers all possibilities of how it could happen, fixing etc. Mr. Herren is a professional and is not there to make money. I’m not being paid by this company and it was just an estimate, the way they handled themselves is the reason I wanted to recognize them and more importantly Mr. Herren.
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Brandon Sinclair was so professional,helpful, I am Spanish speaking and he made sure I understood everything. He was thorough and even…
Brandon Sinclair was so professional,helpful, I am Spanish speaking and he made sure I understood everything. He was thorough and even mentioned things that I did not call them out for and gave me referrals. I would recommend Mount Valley Foundation Services to everybody, specifically Brandon Sinclair. He was truthful with me and I trust him. I can not wait to get my new encapsulation done!
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The crew: Will S, Jimmy B and Ober L . did a great job on our foundation. They were very thorough, informed us with the progress and…
The crew: Will S, Jimmy B and Ober L . did a great job on our foundation. They were very thorough, informed us with the progress and cleaned everything up before leaving. Would definitely recommend them.
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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!
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The crew did an excellent job with everything they did on the foundation work.. Thank you.
The crew did an excellent job with everything they did on the foundation work.. Thank you.
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Dino was great to deal with extremely helpfully/ knowledgeable. Highly recommended!
Dino was great to deal with extremely helpfully/ knowledgeable. Highly recommended!
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Mr.Brandon and his crew did a great job.
Mr.Brandon and his crew did a great job.
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Phil came out and walked us through what our issues were and was very professional, explained the next steps and scheduled the project. The …
Phil came out and walked us through what our issues were and was very professional, explained the next steps and scheduled the project. The project was finished today and the crew was very professional and did a great job… very happy.
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It was so nice for a change to have a service provider arrive on time and provide exactly what I expected. Alex Myers and his crew; Cedric …
It was so nice for a change to have a service provider arrive on time and provide exactly what I expected. Alex Myers and his crew; Cedric Kensley, Omar Cummings, Raeqwan-White Robinson, got right to work and did an outstanding job. Alex called to let me know when they were 30 mins out, greeted me, introduced himself and shook my hand. I was extremely impressed by his professionalism and the demeanor of his crew. I couldn’t be happier or more satisfied with their work. Plus, Alex took photos so I didn’t have to crawl under the house to inspect the results. I encourage anyone needing work done in their crawl space to use Mount Valley Foundation Services based in Charleston, SC. Many thanks to Glen Joyner for his estimate, explanations, and follow up. You should be proud of the company you represent.
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I found Dan Rubenstein to be professional, personable, and engaging. He gave my foundation a very thorough inspection. Dan presented me…
I found Dan Rubenstein to be professional, personable, and engaging. He gave my foundation a very thorough inspection. Dan presented me with multiple options and he and I discussed each of them. I believe Dan to be extremely knowledgeable regarding foundations and related subjects. I highly recommend Mount Valley Foundation Services. Ask for Dan. You won't be sorry.
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John Willis with the Mount Valley Foundation Charleston area office is amazing! I had made an appointment because the brick step leading up …
John Willis with the Mount Valley Foundation Charleston area office is amazing! I had made an appointment because the brick step leading up to my front porch had separated from the foundation leaving about a 2" gap. I had a brick masonry contractor out a few days prior and gave me a high quote to repair the step. John arrived this afternoon and was able to pull back the entire brick step (4' wide and very heavy) and discovered a big root growing under the step which had caused the step to separate from the foundation. He chopped up the root and cleared the entire area under the step. He was then able to move the step back into position so it's now level. Unbelievable! I couldn't believe what he had just done. He did all that in about 15 minutes and saved me $2k. Truly a rock star! I couldn't be happier and highly recommend John and Mount Valley Foundation.
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I spent a great deal of time researching crawlspace encapsulation, so I knew what to look for in regards to quality. These guys are…
I spent a great deal of time researching crawlspace encapsulation, so I knew what to look for in regards to quality. These guys are incredible and did a very good job in every single area. I also got quotes from two other companies before I went with Mountain Valley, and in comparison, the materials Mountain Valley used and their techniques were superior. The crawlspace encapsulation looks amazing. The team was also very friendly and super kind. I highly recommend them.
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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.
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Ask for Zach Kitch!! I've always had great service from Mt. Valley, and today was no different. Zach figured out how water was getting…
Ask for Zach Kitch!! I've always had great service from Mt. Valley, and today was no different. Zach figured out how water was getting under my house immediately and fixed the problem. Many thanks!
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Josh, Cody & Savion did a great job with our foundation work! Thank you.
Josh, Cody & Savion did a great job with our foundation work! Thank you.
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Kevin did an amazing job. I felt comfortable with him coming to our home and he gave a very fair quote for the work needed. Would…
Kevin did an amazing job. I felt comfortable with him coming to our home and he gave a very fair quote for the work needed. Would definitely recommend him.
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Lucas and crew did a great job! Very professional and thorough. Cleaned up the job site, and removed the debris. I feel very confident…
Lucas and crew did a great job! Very professional and thorough. Cleaned up the job site, and removed the debris. I feel very confident about the job that was done. Thank you Mount Valley!
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Will, Andy and Ober could not have been better! We had to have some foundation piers and crawl space supports installed. They actually…
Will, Andy and Ober could not have been better! We had to have some foundation piers and crawl space supports installed. They actually called and asked if the could come a day earlier than expected. They were professional and courteous from the time they showed up until the time they completed the job. They kept us informed of any problems and the status of the work. Could not have had a better experience from the time that Dan quoted the job to the completion of the work. Would highly recommend Mt Valley/Groundworks for any foundation or crawl space work!
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Full crawl space encapsulation, beautiful work
Full crawl space encapsulation, beautiful work
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
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