Crawl Space Repair
Foundation Systems of Michigan delivers professional crawl space repair services to correct issues like sagging floors.
Get Your Free EstimateCrawl Space Problem Signs
There are many different forms of moisture-related problems in your crawl space. If you notice any of the below, it’s time for repairs and encapsulation solutions.
Crawl Space Humidity
Uncover the origins of crawl space humidity and the ways to resolve moisture with solutions from Foundation Systems of Michigan.
Wood Rot
Safeguard your home from wood rot with Foundation Systems of Michigan's specialized services, ensuring stability and protection.
Uneven Floor
Foundation Systems of Michigan will solve uneven floor problems in your home. Learn about our cutting-edge solutions here!
Sagging Floors
Sagging floors may signal foundational concerns. Foundation Systems of Michigan’s crawl space jacks ensure enduring stability.
Dirty, damp, and musty are usually the three most common adjectives that people use when describing their crawl space. This is because unless your crawl space is fully encapsulated, you will encounter moisture-related problems in this area. Your crawl space is the area underneath your home that was constructed when your home’s foundation was first built. It usually holds structural support such as floor joists and will sometimes house plumbing lines or HVAC systems. Any moisture in your crawl space acts as a destructive force to the area and the rest of your home. At Foundation Systems of Michigan, we recommend repairing any damage and encapsulating your crawl space to improve the health and safety of your home and family.
CAUSES OF CRAWL SPACE PROBLEMS
The stack effect refers to the process in which hot air leaves the home through your attic and upper levels. As it does, a vacuum is created below, and new air is pulled upwards through the basement, crawl space, and lower levels.
Award-Winning Service
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Just had service technician Justin Keway here doing the yearly check on my above ground subpump system and evaluating a crawl space that…
Just had service technician Justin Keway here doing the yearly check on my above ground subpump system and evaluating a crawl space that needs some attention. He was very knowledgeable, thorough and patiently answered all my questions. Would definitely recommend him and the company he works for.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
We have been trying for years to finally get the basement room under our porch to stay dry and this is the first time we've actually…
We have been trying for years to finally get the basement room under our porch to stay dry and this is the first time we've actually succeeded, thanks to FSM, particularly Quentin H, Jordan S, Anthony H and Frank who worked on our project. I should probably preface this with the fact that our house is nearly 100 years old and no construction project, from plumbing, to electrical to construction has ever gone smoothly because this place is just full of character and unexpected surprises that screw up everything you are trying to do. The initial install in August went great. The guys were very knowledgeable and efficient. We had started this project because, every time it rained outside, it also rained inside. We had cups, vases, buckets, anything that could hold water placed everywhere collecting all the drops pouring in while futilely running a dehumidifier 24/7. Turns out that wasn't what was farming mold on our walls and the August worked fixed the moisture levels right away, so we've actually been able to breath in there since August, which is great. But the house struck again with its mystery leaks through the porch cap and the indoor rain persisted. But, when I suspect anyone else might have given up, Quentin and his team persisted, returning several times a month, every month since to find and seal the source of the leak, until this week when we finally got it. I'm so pleased and would recommend FSM to anyone trying to get their basement dry. I'd also like to thank our sales guy, Don, who went the extra mile helping us get ready for the project because our basement support structure was completely in the way. Gotta love old houses and their quirks.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Joe Grech came out to our house and gave us a free quote. He was professional, personable, and informative about our house and what we…
Joe Grech came out to our house and gave us a free quote. He was professional, personable, and informative about our house and what we needed. We are looking to finish our basement after the waterproofing work is completed and Joe answered every question we had about the process and even issues we could run into with the renovation. I’m excited and will share information/photos as the job is complete. Go with Joe!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
FSM helped us with basement waterproofing including installing a sump pump. The piece of mind knowing our basement is dry is worth the cost …
FSM helped us with basement waterproofing including installing a sump pump. The piece of mind knowing our basement is dry is worth the cost and process. People like Justin Emond make this company worth going with. He was a great communicator, professional, friendly, respectful, and efficient.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Dan just did my yearly inspection and he was very professional, prompt and thoughtful! He called to tell me when he would arrive, he put on …
Dan just did my yearly inspection and he was very professional, prompt and thoughtful! He called to tell me when he would arrive, he put on shoe covers without me asking and quickly got to work. He walked around the outside of my house and pointed out a problem with my porch, no other service technician has ever walked around the outside of my home. I hope Dan continues to be the guy that does my inspection. Great experience!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
I was very pleased that the tech, Austin, who serviced my system today, took the extra time to explain to me possible solutions to…
I was very pleased that the tech, Austin, who serviced my system today, took the extra time to explain to me possible solutions to recurring issues, rather than rush through the service. Even as it tightened his schedule for the day. I’ve had similar excellent service and communication with Dennis and Phil, and recommend FSM!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
John Micah T. came out to repair an issue with water discharge from our pump. He went beyond the call of duty and used his creativity to…
John Micah T. came out to repair an issue with water discharge from our pump. He went beyond the call of duty and used his creativity to thaw an exterior pipe and insured all other pipes were tight. Thank you so much John.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Joe was VERY informative and detailed about my basement. Thorough explainations and is very passionate about this. Would definitely…
Joe was VERY informative and detailed about my basement. Thorough explainations and is very passionate about this. Would definitely recommend!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
FSA came a did a wonderful job waterproofing my basement. I can’t thank sky, Darrel, and Darrius enough
FSA came a did a wonderful job waterproofing my basement. I can’t thank sky, Darrel, and Darrius enough
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
John came to do an inspection of our water proofed basement. He called on his way and was on time. He worked efficiently and was able to…
John came to do an inspection of our water proofed basement. He called on his way and was on time. He worked efficiently and was able to show me pictures of his outcomes. He noticed an insulation issue and wrote a quote which we cannot take advantage of at this time. My husband scheduled an appointment for John to come and look at our crawl space for maintenance in the spring. We'll done,John.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Kudos to Jason R & Jordan B!! Thank you for listening to my concerns, for the midpoint check-in, and your attention to detail. Great work, …
Kudos to Jason R & Jordan B!! Thank you for listening to my concerns, for the midpoint check-in, and your attention to detail. Great work, gentlemen!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Groundworks, did an excellent job for us, & Will IRVINE was very responsive, in finding us, service Technician, Tim Hooper to come out…
Groundworks, did an excellent job for us, & Will IRVINE was very responsive, in finding us, service Technician, Tim Hooper to come out quickly to help us, & inatall a new sump pump when we had ground water in our lower level. Our old sump pump gave out, & we needed help ASAP! THEY WERE VERY QUICK TO RESPOND! We will always recommend this company!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Andy Hess was out to take a look at my garage floor that is sinking. He was very professional and understanding of our project. We would…
Andy Hess was out to take a look at my garage floor that is sinking. He was very professional and understanding of our project. We would strongly recommend Andy to anyone we know!
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
I have a great experience with Groundworks Company. There representative, David Cottone, is very knowledge about this company. David rocks….
I have a great experience with Groundworks Company. There representative, David Cottone, is very knowledge about this company. David rocks. He came over to walk house and exam everything that needed to be done on my driveway. He also should me how things would look on his tablet in blue print form. David gave me a history lesson on the company which made me feel at easy. The company have been around for years, so I know they are the real deal. With that being said, if you need work on the outside or inside of your house; Groundworks Company is that company that will handle your business with grace, honor and respect.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
I have used Foundation Systems of Michigan (now Groundworks) since 2014. They fixed foundation leaks back then and installed a new sump…
I have used Foundation Systems of Michigan (now Groundworks) since 2014. They fixed foundation leaks back then and installed a new sump pump. Since then, I've had them out every year to service the pump and inspect the foundation. Their technicians are always excellent – professional and experienced. The technician who came out this year, Marshall, was fantastic. He had done prep work for the service call before arriving, which made the visit that much more efficient. The reasons for his recommendations were presented clearly. All in all, it was a visit that reinforced my strong positive view of Groundworks. I'm glad that I chose them over 10 years ago and will certainly continue to work with them in the future.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Andy was extremely professional and helped me understand how and why water was entering my basement. He provided a wealth of information…
Andy was extremely professional and helped me understand how and why water was entering my basement. He provided a wealth of information and conducted a thorough inspection. This was, by far, the most informative inspection I've ever experienced.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
Austin West came to check out our basement. He spent a full 2 1/2 hours checking out a bunch of stuff for us. He was comprehensive and…
Austin West came to check out our basement. He spent a full 2 1/2 hours checking out a bunch of stuff for us. He was comprehensive and knowledgeable. Cannot recommend him enough.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
The crew arrived promptly this morning led by Hunter the Foreman and crew members Dalton and Dawson. They covered the walls and floors…
The crew arrived promptly this morning led by Hunter the Foreman and crew members Dalton and Dawson. They covered the walls and floors leading to the crawl and were extremely neat and conscientious. They answered our questions, showed and explained the results of their skillful work, all delivered exactly as contracted. They cleaned up the crawl floor, even areas we had on our “to do list”! SO IMPRESSED! We must include Zachary, our Sales Rep, who developed the solution initially, came out a week beforehand at our request to make sure we had prepared the exterior as needed. HIGHLY recommend FSM, now Groundworks of Traverse City.
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
- 5/
John Weidenbach came to my home and provided me with honest information regarding the job assessed. He was professional, timely, friendly…
John Weidenbach came to my home and provided me with honest information regarding the job assessed. He was professional, timely, friendly and did not try to force a sale of the job. He answered all of my questions thoroughly, and I genuinely trust his confidence in the quality of work that the company stands by.
Crawl Space Solutions
If you notice mold and mildew growth, feel unevenness when you walk across your floors or have elevated humidity in your home, your crawl space may be to blame. Fortunately, at Foundation Systems of Michigan we have nearly two decades of experience in repairing and encapsulating your crawl space with effective and proven solutions. Here are some of the solutions we offer for your crawl space needs.
Crawl Space Sump Pump
Maintain a dry crawl space with a reliable sump pump from Foundation Systems of Michigan. Get your free quote today!
Crawl Space Jacks
Crawl space jacks can fix your sagging floors. But do you really need them? Learn how to determine if they're necessary.
Crawl Space Encapsulation
We offer a state-of-the-art crawl space sealing solution to transform your damp, nasty crawl space into a dry, healthy, usable space.
Crawl Space Dehumidifier
Get superior moisture management and air quality in your crawl space with Foundation Systems of Michigan's Crawl Space Air System.
Is Crawl Space Repair and Encapsulation the Right Solution for Me?
If your crawl space contains standing water, mold, or dry rotted floor joists, you may wonder what steps you can take to eradicate it. Your crawl space is a vital part of your home’s structure and is responsible for housing important pipes and in some cases, HVAC systems. When damage occurs, it can result in costly repairs and lower air quality in your home. At FSM, we offer a multi-step solution to encapsulate your crawl space and protect it from moisture and unwelcome pests.
When pests or water gets into your crawl space, they can wreak havoc on the structural supports and appliances within the area, as well as decrease the health of your home. Things such as elevated humidity and mold and mildew can result in poor indoor air quality. This also can cause your energy bills to increase and the overall environment of your home to deteriorate. When these things happen, the stack effect is likely at play. The stack effect is the upward movement of air from the crawl space through your home. This means that any mold, pest droppings, or humidity are being circulated within the air your family breathes.
To stop these issues from affecting you and your home, investing in crawl space repairs and encapsulation is the smartest choice. We offer customized solutions for your home such as vent covers, durable vapor barriers, interior drainage systems, drainage matting, dehumidifiers, and more.
FAQs
When homeowners hear about crawl space waterproofing and all it entails, many question the necessity of encapsulation, especially if the area is already closed off. A sump pump and dehumidifier make sense, but how can a vapor barrier protect a crawl space from water damage? Well, the materials your crawl space is made of, wood and concrete, experience rapid deterioration after water exposure. This is because both materials are highly absorbent.
Because of their permeability, even water vapor can get through and invade your crawl space or crawl space. You might think this isn’t really a big deal—after all, water vapor is what the dehumidifier is for, right? However, once that moisture passes through the wood and concrete, there’s a possibility that mold will grow. There are certain types of mold that can survive even when the air isn’t very humid, so it wouldn’t take much for your foundation to start deteriorating.
Vapor barriers completely block all water and water vapor that tries to get into the crawl space. It’s made of a completely inorganic material, so no mold can eat at it and grow. Encapsulation also helps insulate the area and keep temperatures stable which lowers energy bills. And last but not least, encapsulation tidies up the way your basement or crawl space looks. The sleek, white barrier brightens up the space, makes it look bigger than it truly is, and keeps everything clean for years to come.
Anybody who has experienced summer in Detroit will be able to tell you how terribly humid it gets. It’s especially bad inside basements and crawl spaces during the summer since all the heat and humidity from the outside finds its way inside. With humidity comes mold to your crawl space, which is detrimental to both you and your house. Mold in crawl spaces eats away at your wood, softens it up, and weakens it to the point where the support beams can no longer properly support the floorboards. This leads to more problems down the line, like warped window and door frames, cracked corners, and leaking pipes.
As for how it affects you, mold can irritate the sinuses, lungs, and throat. It triggers allergies and can be dangerous to those with even mild respiratory issues. Long-term exposure to mold can destroy your respiratory organs and leave you with long-term health problems. All in all, you’d be wise to try to lower the humidity in your crawl space by as much as possible. This can be done by installing a dehumidifier in your crawl space so the humidity levels can stay adequate, even for a crawl space.
The kind of dehumidifier you need for your crawl space is not the same one you have around your home. Those aren’t potent enough to lower the humidity levels in a crawl space. Besides, household dehumidifiers typically need to be emptied manually, which can be troublesome to have to deal with in a small crawl space. The only kind of dehumidifiers that work for crawl spaces are industrial-grade types that foundation repair experts have. These kinds of dehumidifiers are the only ones strong enough to do the job, and they are fully automated, making them the most convenient dehumidifiers ever.
It is incredibly tempting for homeowners to seek out DIY solutions. This is understandable, as basement, crawl space, and foundation repairs are quite costly. After all, if you can do something yourself, why not? Unfortunately, repairs can be rather dangerous, even potentially fatal, especially if one does not have the expertise or take the appropriate safety precautions. In fact, 13 million people in the U.S. alone are injured from home repairs, with 55,000 deaths attributed to DIY repairs gone wrong.
Take foundation repairs for instance. Bowed walls and sunken concrete slabs are incredibly common problems. If one were to try to repair bowed walls on their own, you risk accidentally tearing down your foundation walls or creating cracks and holes for water to enter, which will then result in leaks or flooding. It is also recommended to not work with concrete without the proper knowledge because they are heavy and can be dusty and messy to deal with. This can pave the way for a multitude of health problems or injuries.
DIY repairs in your basement or crawl space are arguably even more dangerous because they are below ground level. Homeowners risk flooding, structural damage, or in the worst-case scenario, collapse. You should not consider repairing even what seems to be the simplest issues on your own because you might accidentally worsen the problem or create a whole other problem. In the end, DIY repairs may end up costing more overall than if you were to hire a professional contractor to do it for you.
An easy wat to check if the humidity is coming from your crawl space would be to use a moisture meter.
If your home is experiencing increased levels of humidity and you have a crawl space that isn’t waterproofed or sealed, you need to act fast. High humidity problems that stem from your crawl space is just the beginning of your problems. It indicates that your foundation has a serious drainage issue that will affect its structure in due time. Once you’ve determined that your crawl space is the cause of all your humidity problems, get in contact with a foundation repair company as soon as you can.
High levels of humidity? There’s a good chance mold will grow on the wood. Wood rot can also be very sneaky in the sense that it can grow on the wood without any discoloration. The best way to test the wood for rot would be to use a screwdriver or a pencil. If the wood shows any signs of softness at all, it is rotting.
Indirect signs would be those that you can detect away from the rotting wood, usually in your household. The biggest indicator would be a strange smell wafting from the crawl space or basement. Due to the stack effect, the air in your foundation rises toward your home, meaning that the spores and smell of mold will be noticeable throughout the house. Another good way to test for wood rot would be to simply check the humidity levels in your home. Crawl spaces and basements tend to be a lot more humid than the rest of the house, so if the humidity levels in your home are extreme, it goes double for the humidity in your basement.
Often, many people hear about replacing the wood in their crawl space in order to repair it. However, there is a more efficient way of repairing your crawl space while also ensuring that it stays fixed. The IntelliJack™ floor support system can restore sagging floor beams and crawl space structures, despite being surrounded by rotted or water-damaged wooden posts. While it may be small in size, it is rated to support up to 24,860 pounds per jack. The IntelliJack™ is very versatile and is also capable of reviving sunken foundations, even in the smallest of crawl spaces.
Encapsulating your crawl space may be something that you want to invest in. Much of the air that enters your home originates within the crawl space below you. If your crawl space has been continuously exposed to water, it can result in wood rot and host pests and mold, which will ultimately taint the air in your home. The CrawlSeal® Advantage prevents this by providing a waterproof and mold-proof layer to your crawl space that makes it more difficult for pests to enter. By improving the air quality in your crawl space, you are improving the air within your home and ensuring the health and safety of its inhabitants.
Insulation within your crawl space is not something that homeowners typically consider; however, it may be beneficial for those who live in Lansing, where winters can be extremely frigid. Because much of the air that enters your home comes from your crawl space, you want to make sure that this air retains as much warmth as possible so that your house is not freezing cold in the winter. This can help to save on energy bill costs in the long run. The ExtremeBloc® Wall System has strong insulating capabilities. It is also fire-resistant and can dually work to reduce moisture levels in your crawl space.
Why Crawl Space Repair and Encapsulation Are Needed
When you spot signs of damage in your crawl space, your first thought is maybe what do you do next. Since your crawl space is a part of your home that is hidden and out of view, it’s usually also rarely visited unless something wrong has happened. Here are some reasons why crawl space encapsulation is needed for your home.
Deters Unwanted Pests
Nothing creates a more welcoming habitat for pests than a dark and damp environment, which is exactly what a crawl space provides. Things such as open crawl space vents, damp insulation, organic materials, and isolation are all components that make up the perfect home for pests. By encapsulating your crawl space with a vapor barrier, removing any wet insulation, and sealing your open vents, you can help deter unwelcome pests from invading your home.
Increased Energy Efficiency
When you have open crawl space vents, you run the risk of losing heating or cooling out of your floors during the winter or summer months. When this happens, your HVAC systems go into overdrive and must work harder to maintain an efficient temperature in your home. When you choose to encapsulate your crawl space, you can save anywhere from 30-50% on your energy bills.
Enhanced Structural Safety
If your floor joists become dry rotted or start to sag, you might have a moisture problem in your crawl space. Since floor joists are usually made of wooden beams, they are easily susceptible to the damaging effects of water. They also can be infiltrated with termites which can deteriorate their stability. If this is the case in your crawl space, support joists may need to be installed and then encapsulation solutions can follow.
Common Crawl Space Repair and Encapsulation Tips & Mistakes
Since your crawl space is an area that is usually considered out of sight, out of mind, it can be a challenge when damage happens within it. Here are some helpful tips that our experts at Foundation Systems of Michigan recommend when getting your crawl space repaired, as well as some mistakes to avoid.
Helpful Tips
- Even though your crawl space is an area you may rarely visit, it’s important to routinely have checked for any damage or signs of moisture. Even certain telltale signs around your home may give way that damage has happened. Sagging and uneven floors, mold, condensation forming on windows, and more can lead you to problems happening underneath your home.
- If you do suspect your crawl space has moisture or damage, it is important to call the experts at Foundation Systems of Michigan for an inspection. Since the area is usually small and compact, it’s best to have professionals who know what to look for and who are experts at moving through the area. We have vast knowledge in inspecting, diagnosing, and repairing crawl space problems with our trusted solutions.
- Standing water in your crawl space can be a scary thought and you may wonder how it got there in the first place. Usually, it is from a plumbing leak, groundwater, or a flood. Although we suggest calling in the experts for help, if you are able to and feel comfortable enough, try to remove as much standing water as possible. This way, although repairs and encapsulation solutions need to be installed, our team will be able to spot the source of the water.
Mistakes to Avoid
- If you want to fully protect your home from water-related damage, you must ensure that all the proper encapsulation solutions are installed. Just installing a sump pump or interior drainage system is not enough to fully combat water or mildew and mold growth. You also need a vapor barrier, dehumidifier, and crawl space vent covers to ensure your home is fully waterproof.
- Since crawl spaces are such a delicate area of your home, it’s best that you don’t attempt any DIY repairs. Any mishaps, faulty products, or wrong moves could end up in more damage to your home and safety hazards. It is important to have the proper solutions and expert help to ensure your crawl space is repaired the right way.
- Although installing a sump pump is a great way of combatting floods, groundwater, or a plumbing leak, if you lose power, your sump pump stops working. This is due to your primary pump being hooked up to your home’s electricity, and when it fails, so does its purpose. Having a battery-powered backup sump pump can save you all the headache and water damage if a power outage happens at your home. It will turn on as soon as the primary turns off and will work to direct any excess water away from your home.
Providing Expert Crawl Space Repair in Michigan and Northern Ohio
Pennsylvania trusts Foundation Systems of Michigan for reliable basement waterproofing, crawl space, foundation, and concrete repair services. Contact us for a free inspection!
Top Cities We Serve
Our Locations
32985 Schoolcraft Road
Livonia, MI 48150
5985 Clay Avenue SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
2817 Bond St.
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
5555 Airport Hwy
Toledo, OH 43615
3805 Elmers Industrial Drive
Traverse City, MI 49685