Call UsCrawl Space Repair & Encapsulation in Providence, Boston, Cape Cod & Nearby
In the years after WW2, homes built with crawl space type foundations were quite popular in the U.S. They could be built faster and more affordably than homes with full basements and they provided the needed access to plumbing, wires, and ducts. The problem is that builders did not know then what we know now. That the type of crawl space ventilation they provided created more problems than it solved. Crawl space vents were a source of numerous problems, including structural decay, mold, pests, and significant energy penalties.
Pioneer Basement offers reliable solutions for all the common crawl space problems. Protect your home, your family’s health and lower your energy bills with our Crawl Shield Encapsulation System and structural repair services.
Common Crawl Space Problems
Groundwater Intrusion
In a perfect world, crawl spaces would have built-in drainage systems, or they would be at least properly graded to prevent water from pooling in the space.
Often, however, that is not the case, and groundwater puddles in the crawl space are always bad news.
Pioneer Basement offers the most advanced drainage solutions for your crawl space.
High Humidity
Why are crawl spaces so prone to moisture? Well, it has to do with the very way they are built. The dirt floor in crawl spaces simply allow water to evaporate in the space, and the crawl space vents, originally thought to allow moisture to dry, are aggravating the problem by allowing humid outside air in.
Our advanced crawl space encapsulation system is designed to effectively address all sources of moisture.
Mold, Odors & Structural Decay
Every environment where the relative humidity is at or above 60% is a breeding ground for mold and dry rot. Crawl spaces are notorious for having serious moisture problems that cannot be solved with vents, crawl space vent fans and a thin plastic sheet on the floor to serve as a vapor barrier.
Pioneer Basement crawl space dehumidification solutions are based on the most recent building science recommendations.
CrawlShield Crawl Space Encapsulation System:
The Ultimate Solution for a Healthy Crawl Space!
Our exclusive CrawlShield System is part of our Healthy Crawl Space Certificate program. That means that the services and products are nationally backed by a Transferable Warranty. The CrawlShield system provides 5 levels of crawl space protection with solutions designed to address all the main crawl space problems. The full Level 6 system includes
- Crawl Space Drainage
- Sump Pump
- Battery Backup Sump Pump
- Crawl Space Vapor Barrier
- Crawl Space Dehumidifier
- Service & Maintenance
FAQ
Do crawl space vent fans work?
Modern building science findings state that the crawl space vents, once thought to help keep the crawl space dry, are a major source of moisture problems by allowing humid air from the outside into the space. Crawl space vent fans, by sucking even more outside air in, will significantly amplify that effect. Crawl space vents should be closed and the crawl space sealed, encapsulated and dehumidified, instead.
Does crawl space encapsulation help mitigate radon?
The crawl space liner creates a physical barrier against radon intrusion but does not replace an actual radon mitigation system.
Is encapsulating your crawl space safe when your home has high radon levels?
If your home tested high for radon levels, the best course of action is to combine crawl space encapsulation with a radon mitigation system. They work together. One is not effective against radon without the other.
How do I keep pests and wildlife away from my crawl space?
While there is not a sure-fire way, besides periodic inspection, to make sure your crawl space is free of pests and critters, crawl space is a powerful deterrent. Not only it provides a physical barrier, but a clean, dry crawl space offers none of the elements that tend to attract insects, strays, and wildlife to your crawl.
iBasement Systems & Crawl Space Systems Certificates
The iBasement Systems and Crawl Space Systems Certificates were created using specific sets of criteria to provide a healthy indoor living environment. Air pollutants and excessive moisture levels in the basement or crawl space can negatively impact the odors in the home as well as cause health problems with those who live there year-round - including yourself!
We offer 6 levels of iBasement Certificate, and 5 levels Crawl Space Systems Certificate, each designed to solve specific problems and protect your home, family, and property value on the long run.
Steps towards a healthy basement and a Nationally Backed Warranty.
All of our Healthy Basement / Crawl Space Contractors are trained and certified.
Steps towards a healthy crawl space and a Nationally Backed Warranty.
All of our Healthy Basement / Crawl Space Contractors are trained and certified.
Why does my basement smell musty?
That infamous musty odor indicates the presence of mold in your basement, even of you can’t see mold spots yet. Mold is a smelly fungus that loves damp and dark environments like a basement. Even in small concentrations it still releases spores and odors in the air.
Is mold in the basement dangerous?
Only a few species of mold, such as black mold, produce hazardous mycotoxins that can trigger serious health problems. Yet, every species of mold growing indoors releases spores which, in high concentrations, will negatively impact indoor air quality. This can trigger mild to sever allergy symptoms in sensitive people.
How to clean up mold in my basement?
If you have a visible mold infestation in your basement, start by getting rid of all the moldy items. Cardboard, paper, fabrics, upholstery, wood, drywall, and insulation must be removed and properly discarded. You can then clean mold from the walls and other hard surfaces using these CDC guidelines. https://www.cdc.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-bleach.html
How to get rid of basement mold?
The most effective way to permanently kill mold and keep it from growing back is to always keep Relative Humidity Levels in the basement below 60%. That can be accomplished by running a good basement dehumidifier that will constantly monitor RH levels and run as needed of the levels are too high.
What are those stains in my basement wall?
Stains in basement walls can have different causes. Some stains are mold. Others, like rusty-colored stains can indicate the presence of iron ochre in the groundwater, and a white, powdery substance covering the walls can be efflorescence. Basement wall stains usually are a sign of water seepage, and that your basement would benefit from drainage improvements.
What Our Customers Say About Us
Accreditations
Angie’s List Super Service Award 2016
Home Advisor Screened & Approved
Basement Health Association Member
Better Business Bureau Rating A+
BestPickReport.com -4th year as a Best Pick!
Service Area
Pioneer Basement offers a variety of services from waterproofing to foundation repairs. We offer the following services in your area, basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, sump pump installation and service, basement crack repair, vapor barriers and moisture control.