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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Joe, Chanel, and Omar were the 3 folks who spent most of the time on our unit. Great guys who communicated with me throughout the process….
Joe, Chanel, and Omar were the 3 folks who spent most of the time on our unit. Great guys who communicated with me throughout the process. I appreciate everything they have done to make sure out home is properly supported and that we were kept in the loop during the entire job.
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I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Mount Valley Foundation, specifically Jonathan Geddie. Jonathan came to my home…
I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Mount Valley Foundation, specifically Jonathan Geddie. Jonathan came to my home on his personal time—a Sunday!—which speaks volumes about his dedication. He was polite, punctual, and arrived at the time we agreed on. He came highly recommended by a mutual friend, and he lived up to every bit of that praise. Jonathan politely knocked at my front door and introduced himself. It was at this point I realized he was with Mount Vally. Jonathan listened to my wants and had coffee with us before he inspected my crawlspace. He WAS underneath for awhile and I even started to worry about his well being until he came back to the front door and politely knocked again, which is appreciated in a household full of dogs. He asked if we were ready to see the pictures; we weren't. We were actually ready to eat! With the bountiful amount of chili my partner made we invited him to eat with us, and he filled our hearts by acceptingour invitation. We shared a meal and moments that felt like we have known each other for years! We felt so completely comfortable & truly enjoyed his company. After we got to the bottom of our bowls it was time to see what actual took so long underneath the house, and boy!- we were had no clue. Jonathan went into detail of the areas of concern with pictures to prove it. Jonathan went through each picture with us. Unlike the other three companies I called, Jonathan didn’t just give me a price; he showed me the mold, standing water, and rotten beams through photos. He saved me from a huge mistake—encapsulating a house that was structurally unsound. He made sure all my questions were answered. I’m starting with my structural repairs now with my partners workers from his company, but Mount Valley will be the only ones I call for the drainage and encapsulation once that’s finished! We would have loved to have Mount Valley do the whole project for us, but unfortunately we are not ballers like that. But after seeing the videos that was presented at the time of our inspection and after listening to other companies, we will definitely have Jonathan back over to sign a contract! Not just because of our wonderful experience with Jonathan , but also because Mount Valley offers a 2 year same as cash financing, and that is an incredible offer and ver manageable for us! Jonathan Geddie at Mount Valley Foundation provides a level of service you just don't see anymore and we plan on having him back at the end of summer! Ask for Jonathan Geddie, you will be glad you did. Thank me later.
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Great experience. Glenn the salesman was awesome, and Joe and his installation team did an excellent job.
Great experience. Glenn the salesman was awesome, and Joe and his installation team did an excellent job.
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Derrick and TJ were very professional and completed work in responsible time frame.
Derrick and TJ were very professional and completed work in responsible time frame.
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Randall, Hunter and Branson did an excellent job and in a very timely manner. The first day was rainy and cold but they did what was…
Randall, Hunter and Branson did an excellent job and in a very timely manner. The first day was rainy and cold but they did what was needed. Randall ensured I understood was the crew was doing and kept me updated. I will gladly pass along my satisfaction and tell folks to ask for this crew!
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Von, Tim, and Hunter did excellent work. The crawlspace looks amazing and very clean. Thank you for the professionalism.
Von, Tim, and Hunter did excellent work. The crawlspace looks amazing and very clean. Thank you for the professionalism.
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Justin provided excellent customer service and took the time to answer all of my questions and address every concern I had.
Justin provided excellent customer service and took the time to answer all of my questions and address every concern I had.
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Brandon Baker and crew, Devon Greenlee and Isiah West did an excellent job. Real professionalism.
Brandon Baker and crew, Devon Greenlee and Isiah West did an excellent job. Real professionalism.
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This company is the real deal. Very professional. Well organized. Free inspection. On site proposal for the work. No pressure. Miles…
This company is the real deal. Very professional. Well organized. Free inspection. On site proposal for the work. No pressure. Miles Suffling was our Field Inspector. Very helpful. Great guy. I will use this group for any foundation needs I have in the future. Well done!
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I had Andrew, Darrell, and E.J. out today to fix a sagging floor and was so pleased with how efficient and respectful they were. I work…
I had Andrew, Darrell, and E.J. out today to fix a sagging floor and was so pleased with how efficient and respectful they were. I work from home and take a lot of calls and it was such a relief to know they could get going without needing anything from me, they were true professionals. A few hours later and everything is looking normal in my home again. Great experience all around!!
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I had a fantastic experience working with Kevin A and Michael M. from Mount Valley Foundation Services. He made everything incredibly easy …
I had a fantastic experience working with Kevin A and Michael M. from Mount Valley Foundation Services. He made everything incredibly easy to understand and explained the process showing me the work performed. I had water seeping from my foundation.
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We have been very pleased with the service so far from Mountain Valley. We were in a difficult situation and needed the foundation work…
We have been very pleased with the service so far from Mountain Valley. We were in a difficult situation and needed the foundation work completed immediately. John Hickey was amazing and advocated for us and was able to get us scheduled soon. He has been a pleasure to work with and very professional. We will add more once the work is completed, but based on the interaction with this company so far we feel we will be more than pleased with the outcome.
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Foundation/ joists inspected- Prompt, professional, provided pictures of area and explained what did and didn't need to be done.
Foundation/ joists inspected- Prompt, professional, provided pictures of area and explained what did and didn't need to be done.
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Anthony was a great help. Thank you
Anthony was a great help. Thank you
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This was a very nice experience. John, Justin and Yanni arrived right on time. Worked diligently and did a fantastic job of lifting my…
This was a very nice experience. John, Justin and Yanni arrived right on time. Worked diligently and did a fantastic job of lifting my porch. They were respectful and professional. I really couldn’t have asked for better service. Highly recommend.
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They’re not a bad company to work or call if you are in SC I highly recommend these fellas. If you’re anywhere else I believe they’re still …
They’re not a bad company to work or call if you are in SC I highly recommend these fellas. If you’re anywhere else I believe they’re still with groundworks best foundation service you can ask for!
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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.
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Outstanding job! When a flooring job Mount Valley was doing for us ran into an issue, instead of coming back later, Brandon, Isiah and…
Outstanding job! When a flooring job Mount Valley was doing for us ran into an issue, instead of coming back later, Brandon, Isiah and Jerimiah adapted the material they had with them and completed the job the same day. They kept us informed what they were doing and explained the changes from the original plan. This was the third project they have done for us and all of them have been top grade work.
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I had foundation repair work done at my Aunt Mary’s house which included replacing a load bearing structural beam 18’ long and installing 8 …
I had foundation repair work done at my Aunt Mary’s house which included replacing a load bearing structural beam 18’ long and installing 8 jacks and 4 metal beams. The crew was fantastic, they kept me updated throughout the process, they were under the house for 3 days. They worked diligently with very few breaks to finish the project. I would recommend them to anyone that required this type of service. There were 4 guys working under the floor their workmanship was excellent. Thank you Josh, Cody, Hunter & Savion
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Andy was wonderful to work with. Timely and Honest. Would use again!
Andy was wonderful to work with. Timely and Honest. Would use again!
Crawl Space Encapsulation & Repair Solutions
Mount Valley Foundation Services offers warrantied crawl space repair and encapsulation solutions tailored to your needs and budget. Our services include:
Crawl Space Sump Pump
Discover how Mount Valley Foundation Services' crawl space sump pump eliminates standing water for a more stable home environment.
Crawl Space Dehumidifier
Achieve superior crawl space humidity control and moisture management with Mount Valley Foundation Services' AquaStop™ Air System.
Crawl Space Vapor Barrier
Wet, damp crawl space? Seal it with a durable vapor barrier installation from Mount Valley Foundation Services. Schedule a free inspection!
Crawl Space Drainage
Ensure the integrity of your home with Mount Valley Foundation Services' CrawlDrain™ system – a solution for crawl space drainage.
Is Crawl Space Repair and Encapsulation Right for Me?
Open crawl space vents were initially designed to improve airflow. However, these vents often cause more harm than good. Instead of reducing moisture, vents allow humid air infiltration, leading to condensation, mold, and wood rot.
The humid climates in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia exacerbate these problems, weakening home structures and creating health risks.
Investing in professional crawl space repair and encapsulation solutions, including vapor barriers, vent covers, interior drainage systems, sump pumps, and dehumidifiers, helps combat these issues. Contact Mount Valley Foundation Services today to schedule your free inspection and learn more about creating a safer, healthier environment for your family.
Crawl Space Repair FAQs
We are committed to your satisfaction and your home’s safety. That is why we only use the very best repair solutions. The products we use are manufactured right here in the United States, and they are tested and proven to effectively work in keeping your crawl space clean, dry, safe and healthy. All these solutions also are designed to work together to give you the most bang for your buck and prevent any further problems.
Here is how we tackle crawl space problems, as well as the solutions we use and how they work:
- Address Leaking Water — To address seeping water, we first need to catch the water, then get this water to a sump pump system, and then send this water away from the home.
Our specially designed CrawlDrain™ perimeter drainage system is placed in the dirt crawl space floor around the perimeter to catch seeping water from the walls and floor. The drainage channels then direct this water into the SafeDri™ Crawl Space Sump Pump System, which then pumps the water out of the crawl space and away from the home. A FreezeGuard™ also can be attached to the exterior sump pump discharge line to prevent flooding if the line should freeze or become blocked.
- Seal the Crawl Space from Outside Elements — It is important to seal your crawl space from outside air, water and pests. The first step is having durable vent covers placed over the crawl space vents.
Then, a heavy-duty moisture and vapor barrier is installed. Our CrawlSeal™ is a true 20-mil liner rated above 25-mil strength at the seams. This liner, which is three times thicker than builder’s grade liner, is used to completely isolate the crawl space from the earth. CrawlSeal™ prevents moisture and vapor intrusion, is waterproof, and has been treated to resist mold.
Additionally, thick drainage matting can be placed on the crawl space floor before the encapsulation process to help direct water to the perimeter CrawlDrain™ system, as well as enhance the strength of the CrawlSeal™ liner.
- Properly Insulate the Crawl Space — Rigid ExTremeBloc™ panels placed on crawl space walls will better insulate the area and will not fail or develop mold like fiberglass insulation. These panels resist moisture, and an integrated termiticide is added to deter termites below grade. CrawlSeal™ also helps insulate the crawl space, and spray foam can be added to rim joists to seal gaps around the perimeter of your foundation. These insulation methods help prevent wood rot and enable termite treatments.
- Condition the Air — Our low-profile crawl space dehumidifier is powerful and energy efficient. It effectively works to clean and filter the air, control moisture and humidity, and reduce odors and potential mold growth. This dehumidifier also is self-draining, meaning there aren’t any reservoirs or buckets to have to worry about emptying. The unit can be directed to drain into the crawl space perimeter drainage system or sump pump system, or a condensate pump can be installed.
- Reinforce Support Systems — Wooden floor supports and light-duty jack posts commonly fail in wet and humid crawl spaces. Our durable IntelliJacks™ are made of galvanized steel, making them more reliable supports that can stabilize and lift sagging floors and floor joists back to level.
When you contact us, you can speak to one of our customer care representatives about your crawl space concerns. We will then work with you to schedule an appointment for a free inspection and estimate with one of our certified field inspectors.
Here’s what you can expect during this consultation. The inspector will:
- Complete a thorough evaluation of your home’s interior and exterior. This includes going into the crawl space to check the condition of the area including any water intrusion, damage, pests, etc.
- Discuss his findings with you, as well as your goals with a repair project.
- Offer customized solutions that best fit your repair needs.
- Provide you with a proposal of recommended solutions before leaving your house.
- Discuss payment and financing options with you.
Then, if you decide to move forward with a repair project, we will work to schedule your repairs with one of our highly trained installation crews. Our crew members will treat your home as their own, with the utmost care and respect. They will use world-class solutions for your repairs, and their work is not complete until you are 100% satisfied with the job. If something crops up after installation, we will return to fix any issues. We also offer various service and maintenance opportunities to protect our work and your home.
Along with writing a review about your experience with us, it would mean the world to us if you would refer us to your friends and family!
Now that you’ve seen what nastiness could be lurking underneath your feet and the toll it can take on your home and your family, aren’t you motivated to get rid of it? As tempting as it might be to head out to your local home improvement store to gather supplies, pause for a moment.
Crawl space repair is not something you can tackle in a weekend, no matter how handy you are. A lot can go wrong, and we have seen many problems result from fast fixes. Especially concerning real estate transactions, quick fixes can raise red flags. You’ll then have to spend more time and money to repair these issues. It’s best to leave these projects to professional contractors so the problems will be fixed correctly the first time around.
We encourage you to educate yourself to make the best decision and sound investment with trustworthy repair solutions from a reliable contractor.
Why would you want disgusting conditions underneath your home? That alone should be enough for you to want to correct the problems. But you might be wondering, “what’s in it for me?” A lot, actually. There are so many benefits of having a clean crawl space, which you can read about in our blog, “10 Reasons to Clean Your Crawl Space This Season.” Here are a few of the major perks:
- Health — A cleaner crawl space means improved health for you and your family. Especially if anyone in your house suffers from asthma or allergies, a cleaner crawl space can help prevent flare-ups and sickness. If you choose solutions like a dehumidifier, the air quality will be greatly improved throughout the entire home.
- Structural Integrity — Compromised support systems and sagging floors are dangerous and could result in significant structural damage and safety hazards. By shoring up the support system in your home, you will have a more stable living environment for your family.
- Energy Efficiency — When you invest in proper, reliable crawl space encapsulation and insulation to reduce energy loss, you can save between 30 and 50% on your energy bills. (Source: Clean Crawls)
- Functional Space — Once your crawl space has been properly waterproofed, sealed and insulated, you have an area of your home you can use in a new way. You’ll be able to store your belongings in the crawl space without worrying about them being damaged by water, mold or pests.
- Real Estate Value — There are a lot of factors that impact a home’s resale value, but issues with the structure, any water intrusion and crawl space problems are all areas you need to be aware of. When selling your house, it is important to disclose any known past or current damage. This sets clear expectations regarding the quality and condition of the home. Homeowners selling their house in South Carolina are required to provide a written disclosure statement to the purchaser noting any known defects. This includes information on the foundation, basement and other structural components, as well as current or prior infestations of wood destroying insects or organisms. (Source: Nolo)
If you take a look online for instructions on how to fix your crawl space vapor barrier, you will find there are many DIY tutorials available. Many homeowners think installing a vapor barrier will not take long and won’t be too complicated. After all, it is possible to purchase all the materials you need to do it yourself at your local expert supply store.
At Mount Valley Foundation Services, we have installed many crawl space vapor barriers over the years. We can tell you that this is not an easy task, and it is not something that many people can figure out just by watching an online tutorial. If anything goes wrong or you make a mistake, you will still have to contact a professional to complete the task. Therefore it is best to contact our team and have your new vapor barrier installed by members of the oldest foundation services companies in all of South Carolina.
Contractors once believed that placing vents on the walls of crawl spaces would help improve the airflow in these dark and humid areas. But over the years, we have learned that crawl space vents do more harm than good. They allow moisture to enter into the crawl space, which can promote mold growth and affect the internal temperature of your home, causing your energy rates to rise.
Crawl space vent covers are the ideal solution to this problem, and they do not take long for our professionals to install. Our crawl space vent covers are made from solid and durable materials, and they are designed to prevent moisture and pests from entering your crawl space.
If you think you could benefit from installing our vent covers, get in touch with us at Mount Valley Foundation Services today.
Why Crawl Space Repair and Encapsulation Are Needed
Crawl space problems affect your home and your family. Here are just a few of the benefits of crawl space repair and encapsulation:
Avoid Exposure to the Elements
Vented crawl spaces are exposed to the region’s exterior elements, including summertime heat and humidity, year-round precipitation, and coastal storms. Crawl spaces can sustain flooding and moisture-related damage. However, your crawl space can withstand the harshest weather challenges with airtight vent covers and encapsulation solutions.
Prevent Structural Damage and Instability
Crawl space foundations rely on support systems of beams, girders, and floor joists. Excess water and moisture can lead to wood rot and attract pests like termites, which damage these wooden structures. These issues often result in sagging or uneven floors. Crawl space repair and encapsulation manage moisture and protect these critical supports while specialized support jacks stabilize, reinforce, and lift sagging floor joists.
Deter Pests
Pests and rodents are attracted to isolated, dark, moist areas like crawl space foundations. Managing moisture with crawl space repair and encapsulation solutions, including airtight vent covers, door installation, vapor barriers, and durable insulation panels, reduces pest infestations and damage.
Crawl Space Repair and Encapsulation Tips and Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid:
- Using Sand and Fans: While sand can absorb liquid, spreading it in a crawl space only conceals the issue by covering the moist ground soil. This method does not remove the moisture or address its source. Similarly, installing fans to circulate air may seem helpful; however, it often exacerbates the problem by increasing the presence of unconditioned, humid air.
- Investing in Improper or Partial Encapsulation: Saving money on repairs for a rarely seen crawl space area can be tempting, but using reliable products is crucial. Some companies or hardware stores sell liners covering only the floor or walls, not the entire crawl space area. Many retail outlets offer thin vapor barriers with a minimal 6-mil thickness. These insufficient liners are prone to tears, moisture, mold, and other damage.
- Implementing DIY Solutions: Many DIY solutions provide temporary relief and do not address the underlying causes of crawl space foundation problems. Since crawl space areas are limited and often store essential HVAC systems, plumbing, and ductwork, it’s best to rely on professionals for repair. Crawl space foundations can also harbor unsafe conditions like mold and pests, making it challenging and hazardous to navigate alone. Professionals have the expertise and safety gear to provide thorough crawl space inspections and repairs.
Tips to Consider:
- Manage Exterior Drainage: Exterior gutters and downspouts are your first defense against water and moisture infiltration. Inspect and clean these systems at least twice yearly – in the spring and fall. Ensure downspouts and the extensions angle downward and away from the foundation to prevent water pooling. Landscape and yard grading should also slope down and away from the house to ensure proper water flow.
- Do Not Navigate the Crawl Space: Crawl space foundations are typically one to three feet high, making navigation challenging. Crawl spaces often store essential fixtures like plumbing pipes and HVAC equipment and harbor hazardous pests and rodents. If you notice signs of damage or the need for crawl space repair, contact a professional to ensure safety.
- Trust Local Crawl Space Repair Experts: Trusting professionals for crawl space repairs ensures safety and a thorough job. Mount Valley Foundation Services teams are highly trained and experiences in crawl space inspection and problem diagnosis. We install specialized solutions tailored to your home’s needs and your budget.
Providing Expert Crawl Space Repair & Encapsulation in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia
Pennsylvania trusts Mount Valley for reliable basement waterproofing, crawl space, foundation, and concrete repair services. Contact us for a free inspection!
Top Cities We Serve
Our Locations
53 N Market St, Suite 5
Asheville, NC 28801
630 Ellis Street, Suite 2-B
Augusta, GA 30901
1850 Ashley River Rd
Charleston, SC 29407
401 Gamble Dr., Suite B
Columbia, SC 29209
300 South Ave
Spartanburg, SC 29306
1704 N. Oak Street, Suite 3
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
6606 Abercorn St., Suite 211
Savannah, GA 31405