Crawlspace waterproofing is important for creating a safe, pest-free home. Hiring a professional contractor is the first step towards ensuring the waterproofing is done right. The following are some questions you should ask your waterproofing contractor to ensure that the waterproofing will be up to standard. 
- Will you be including vents in the crawlspace?
In the past, crawl spaces were required to have vents. However, this is no longer a requirement. In fact, you are encouraged to avoid having a vented crawlspace. This is because vents encourage the accumulation of water in the crawlspace. If you want to keep your crawlspace dry, go with complete encapsulation of the crawlspace to keep the elements out.
- Does the barrier meet requirements for insulation?
This is especially important for an unvented crawlspace. The barrier will make up the walls of the crawlspace. It should therefore provide thermal insulation for the crawlspace. This will prevent the home from losing heat in winter and gaining too much heat during the summer.
The barriers that contractors use should meet specific insulation requirements. The IRC sets the R values at between R-5 and R-20. The particular R value for the insulation chosen for your home will depend on the local building code requirements in your area.
- Does the door meet building code requirements?
Many people like to use their crawlspaces for storage. This means that you should be able to access the space. A crawlspace door may be installed for this. This door should meet building code requirements.
The size of the door should be no less than 18 by 24 inches. If your crawlspace will have mechanical equipment, the door should be large enough to accommodate the entry and removal of this equipment. This is important for the preservation of the walls after waterproofing.
- Will you install a vapor retarder on the crawlspace floor?
The crawlspace floor should be sealed as part of the waterproofing process. This often involves the installation of a high-performance vapor retarder. This retarder will help to prevent ground water from entering the crawl space. A good retarder should be no less than 6-mil.
- How will you take care of service lines in the crawlspace?
If there are service lines running through the crawl space they may need some sort of insulation. This is especially true for HVAC lines that may form condensation and introduce moisture into the crawl space. The contractor should have a way to deal with these service lines.
Contact the Professionals at AquaGuard Waterproofing Today! (301) 595-9670
Having started in 1990, we boast expert staff members with collective experience in the industry going strong for over 50 years. We promise our clients superior workmanship and quality in basement waterproofing and foundation repair at budget-friendly prices, capped by a fantastic client experience to ensure your ultimate satisfaction.
We are a local and family-owned business committed to providing top-notch basement waterproofing service and workmanship. We are also actively involved in several non-profit projects for the betterment of our community. In 2020 we celebrated our 30th Anniversary.
