Crawl space repair
Years of damp air, pests and the occasional flood leave their mark under a house. Here's what crawl space repair usually covers.
Many people don't look in their crawl space until something goes wrong: a pest report flags damage, the floor goes soft, or a storm leaves water underneath. A crawl space company can find what's been damaged and fix it before moving on to keeping the space dry.
Common repairs
- Replacing rotted sill plates, rim joists and floor joists
- Removing wet, fallen or rodent-damaged insulation
- Sealing or replacing sweating or disconnected ductwork
- Replacing a broken or rotted crawl space access door
- Sealing gaps where pests and water get in
- Clearing out wood scraps, cardboard and other debris
Access and clearance
The IRC calls for a crawl space access opening of at least 18 by 24 inches through the floor or 16 by 24 inches through a wall. If your access door is too small, blocked or falling apart, inspectors and repair crews may not be able to get in, and a CL-100 inspector will list areas they couldn't reach.
After a storm or flood
When water gets under the house, as it did across the Pee Dee during Hurricane Matthew in 2016, it can soak insulation, leave mud on the ground cover and push moisture into the framing. Once the water is gone, have the space checked for wet insulation, damaged ductwork and electrical hazards before running HVAC equipment that's under the house.
What about mold?
Mold on crawl space wood is a symptom of moisture. Cleaning it without fixing the cause means it comes back. Ask the company what it plans to do about both.
Signs you need repairs
- A CL-100 report noting damage, decay or high moisture
- Insulation lying on the ground
- Soft or crumbling wood at the sill or joists
- Daylight or animals getting in through gaps
Every crawl space is different, so the company prices the job after someone has been under your house and measured it. We don't quote prices, and a number given over the phone before an inspection is only a guess.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Is crawl space repair the same as termite treatment?
No. A licensed pest control company treats termites and issues the CL-100. A crawl space or framing company repairs the damaged wood. Many jobs need both.
Should insulation be removed if it's wet?
Usually, yes. Wet fiberglass between the joists holds moisture against the wood and rarely dries well. The company can tell you what to replace it with once the space is dry.
Related services
More background: Florence crawl space guide.
Damp insulation, a musty hallway or a floor that dips by the tub?
Call and we'll put you in touch with a crawl space company that works around Florence.