Solving Moisture Transmission Problems in Crawl Spaces at Arizona: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to crawl space repair and maintenance, a myriad of issues can plague homeowners, ranging from moisture accumulation to foundation damage. In this article, we will explore key topics related to crawl spaces and address common concerns such as "crawl space repair near me," "should a crawl space be vented?" and "how to seal a crawl space?" We'll also touch on vital factors like "crawl space foundation repair," "crawl space clean up," "crawl space encapsulation near me," "vapor barrier installation near me," "crawl space contractors near me," "crawl space company," "encapsulate crawl space," "crawl space vapor barrier," "crawl space repair company," and "crawl space repair cost."

Moisture Transmission Through Slabs: A Persistent Problem

Vapor transmission with slabs on grade is a vexing problem the foundation repair industry has struggled with for decades. Millions of dollars of damage has occurred as adhesives fail, coatings de-bond from hydrostatic pressure, and sometimes so much water has been coming through that standing water can be observed in the surface of the concrete! This moisture transmission through slabs also promotes ASR or alkali silica reaction, a common problem here in the Southwest and other areas of the country where the aggregates have high silica content that reacts with the alkali of the cement. This produces a gooey substance that forces its way to the top of the slab and in many cases breaks up the slab from internal forces. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a victim of such a phenomenon.

Addressing Moisture Transmission Problems

Most solutions to this problem involve installing sealers on the surface of the concrete. This is problematic at best. Concrete is poured within excess water (typically called water of convenience) and does not bind with the cement particles. This excess water takes many years to remove itself. In addition, there are a number of mechanisms that bring water under the slab. One such mechanism is clay suction from around the perimeter of a foundation. I document that more fully in my previous blog.

 

In addition through the "stack effect," water vapor along with other gases is pulled in from around the perimeter of a structure to replace gases that are transmitted up through the foundation into the structure and by heat convection drawn up into the attic. This is a well-documented process for one of those gases, deadly radon.

 

Particularly here in the arid Southwest, air-conditioning dries the surface of the slab promoting vapor transmission as well as condensation of water vapor as it is pulled through the slab. As water condenses, the pH level is usually around seven, which can promote dissolution and attack of cement particles causing greater voids in the concrete thus exacerbating the problem. Once this process begins de-bonding, most surface treatments become more problematic.

Challenges of Surface Sealers

Most solutions to this problem involve installing sealers on the surface of the concrete. This is problematic at best for the following reasons:

1) Hydrostatic pressure can be a very powerful force and is likely to build up and become strong enough to bond almost any coating or floor treatment over time.

2) In order for sealing to be effective all floor coverings and all fixtures must be removed including the kitchen, baths, built-in desks, and all cabinets. If this is not done then the vapor transmission becomes concentrated where it is not applied creating mold problems.

3) The inconvenience of removing everything necessitates full move-out and accommodations to live and/or work somewhere else until the project is done.

4) The cost of such a project is very expensive.

The Role of Vapor Barriers

The problem here in the Southwest is exacerbated by the reluctance of installers to install a vapor barrier under the slab. Because of the arid, hot curing conditions, placing a vapor barrier underneath a slab promotes extreme slab curling due to the difference of evaporation on the sealed bottom versus the open top.

 

In conclusion, addressing moisture transmission problems in crawl spaces and beneath concrete slabs is a complex challenge. Homeowners searching for "crawl space repair near me" or "crawl space encapsulation near me" should be aware of the various factors at play, including the role of vapor barriers and the limitations of surface sealers. While traditional methods may have their drawbacks, innovative solutions like the MoistureLevel system offer a promising way to combat moisture-related issues and ensure a clean, dry, and structurally sound crawl space. For all your crawl space repair needs, consider consulting a reputable "crawl space repair company" that specializes in "crawl space foundation repair" and "crawl space clean up" to assess the "crawl space repair cost" and provide effective solutions.