If you encounter water problems in your crawl space that lead to standing water or continuous water intrusion, your home could benefit considerably from an interior crawl space french drainage system. Standing water can have many adverse effects on your home’s foundation and structural integrity if left unattended. That’s why we recommend investing in an interior french drain system for your home’s crawl space if you have standing water problems. Alongside a sump pump, a crawl space french drain system from Crawl Space Brothers will keep your crawl space dryer and safer for life!
Standing water can come from many different sources into your crawl space. It can seep in under the footer of the foundation wall, intrude through cracks or vents, or come from a leaking or burst water pipe. Standing water can cause foundation settling and increase the humidity in the crawl space encouraging mold growth and pests. The first step towards a water-free crawl space is to identify the ways in which water is entering your crawlspace and stop them if possible.
Water in the crawl space that stays for an extended period of time can lead to many problems and doesn’t disappear on its own. As the crawl space is a dark place that receives no direct sunlight, standing water will slowly evaporate and keep the humidity level very high for a long time. Preventing standing water in your crawl space is essential, and while a crawl space french drain system won’t stop water from entering your crawlspace, to begin with, it will prevent it from staying there and causing problems.
Standing water under the home is extremely dangerous to the structure of your home. If water has nowhere else to go, it will collect in your crawl space, cause high humidity, and lead to many issues for your home. The most significant problems to watch for that indicate your home could benefit from a crawl space french drain system are standing water, excessive humidity, and sagging floors.
When moisture content in the air is extremely high, due to standing water the chances of wood rot and mold doing damage to your wood floor supports are much higher. When wood becomes soft and moist from high humidity, it becomes more vulnerable to wood rot and wood-eating pests such as termites. Mold loves an environment with high relative humidity, so keeping humidity levels low is essential.
When mold and rot begin to take over, that is when problems like sagging floors arise. Once your crawlspace reaches this stage of damage the issue is extremely severe and will likely cost thousands of dollars to repair, as the supports of your home’s flooring are failing. Avoiding this scenario by preventing and actively working to stop water from entering and affecting your crawl space is essential.
Standing water isn’t the only dangerous water to have under your home. High water content in the soil under your home can lead to hydrostatic pressure, which can compromise the foundation of your home. Crawl space french drains help to alleviate this problem by allowing the excess water in the soil to drain properly.
By diverting water away from your crawl space and preventing the build-up of excess moisture you can lower the overall humidity of your crawl space. In combination with measures such as a vapor barrier and dehumidifier, you can control the relative humidity of your crawlspace and stop mold and pests in their tracks.
Not only does a well-drained crawl space mean less humidity in your crawl space, but it also means less humidity in the rest of your home. Up to 50% of the air on the first floor of your home flows from or through your crawl space. Meaning any humidity, dust, dirt, pollen, or other air pollutants in your crawl space are affecting the air quality of your home as well. Lowering the humidity of your crawl space via a french drain system also takes the pressure off your HVAC system, allowing it to run less and last longer.
A high-quality french drainage system in your crawlspace also protects your home from flooding or any other emergency water intrusion your may encounter. If a water pipe bursts under your home or a big storm brings in floodwater, you can rest easy knowing that the water is being moved away from your crawl space by your drainage system.
A french drain system installed by the pros at Crawl Space Brothers protects your home from standing water for life! We install our french drains along with the interior of the foundation wall of your crawl space. This system is typically connected to a sump pump at the lowest point to move the water entirely out and away from your home.
When installing a crawl space french drain system, we first dig a trench along the foundation wall but then Crawl Space Brothers does something different from the rest. While most french drains simply use a perforated PVC pipe, we use the YCS “Strip” Drain from American Wick Drain instead. This drain is covered in a non-woven fabric filter designed to stop dirt particles and allowing water to flow freely through the drain. We lay down this drain and then backfill with gravel. This combination of fabric drain with gravel on top means a double layer of filtering, providing extra protection from debris that might clog the drain line.
An expert french drain install can effectively prevent water from accumulating in your crawl space. They’re also extremely cost-effective compared to other water diverting solutions, such as exterior french drains. An interior french drain system captures the water that collects at the dirt floor and wall joints before it has a chance to gather in the middle of your crawl space. French drain systems require little maintenance and work very effectively alongside other measures to waterproof your crawlspace.
When you plan to have a french drainage system installed in your crawl space, rely on the best crawl space team around, Crawl Space Brothers! We are experts at protection and prevention for your crawl space. We are dedicated to helping homeowners protect their home’s foundation and structural integrity from the ground up. We pride ourselves on providing a 5-Star Experience and crawl space protection that lasts a lifetime with our Transferable Lifetime Warranty.
We offer a free initial home inspection, so you can hear from the crawl space experts about all the ways a crawl space french drain system can benefit your home. If you’re ready to invest in lifelong protection for your home’s foundation, call Crawl Space Brothers today!
Without all the boring details, a french drain uses the natural power of water that has collected nearby (hydrostatic force). Instead of that force pushing on your crawl space and foundation, a french drain allows the water to move to a new area. This new area is further away from your house, protecting your home from water damage.
For most homeowners, that is really all you need to know. It's the magic of science and engineering that allows it to work so well.
(If you want to get into the nitty-gritty, keep reading!)
At its core, a french drain is made up of two elements: the pipe and aggregate (gravel). The pipe is laid down in a negative grade, meaning that it slopes away from your home. This sets up the path for the water to flow away from your foundation.
The gravel is then layered on top of the pipe. This helps to disperse the water evenly along the pipe and increase drainage capacity. It also allows any silt or sediment that collects in the water to be caught as it flows down through the French drain, thereby preventing clogging.
At the end of a french drain system, the water will flow into either a natural body of water or a sump pump. This ensures that the water doesn’t build up in an area and cause flooding or other damage to your home.
The success of a french drain system depends on proper installation and maintenance. It is important to make sure that your french drain is properly constructed and that it is regularly inspected and cleaned. This will ensure that your french drain system continues to function well and prevents any potential damage from water accumulation near your home.
Installing a french drain in your crawl space can be an effective way to protect your foundation from water damage. Although there are some technical aspects of the installation process, it can be relatively easy to see the results. However, we do recommend you consult a crawl space expert before trying to install one on your own.
If you need help understanding or installing a french drain in your crawl space, contact your local crawlspace repair expert today. They can provide you with the knowledge and experience needed to ensure that your home is protected from water damage. With proper installation and maintenance, you can rest assured that your home will remain safe and dry for years to come.
Installing a french drain in your crawl space is an effective way to protect your foundation from water damage. It can be relatively easy to install, but it’s important that you consult with a crawl space expert before attempting installation on your own. Below are instructions on how to properly install a french drain in a crawl space so that you can ensure the safety and longevity of your home.
Certain parts of this process will require (or are more likely to succeed with) expensive equipment and expertise. For example, connecting your french drain to a sump pump may involve electrical work that requires an electrician. Furthermore, it is essential that your crawl space drainage system flow away from the home. Otherwise, water could collect around the foundation and result in costly damage.
In any case, you should contact a crawl space expert for these tasks and others if you are unsure about how to proceed. With their expertise and advice, as well as proper installation and maintenance, you can rest assured that your home will remain safe from water damage for years to come.
Crawl Space Brothers has the expertise and knowledge to help you install a French drain in your crawl space. We care not only about ensuring your home is safe, but also about your family, too. We have families of our own and know how important it is to have a healthy and safe space for everyone. Contact us today if you need help installing your french drain system. We’ll be happy to assist you in any way we can!
The french drain should typically go outside the crawl space. The main goal of a french drain is to redirect water away from the foundation and out of your home, and that means preventing it from ever reaching the crawl space in the first place. This could be a low-lying part of your lawn, or a secluded location away from the home.
It is possible to install a french drain inside your crawl space, but it may not be as effective as when installed outside. The reason for this is that water can still enter the crawl space before being drained out by the french drain, resulting in potentially costly damage. For this reason, we recommend consulting with a crawl space expert before attempting to install a french drain inside the crawl space.
Think of the French drain as the last line of defense for your home against water damage. It is designed to keep water from ever collecting around the foundation, and proper installation will ensure that this system works as it should. It’s almost like a moat around your home – but instead of being filled with water, it keeps the water out!
At Crawl Space Brothers, we understand how important it is to keep your home safe from water damage. That’s why we offer installation and repair services for French drains in crawl spaces as well as other drainage solutions. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you protect your home.
The best depth for a french drain in a crawl space ranges from 8 to 24 inches. The actual depth you need will largely depend on how far the water has to travel after it enters the french drain. The most important aspect of installing a french drain is ensuring the water is flowing away from the house. Otherwise, you and your family could be at risk of costly water damage.
The most important things to consider when deciding the exact depth for your French drain include:
Of course, the exact specifications of your french drain system will depend on the size and layout of your crawl space, home, and property as a whole. An experienced professional can help you determine the best crawl space French drain depth for your particular needs.
At Crawl Space Brothers, we specialize in installing and repairing french drains in crawl spaces. Our crawl space experts have years of experience with these systems and can help you determine the best depth for your specific situation. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you protect your home from water damage.
While it is possible to install a french drain in your crawl space on your own, this is not recommended for the following reasons.
When it comes to protecting your home from water damage using a crawl space french drain, there is no substitute for professional installation. At Crawl Space Brothers, we have years of experience with french drains in crawl spaces and can help you keep your home safe from harmful moisture buildup. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you.
The number of french drains you need in your crawl space largely depends on the size and layout of your home and property. Generally speaking, one french drain should be enough to protect your home from moisture buildup and water damage. However, more complex systems may require multiple french drains or other types of crawl space drainage systems for optimal protection.
We know you are a busy homeowner, so we will get right to it. The cost of installing a french drain in a crawl space ranges from $500 to $18,000, with the average cost being $5,000. The cost of installing a french drain will vary depending on many factors, including the:
As you can see, there are a lot of things that may impact the cost of installing a french drain to protect your home and family. That’s why we recommend you contact your local Crawl Space Brothers office to discuss what a french drain would cost you and whether it is the best option.
Crawl space french drain installation is not a cheap process, but the upfront cost will save you thousands of dollars on water damage repairs – plus the headache of having to fix your foundation. Contact Crawl Space Brothers today to learn more about our services and how we can help you keep your home safe!
If you have a damp, musty crawl space, reach out to our office today! We offer free inspections at all our locations including Charlotte NC, Nashville TN, Washington DC, Arlington VA, and Laurel MD. Our crawl space repair experts will help you to discover what is wrong with your crawl space. Whether you need mold removal, crawl space repair services, a dehumidifier, or crawl space encapsulation, our team of friendly, experienced technicians can solution your crawl space issue quickly and affordably.
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