Every spring, North Carolina and South Carolina homeowners head outside to mulch, plant, and freshen up their yards. But what many donât realize is that spring landscaping foundation damage is a real threatâespecially when water runoff, roots, and poor grading go unchecked.
That new flower bed? It might be trapping water against your foundation. Those freshly planted shrubs? Their roots could grow right into your crawlspace wall.
Landscaping is a great way to add beauty and value to your homeâbut if itâs not done carefully, it can lead to major crawlspace and structural issues down the line.
One of the most common (and overlooked) landscaping issues we see every spring is improper yard grading. Over time, as soil shifts or new landscaping is installed, your yard might begin to slope toward your foundation instead of away from it.
Pro Tip: The ground should always slope away from your home at a minimum of 6 inches over the first 10 feet.
We get itâtrees add shade and charm. But planting them too close to your house can spell disaster. Tree and shrub roots will naturally chase moisture, and in doing so, they may burrow under or alongside your foundation.
Stay Safe Rule: Always plant trees at least 15â20 feet away from your home. For larger trees like oaks or maples, double that.
Landscape edging is great for defining flower beds or walkwaysâbut when installed too close to your home, it can act like a moisture dam.
Mulch Alert: Never stack mulch more than 2â3 inches high, and always keep it at least 6 inches away from siding or vents.
Spring cleaning often includes planting, paving, and mulching. But weâve seen plenty of cases where landscaping projects unintentionally block existing drainage systemsâor worse, redirect water right into the crawlspace.
Before you landscape, know exactly where your drains and water flow paths areâand make sure they stay clear.
Good landscaping and good drainage go hand-in-hand when it comes to protecting your crawlspace and structural integrity.
Hereâs how to keep your home safe:
Before your landscaping leads to unintended foundation damage, let us take a look. Spring is the perfect season to assess:
A 30-minute visit today could prevent thousands in repairs down the road.
To help protect your crawlspace this spring, weâre offering a FREE dehumidifier and professional installation with every full encapsulation system over 12000$ USD.
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Prevent mold
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Control moisture
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Improve air quality
đ Offer valid through April 30th. Schedule now before slots fill up!
Your landscaping should enhance your homeânot put it at risk. Whether youâre planting, paving, or just prepping your yard, make sure your crawlspace is protected from the ground up.
đ Serving Charlotte, Fort Mill, Greensboro, Rock Hill & surrounding NC/SC areas
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Book online or call us now at 704-302-7715
At Walsh Crawlspace & Structural Repair, we hear it every year:
âWinterâs overâwhy is my crawlspace still a mess?â
Spoiler alert: Spring moisture, mold, and pest issues are real, and they donât wait around. Letâs break down why the NC spring crawlspace season is so risky, and what you can do to protect your home from damage before it starts.
In North Carolina, spring is famous for:
Unfortunately, these are the perfect storm for crawlspace issues. And homes with unsealed, unprotected crawlspaces? Theyâll feel the effects first.
NC soil doesnât drain well in spring, so water can rise and sit beneath your home. If your crawlspace isnât sealed or graded properly, it could already be collecting water.
Warm temps + high humidity = the ideal mold environment.
Without a dehumidifier or vapor barrier, spring mold spreads fast in NC crawlspacesâand spores wonât stay below the floor.
Rodents, termites, ants, and spiders start swarming and nesting in spring. And they love wet wood, insulation, and open vents in your crawlspace.
Rain causes soil movement. If water starts to erode the dirt supporting your foundation, your crawlspaceâand entire structureâcan begin to settle or crack.
Hereâs how to fight back and stay protected:
Itâs the easiest way to see whatâs hiding under your home. Spring is the perfect time to catch problems early.
Schedule your FREE crawlspace inspection
A 12 mil reinforced vapor barrier seals moisture out and keeps your crawlspace dry all season.
Learn about our vapor barrier options
We design crawlspace drainage systems for NCâs heavy spring rainâno more pooling, no more rot.
Explore our drainage solutions
Spring humidity doesnât stand a chance against a fully encapsulated crawlspace.
See how encapsulation works
Most homeowners wait until summer or fall to handle crawlspace issuesâbut by then, the damage is done. Spring is ideal because:
Weâve helped thousands of NC homeowners handle spring crawlspace problems before they became home disasters. Our team serves Charlotte, Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Greensboro, and surrounding areas with expert-level care.
đ 704-302-7715
đ www.walshcrawlspace.com
đ ď¸ Your NC spring crawlspace deserves better. Let us help.
Installing the right vapor barrier crawlspace system is one of the smartest ways to protect your home from moisture, mold, and costly repairs
At Walsh Crawlspace & Structural Repair, we get this question all the time:
âWhat kind of vapor barrier should I get?â
Letâs break it downâthickness, material, and what you actually need to keep your crawlspace safe and dry.
A vapor barrier is a layer of moisture-resistant plastic installed along your crawlspace floorâand sometimes up the wallsâto stop ground moisture from evaporating into your home.
Simple concept. But not so simple when it comes to quality.
Letâs talk materials. Here are the most common types youâll see:
Vapor barriers are measured in mils (1 mil = 1/1000th of an inch).
Hereâs how they stack up:
Thickness | What Itâs Good For | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
6 mil | Temporary or DIY fixes | Low cost | Tears easily, doesnât last |
10 mil | Light-use areas | Somewhat durable | Not strong enough for most crawlspaces |
â 12 mil | Professional-grade protection | Strong, reliable, affordable | Noneâitâs the sweet spot |
16-20 mil | High-traffic or specialty needs | Extremely tough | Higher cost, often unnecessary |
đ At Walsh, our standard is 12 mil reinforced vapor barrierâand itâs more than enough for 99% of homes.
If the situation calls for it (like high water intrusion or access-heavy spaces), we also install up to 20 mil.
Too thin? Itâll rip, shift, and let moisture back in.
Too thick? You might be overpaying for protection you donât actually need.
Thatâs why 12 mil is the goldilocks zoneâjust right for durability, cost, and peace of mind.
Hereâs what to think about:
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Foot traffic â HVAC techs or plumbers crawling under your home? Reinforced 12 mil handles it.
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Moisture levels â Got standing water? You might need drainage + 16â20 mil.
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Longevity â Want something that lasts? Reinforced plastic is your friend.
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Budget â 12 mil gives you pro-grade protection without the premium price tag.
When you work with Walsh Crawlspace & Structural Repair, youâre getting the right material, installed the right way, for the right results. No cheap shortcuts. No upsells. Just honest, reliable protection.
đŹ Schedule your FREE crawlspace inspection today, and weâll walk you through the best vapor barrier for your home.
đ 704-302-7715
đ www.walshcrawlspace.com
đ ď¸ Serving Charlotte, Fort Mill, Rock Hill & the Triad with crawlspace solutions you can trust.
Because 12 mil might not sound sexy⌠but itâs stronger than most homeowners realize.
Crawlspaces may be out of sight, but they should never be out of mindâespecially when it comes to moisture control. Water intrusion into your crawlspace can silently cause mold growth, wood rot, structural issues, pest infestations, and indoor air quality problems. One of the most effective ways to protect your foundation from these threats is by installing a crawlspace drainage system now lets discuss Interior vs. Exterior Crawlspace Drains.
The big question is: Should you install an interior or an exterior crawlspace drain?
This comprehensive guide will break down the differences, advantages, drawbacks, and when you might need both. Whether you're building a new home or retrofitting an older one, this information will help you make an informed choice.
A crawlspace drainage system is designed to capture and redirect water away from your foundationâeither before it enters your home (exterior) or once it infiltrates the crawlspace (interior). The right solution depends on a combination of factors like your home's elevation, local climate, soil conditions, and existing water intrusion issues.
Interior crawlspace drains are installed along the inside perimeter of your crawlspace, typically just below the concrete or dirt floor. The system collects water that seeps through the foundation walls or rises from beneath the crawlspace floor, directing it to a sump pump, which then expels it away from your home.
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Cost-Effective â Lower upfront cost than exterior systems
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Minimal Landscape Disruption â No excavation outside
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Accessible for Maintenance â Repairs or upgrades can be done without disturbing the exterior
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Works Well with Encapsulation â Ideal for homes getting sealed crawlspaces
â ď¸ Reactive, Not Preventive â Deals with water after it enters the crawlspace
â ď¸ Requires Power â Depends on sump pump operation
â ď¸ Humidity Risk â Without full encapsulation, lingering moisture can still pose a threat
Exterior drains are installed outside your homeâs foundation, typically at the footing level. The purpose is to intercept water before it reaches the crawlspace, acting as a proactive moisture barrier.
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Proactive Water Protection â Stops water from entering the crawlspace entirely
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Foundation Wall Relief â Reduces hydrostatic pressure against foundation walls
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Supports Structural Integrity â Protects footings and stem walls from long-term erosion
â ď¸ High Installation Cost â Excavation is labor-intensive and expensive
â ď¸ Landscape Disruption â Yards, patios, or walkways may need to be temporarily removed
â ď¸ Difficult to Maintain â Repairs may require re-excavation
Feature | Interior Drainage | Exterior Drainage |
---|---|---|
Installation Cost | Lower | Higher |
Disruption Level | Minimal | High |
Water Management | After water enters | Before water enters |
Maintenance | Easier | More complex |
Sump Pump Required | Usually yes | Often no |
Best for Older Homes | Yes | Sometimes |
Best for New Construction | Sometimes | Yes |
In some situations, a hybrid system is the best approach. For example:
Factors to consider:
Still not sure which approach is right for you? Thatâs where we come in.
At Walsh Crawlspace & Structural Repair, we donât believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our experts provide free inspections, evaluate your homeâs unique conditions, and design a drainage plan that worksâfor your property, your budget, and your peace of mind.
đŹ Contact us today to schedule a free crawlspace evaluation and get a quote on a custom drainage system.
đ 704-302-7715 | đ www.walshcrawlspace.com
đ ď¸ Proudly serving Charlotte, Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Triad with crawlspace solutions you can count on.
When you're buying a new home, itâs easy to focus on the big thingsâkitchens, bathrooms, square footage, and curb appeal. But whatâs under your feet matters just as much as whatâs in front of your eyes. Thatâs where the crawlspace comes in.
A crawlspace is a shallow area beneath the home that provides access to plumbing, wiring, and HVAC systems. But itâs more than just a utility zoneâit plays a crucial role in the health, safety, and long-term durability of your entire home.
Hereâs why:
Think of your crawlspace like the engine of your home. You wouldnât buy a car without checking under the hoodâso donât buy a home without knowing whatâs going on underneath.
A general home inspection will usually include a crawlspace checkâbut hereâs the kicker: not all inspectors go deep enough (literally or figuratively). Thatâs why itâs smart to know what red flags to watch for or ask about during the home buying process.
Here are some of the most common crawlspace issues that should raise concern:
A telltale sign of moisture problems. If it smells like a damp basement or gym socks, thereâs likely mold or mildew lurking underneath.
Water should never be sitting in your crawlspace. This can indicate poor drainage, foundation issues, or grading problems around the home.
If you see black, white, or green patches on wood or insulation, thatâs a sign of active mold. This isnât just a crawlspace problemâitâs a health problem.
Insulation thatâs falling, soaked, or chewed up by pests indicates long-term neglect. It also means the home is likely losing energy.
These are signs that moisture has been doing damage for a while. Left unchecked, this can weaken the very structure holding the house up.
Droppings, chewed materials, nests, or tunnels suggest rodents, insects, or termites have made themselves at home.
If any of these red flags show up in an inspection reportâor if the crawlspace wasnât inspected at allâitâs worth bringing in a crawlspace specialist (hey, thatâs us đ) for a deeper look before moving forward.
So youâve spotted some crawlspace red flagsâor maybe youâre not sure what they mean. Hereâs the part most homebuyers donât realize: crawlspace problems donât stay in the crawlspace. They creep into your living areas, your wallet, and your long-term peace of mind.
Letâs break down the real-world impact:
Moisture, rot, and shifting soil in the crawlspace can lead to sagging floors, cracked walls, and foundation damage. Left unaddressed, these repairs can cost thousandsâand thatâs before you factor in permits, time delays, or lost home value.
Remember, up to 40% of the air you breathe comes from your crawlspace. Mold spores, musty smells, and even pest allergens can circulate through your HVAC system, affecting your familyâs healthâespecially for kids, seniors, or anyone with allergies.
Unsealed crawlspaces let in humid air during the summer and cold air in the winter, forcing your HVAC system to work overtime. That means less comfort and more $$$ out the door every month.
Moist, dark environments are an open invitation to termites, rodents, and insects. Once theyâre in your crawlspace, itâs only a matter of time before they move upstairs. Pest control treatments alone wonât fix the sourceâyou need to fix the space.
If youâre buying a home with a neglected crawlspace, just know that it could affect your resale down the line. Future buyers (and their inspectors) will spot these same issuesâand could use them to negotiate your price down or walk away entirely.
The bottom line? Crawlspace problems are never just âdown there.â They impact everything from your familyâs comfort to your homeâs financial future. The good news? With the right solutions, theyâre totally fixableâand preventable.
Weâre always excited to see more awareness being brought to crawlspace careâespecially when it helps homeowners, buyers, and real estate professionals make smarter decisions.
Recently, we had the opportunity to be featured in a Redfin article that dives deep into what crawlspaces are, why they matter, and how to maintain them. While weâre not officially affiliated with Redfin, weâre proud to have contributed expert insight to help educate their readers.
Crawling into the Unknown: Your
Ultimate Guide to Crawl Spaces
Redfin | ApartmentGuide | Rent
So, the crawlspace inspection revealed a few (or a few too many) issues. Donât panicâthis isnât a dealbreaker. In fact, itâs very common. The key is knowing what steps to take before closing, so youâre not blindsided after moving in.
Hereâs what we recommend:
Home inspectors are great at identifying issuesâbut theyâre not always equipped to fully diagnose or price crawlspace repairs. Thatâs where a specialist like Walsh comes in. We can provide a more detailed assessment and break down exactly whatâs needed.
Whether itâs a simple moisture issue or something more serious like foundation shifting, itâs important to know:
This information is powerful in negotiations with the sellerâor for planning your first upgrades post-move-in.
If significant repairs are needed, you may be able to:
Either way, a thorough crawlspace inspection gives you leverage and peace of mind.
One of the best ways to future-proof your new home? Encapsulation. Sealing your crawlspace keeps moisture, pests, and mold outâand can even improve your indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
A lot of homeowners forget the crawlspace once they move in. Donât be that person! Preventive maintenance, including annual inspections and moisture checks, helps you stay ahead of problems before they become expensive.
Buying a home with crawlspace issues doesnât mean walking awayâit means walking in informed. With the right expert on your side, you can make repairs confidently and protect your investment from the ground up.
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial (and emotional) decisions youâll ever make. And while itâs easy to get swept up in kitchen finishes and open floor plans, donât forget to look down. Whatâs happening in the crawlspace can tell you more about your homeâs health than you might think.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned homeowner, or an investor eyeing your next property, the message is the same:
đ Donât skip the crawlspace.
đ ď¸ Donât ignore the red flags.
đĄ Donât be afraid to ask for expert help.
At Walsh Crawlspace & Structural Repair, we specialize in identifying and solving crawlspace and foundation issues before they become major headaches. Our team is here to make sure whatâs under your home is just as solid as whatâs above it.
Weâve got your back. Get a professional assessment so you can move forward with confidence.
đ Call us at 704-302-7715
đ Or visit www.walshcrawlspace.com to schedule your inspection.