Many people overlook their crawlspace and we don’t blame them. Until recently there wasn’t a lot of research based on the crawlspace and the benefits of sealing it. Back in the day all crawlspaces were built on a hill of dirt and they added vents for cross ventilation. As time has passed, this has caused major issues for homeowners i.e., moisture, mold, allergies, etc…

Homeowners should educate themselves about the crawlspace and realize that half the air you breathe comes from this space. A lot of problems surface from the crawlspace and it’s an area that could save you money in the long run if proper measures are taken.

Below is a testimonial from one of our customers. She called in with major moisture/mold problems….said they lived in an older home and their floors were always cold during the winter. We put a crawlspace encapsulation system in over a year ago and this is what she had to say:

Testimonial- Denese Brunson

We hope testimonials such as the one above will help others suffering from the same issues. We hope to educate people on moisture control and stopping the source from where it starts….in the crawlspace.

• longer paint cycle that can help save you up to $5,000 (on average) over 15 years^*
• The #1 return on investment and superior siding value for remodeling projects, (Remodeling Magazine’s annual “Cost vs. Value Report,” 2008)
• Lower homeowner insurance premiums (14% lower on average) compared to vinyl siding^**
• No need to hire – and pay for – an additional on-site painting contractor
• Up to a 30-year limited transferrable product warranty, as well as a 15-year finish warranty covering both paint and labor^***
• No waiting for optimal weather conditions to finish and start enjoying your
  James Hardie-sided home

*Actual cost savings may vary. Based on average repainting cost of a 3,000 sq. ft. home.
**Actual cost savings may vary. Based on average insurance costs of $1,900 a year.
*** Please see warranty.

(Information from James Hardie  website)

James Hardie States:
“Since James Hardie Siding is made of fiber cement, it does not undergo the same degree of expansion and contraction that hinders wood-based and vinyl sidings. Therefore, James Hardie Siding will hold onto paint three to four times longer than wood siding, reducing your overall maintenance costs, without compromising aesthetics.”

With the economy we live in, homeowners are always trying to save a penny. James Hardie siding saves you money in the long run b/c it’s a much more durable solution. While vinyl may be less expensive upfront…..the benefits of Hardie outweigh the cost of vinyl.

Do your research and make sure you’re making the best decision……for the long haul.

A new shingled roof should last 15-20+ years; however, there are several factors such as improper installation, climate, ventilation, etc… that can impact the life of your roof.  A trusted contractor should be able to examine your roof and determine if you need a repair or a roof replacement.

Here are some signs of an aging roof:

• Spots on ceiling- This is a sign you can check without getting up on the roof. Look for discoloration on the ceiling, then, if accessible, check the attic for darkened wood.

• Missing Shingles- The most obvious sign

• Curling- Over time asphalt hardens and the granules begin to break away (these may fall into your downspouts or gutters). The asphalt layers begin to shrink, which over time begins to curl the shingle.

• Blisters- These look like small raised bubbles on the surface of the shingles. These blisters result when minimum ventilation requirements are not met.

• Staining- Usually contains algae growth which can be mistaken for dirt.

While a lot of these are normal during the aging process of your roof, they should not be excessive or seen early on. It is best to call a professional and have them take a look at your roof to determine if there is a problem that needs to be addressed. 

** CertainTeed states

“Asphalt is one of the primary ingredients in roofing shingles. Its purpose is to provide the waterproofing integrity for the roof. Secondarily, the asphalt holds the colored granules in place and contributes to the overall strength of the shingle. Asphalt, which is derived from petroleum, contains the oils that provide ductility and pliability to the shingles. During the lifetime of the shingles these oils begin to rise to the surface, where they are washed away by rainwater. In an attempt to restore equilibrium, new oils surface and the washing process continues. Also, the intense heat of the roof oxidizes or hardens the asphalt over time.”

Crawlspace encapsulation is slowly but surely becoming a ”top of the list” project for homeowners to focus on. With all the humidity in the Southern regions, our crawlspace becomes a harbor for mold, which causes major problems in the long run. What we want potential buyers to understand is cheaper is not always the best way to go. Your system should come with a warranty on material & workmanship; therefore, you pay for top quality material and labor.

A thin liner will eventually tear and move around thus defeating the purpose of an encapsulation system. Below you will see examples of a failed system:

Below is what a properly sealed crawlspace should look like:

Keep these images in mind when getting estimates for your crawlspace and remember with this type of work cheaper is not always better. Quality liners with warranties to back them up are always the way to go!!

We decided to open the blog up for some questions you might have OR if there is a topic you’re interested in learning more about, please let us know.

Ask away and thanks for following our blog

While the winter blues have diminished, there are some projects that are smarter to take care of during the summer months. A lot of people start projects during the winter b/c there’s not much going on, however, that tends to be the months of bad weather, which can extend projects and make you “house crazy.”

Think of how much you could do during the summer……you’re able to “escape” if need be. Whether it’s to the beach, out hiking or taking the kids to the park, you can still enjoy the outdoors.

A couple projects to consider this summer:

1. Roof Renovation- This is usually a pretty quick project depending on the size of your house.  The longer daylight allows for crews to fit in an extra hour, if needed. This will ultimately speed up the project and allow you to have your house back & new in no time.

 2. Siding Makeover- This is a perfect time of year to evaluate your siding and decide if you have to invest in touch-ups more often than not. Upgrading to a higher quality siding, such as James Hardie, allows you to choose from many colors and not have to pay for touching up chipping paint.

 3. The “Creepy” Crawlspace- This is definitely an area of the home most people don’t check on routinely. However, during the summer is when a lot of mold can grow and cause more problems in the long run. This is a great time to evaluate your crawlspace and seal it up to prevent any further mold or moisture from getting in.

 4. Focus on the windows- When the hot summer days arrive, it’s nice to be able to sit inside and enjoy the beautiful view outside. Not only the view, but making sure you’re not spending extra money to cool the outside. It will save you money in the long run to invest in some new, energy efficient windows!!

Think your crawlspace doesn’t matter…..THINK AGAIN!!

The crawlspace is often an area that gets overlooked when it comes to updating your home. Out of sight, out of mind, right?Well, the crawlspace is a vital component related to your health along with several problems you could be experiencing in your home.

 Questions to ask yourself:

•  Do you have warping floors?
• Are your energy bills high?
• Have you noticed a discoloration in your hardwood floors?
• Do you suffer from allergies?

If you answered yes to ANY of these questions, then you should have Southcoast Exteriors take a look at your crawlspace.  We offer FREE evaluations and will even test your moisture levels.

Some Benefits:

• Up sell value for your home
• Decrease in energy bills
• Up to $500 in tax rebates
• Floors will stay warmer in the winter months

 The crawlspace is an area that most people don’t look at on a regular basis but half the air you breathe comes from that space.  Just think….if you’re living above a space that has a moisture problem, chances are you’re eventually going to be dealing with mold; which is what you breathe in 24/7!!

Sealing your crawlspace is the perfect project to create a healthier lifestyle. Most people spend a majority of their time in the home, so why not create a safe haven for you and your family.  

Welcome to Southcoast Exterior’s blog page. We’re very excited about this interactive tool we’ve added to our site and hope you will enjoy it as well.  This is a way for us to communicate with our customers and give you insight on certain construction topics.

If you have any questions or there is a topic you’d like to learn more about, please email us at info@southcoastexteriors.com. We’d love to hear from you!!