Patriot Crawl Space Repair Standards
How we diagnose, repair, and protect crawl spaces and foundations in coastal Virginia.
Patriot Crawl Space Repair Standards
These standards explain how Patriot Crawl Space Repairs evaluates, diagnoses, and repairs crawl spaces and foundations in coastal Virginia. They are based on building science, field conditions, and long-term performance, not sales systems or cosmetic fixes. Our goal is simple: fix the cause so repairs last.
Why These Standards Exist
Crawl spaces are commonly misdiagnosed, leading to conflicting advice and expensive repairs that fail. Many recommendations focus on products instead of physics or appearance instead of performance. These standards exist to clearly explain how we make decisions and why restraint matters.
The Core Principle We Follow
We base all recommendations on what the individual home needs, and what the building code outlines as acceptable remedies. When we recommend a repair, we want to make sure it will stand up to the physical environment, meets code requirement, and will stand up to future inspector scrutiny during a home sale.
How We Inspect Crawl Spaces
We begin every inspection by identifying the true moisture source, whether it is humid air, groundwater, or a plumbing failure. Only then do we evaluate structural damage, ductwork condition, plumbing lifespan, and insulation issues. This prevents unnecessary work and mismatched solutions.
We do not recommend repairs that ignore moisture physics or rely on appearance instead of function. This includes encapsulation without dehumidification, wall liners sold as moisture control, vapor barriers used alone, or structural supports installed without restoring damaged wood. If the root cause is not addressed, we do not sell the fix.
Our Detailed Repair Standards
Structural Repair Standards
When evaluating structural repairs, we determine what the damage is, whether there are load path or span issues, and whether the defect is moisture related. The correct path forward is repairing damaged, restoring the load path, and installing additional support, in that order.
Ductwork Standards
Crawl space ductwork is often the first system damaged by condensation. Once duct insulation becomes wet or moldy, it cannot be cleaned and continues to affect indoor air quality. We treat ductwork as a core system whenever moisture damage is present.
Plumbing Standards
Plumbing lines under homes experience years of humidity and condensation that accelerate corrosion and failure. Older materials often reach the end of their service life beneath the home before leaks appear indoors. We evaluate plumbing for long-term risk, not just visible problems.
Encapsulation Standards
Encapsulation is a system for controlling air and humidity, not a plastic upgrade. Full encapsulation is the method the building code allows for long term moisture control in the crawl space. We don't install encapsulations without sump pumps and drains if ground water issues are visible, or the crawl space is clearly below grade. We follow the insulation requirements based on the age and design of the home, and if the design of the crawl space does not accommodate encapsulation, we will be honest and let you know, vs. selling it anyway.
Dehumidification Standard
In a hot, humid climate, dehumidification is essential. Air sealing alone cannot maintain stable humidity, and crawl spaces will re-humidify without mechanical control. Our standard is to maintain humidity at levels that prevent condensation and moisture cycling.
Who These Standards Are For
These standards are for homeowners dealing with real moisture, structural, air quality, or system failures who want long-term solutions. They are not designed for cosmetic work, price-only decisions, or short-term real estate fixes. We focus on durability, not shortcuts.
The Patriot Method
Every recommendation follows the same principle: diagnose the cause, address the damage, and protect the home long-term. This approach is grounded in building science, regional conditions, and hands-on experience across Hampton Roads. These standards exist to keep that process clear and consistent.
