What does a 'clear' CL-100 mean?

A clear CL-100 (or 'CL-100 clear') means the report shows no conditions that would fail it moisture under 20%, no standing water, and a structurally sound substructure. After remediation, a reinspection issues the clear letter your lender needs to close.

Do I need three different contractors to clear a CL-100?

No. Homeowners often think they need a moisture company, a foundation company, and a drainage company. Lowcountry Crawlspaces handles all three in-house, on one schedule one point of contact, one path to a cleared letter.

CL-100 Clearance Charleston SC | Lowcountry Crawlspaces

Q: What is a CL-100 and what makes it fail?

A CL-100 is the Official South Carolina Wood Infestation Report, commonly called a termite letter. It fails for three fixable reasons: moisture readings at or above 20%, a crawl space that isn't certified structurally sound, or standing water. Evidence of wood-destroying organisms (WDOs) can also flag it. Lowcountry Crawlspaces remediates all three moisture, structural, and drainage causes in-house.

Q: How fast can you clear a failed CL-100?

It depends on severity. A crawl space needing only moisture brought under 20% clears faster than one needing structural or drainage work. Because a CL-100 is valid for just 30 days, timing is critical we scope the work against your closing date at a free inspection and tell you honestly whether it's achievable.

Q: Is a CL-100 required for a VA loan in South Carolina?

Yes. A clear CL-100 Wood Infestation Report is required on previously occupied homes for VA loans in South Carolina, and most FHA and conventional lenders require one too. If yours came back with moisture, structural, or drainage issues, we remediate and prepare the crawl space for reinspection.

Failed CL-100? We Clear All Three Reasons It Fails.

That CL-100 — the Official South Carolina Wood Infestation Report, or “termite letter” — is often the last thing standing between you and the closing table. And because it’s only valid for 30 days, a failed one puts you on the clock with the buyer, lender, and realtor all waiting on you.

A CL-100 fails for three specific, fixable reasons. We fix all three, in-house, and get your crawl space ready to pass reinspection.

Why It Fails — And What Actually Clears It

Beyond active wood-destroying organisms (WDOs), a CL-100 has to certify three structural conditions before it comes back clear. Miss one and the letter fails. We handle all three.

01 · Moisture

Under 20%

Wood moisture readings must be below 20%

Elevated moisture in the structural wood is the #1 CL-100 failure in the Lowcountry. Our clay soil and humid coastal air push readings past the line in a hurry.

How we clear it: encapsulation, vapor barrier, dehumidification, and moisture control — driving readings back under 20% and keeping them there.

02 · Structure

Sound & Certified

Substructure must be certified sound

Sagging joists, failing piers, or WDO-damaged framing will hold the letter up. The report has to certify the substructure stands solid.

How we clear it: crawl space jacks, post & pier repair, and support reinforcement — backed by our lifetime foundation warranty.

03 · Drainage

Bone Dry

Standing water = automatic fail

Standing water and plumbing leaks wetting the substructure fail a CL-100 on their own. Charleston storms and tricky grading make this a repeat offender.

How we clear it: French drains, sump pump installation, and water removal — moving water out and keeping it out.

The Inspector Writes the Letter. We Do the Work That Clears It.

Here’s what trips people up: the pest control operator who inspects your home isn’t a builder. Moisture, structural, and drainage repairs aren’t their trade — they flag the problem, but clearing it falls to a contractor who actually works under the house.

That’s us. Lowcountry Crawlspaces handles all three CL-100 failure causes in-house — moisture, structure, and drainage. One team, one schedule, one path to a clear letter.

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From Failed Letter To Clear — The Path

Every home’s different, but the route to a clear CL-100 runs the same four steps. We move quick because we know a closing’s on the line and the 30-day clock is ticking.

Free Inspection

We get under the house and check it against exactly what the CL-100 flags — moisture readings, structural condition, and any standing water — then tell you straight what it’ll take to clear.

Honest Plan & Estimate

A clear, written scope covering whichever of the three issues your home has. No fluff, no upsells — only what the letter actually requires to pass.

The Work

Our IICRC-certified crew handles moisture, structural, and drainage remediation in-house. Timelines depend on severity — and we scope yours honestly against your closing date and the 30-day report window up front.

Reinspection-Ready

We prep the crawl space so the follow-up inspection issues a clear CL-100 — moisture under 20%, structure sound, no standing water — and document the work so the inspector can verify it.

Buying with a VA, FHA, or conventional loan? A clear Wood Infestation Report is a lender requirement — and mandatory for VA loans. Tell us your closing date at the inspection and we’ll scope the work to hit it.

CL-100 Clearance Across the Charleston Tri-County

We remediate failed CL-100s throughout Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties — bringing crawl spaces up to clear on the timeline your closing demands.

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CL-100 Clearance — Straight Answers

What is a CL-100 and what makes it fail?

A CL-100 is the Official South Carolina Wood Infestation Report , commonly called a “termite letter.” Beyond active wood-destroying organisms (WDOs) , it fails for three fixable reasons: moisture readings at or above 20% , a substructure that isn’t certified structurally sound , or standing water . We remediate all three in-house.

How fast can you clear a failed CL-100?

Depends on severity — a moisture-only clear moves faster than one needing structural or drainage work. Because the report is only valid for 30 days , timing is everything. At your free inspection we scope the work against your closing date and tell you honestly whether it’s doable.

Is a CL-100 required for a VA loan?

Yes — a clear CL-100 Wood Infestation Report is required on previously occupied homes for VA loans in South Carolina , and most FHA and conventional lenders require one too. If yours came back with issues, we remediate and get the crawl space ready for reinspection.

What does a “clear” CL-100 actually mean?

A clear CL-100 means the report shows no conditions that fail it — moisture under 20%, no standing water, and a sound substructure. After we remediate, a reinspection issues the clear letter your lender needs to close.

Do I need three different contractors to clear it?

Nope — and that’s the whole advantage. Folks often think they need a moisture company, a foundation company, and a drainage company. Lowcountry Crawlspaces does all three in-house, on one schedule.

The inspector found the problem — can’t they fix it?

Usually not. A pest control operator writes the report, but moisture, structural, and drainage repairs aren’t their trade — the state even points homeowners to licensed contractors for that work. That’s exactly what we do.

Why do so many Charleston-area homes fail on moisture?

The Lowcountry’s expansive clay soils, high humidity, and vented crawl spaces push wood moisture readings past the 20% line more often than most places — which is why moisture’s the most common CL-100 failure we see across the tri-county.

Don't Let a Failed Letter Sink Your Closing

Bring us the report and your deadline. We’ll get under the house, tell you straight what it needs, and clear all three — moisture, structure, and drainage — so you make the date. LCS can fix it.

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Lowcountry Crawlspaces technician performing a CL-100 crawl space inspection in Charleston, South Carolina

Damp crawl space with elevated moisture conditions

Lowcountry Crawlspaces technician inspecting moisture damage and a compromised crawl space support post

CL-100 CLEARANCE CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Moisture. Structural. Drainage Issues. Lowcountry Crawlspaces can fix it!

Technician testing a crawl space floor joist with a moisture meter during a CL-100 inspection

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We identify the problem and complete the repairs needed to prepare your crawl space for reinspection.

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Dry crawl space with improved drainage and moisture protection

When it comes to foundation repair in Charleston, SC, Lowcountry Crawlspaces is your trusted partner for ensuring your home’s structural integrity. We specialize in addressing foundation issues such as uneven floors, foundation cracks, and bowing walls, offering long-lasting solutions tailored to the unique soil conditions and weather challenges of South Carolina.

With our comprehensive foundation repair services, Charleston homeowners can count on us for high-quality work, whether it’s fixing foundation settlement, repairing damaged foundation walls, or stabilizing concrete slabs. Contact us today for a free inspection or a free estimate and experience the difference of working with skilled foundation repair experts.

Common Warning Signs

Foundation issues can manifest in various ways, and recognizing the warning signs early can save Charleston homeowners from costly repairs down the line. Uneven floors or sagging floors are often one of the first indicators, signaling potential problems with the foundation or floor joists. Similarly, foundation cracks, bowing walls, and sticking or misaligned doors can all point to structural problems that need immediate attention.

Other signs of concern include musty odors, moisture issues, or water damage in the crawl space or basement, which can weaken the foundation over time. Rotting posts or failing foundation walls may also be contributing factors to a home’s instability. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage and protect your home’s value and safety.

Factors Contributing to Foundation Damage

Charleston’s humid climate and frequent heavy rain are significant contributors to foundation damage. Excessive moisture can saturate the soil around your home, leading to foundation movement or foundation settlement. Inadequate or poorly maintained drainage systems exacerbate the issue, causing water to pool around the foundation and increasing the likelihood of damage.

Soil conditions unique to South Carolina, including expansive or loose soils, can also create problems. These conditions can cause the foundation to shift, crack, or sink over time. Without proper encapsulation or moisture control, homes in Charleston and surrounding areas are more vulnerable to structural integrity issues, making timely foundation repair crucial.

Living in Charleston, you know the challenges our climate poses for your home, especially your crawl space. That's where we come in. As your trusted local experts, we offer comprehensive crawl space encapsulation services tailored to protect your property and enhance your quality of life. Our experienced team understands the unique needs of Charleston homes and will assess your crawl space to provide solutions that address moisture problems, prevent mold growth, and improve energy efficiency. We're committed to your satisfaction, ensuring transparent communication and exceeding your expectations throughout the process. By choosing us, you're not just investing in your crawl space; you're investing in the long-term health and value of your home.

ZACHARY JONES

Chad was awesome. He came out for my annual inspection. He let me know that everything looked great. Was having issues with the monitors on my dehumidifier and he fixed it in 5 minutes. With your crawlspace you really just want peace of mind and these guys help you have that.

JAMISON BOTTOMLEY

Low Country Crawlspace is top notch! We had a complete overhaul of our crawlspace in West Ashley—insulation on foundation wall, drainage, complete encapsulation w dehumidifier, etc. Tyler and crew were fantastic! They worked diligently and were dedicated to the project. Our crawlspace is TIGHT and had been neglected for decades. They made that dark and dirty place sparkle and answered all my questions through every step of the process. Most importantly, they have left our family with so much confidence in our new crawlspace for years to come. Peace of mind has been priceless! I couldn’t recommend Tyler and Low Country more highly!

LUCIA AND JOHN PARKER

Extremely happy with Lowcountry Crawlspaces services. They worked to fit me in on a busy day after a storm, gave a detailed assessment, and I had an estimate the same day. The estimate was extremely reasonable and they didn’t suggest anything additional that wouldn’t be necessary for the resolution. Will happily recommend them to friends and clients!

CL-100 CLEARANCE & REMEDIATION IN CHARLESTON, SC!

Failed Your CL-100?

A failed CL-100 can delay your closing but the problems behind it are fixable. Lowcountry Crawlspaces handles the moisture, structural, and drainage issues that prevent a clear report, helping prepare your crawl space for reinspection on the timeline your closing demands.

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CL-100 CLEARANCE CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

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