Out of sight… out of mind. While that might be a good stance when pursuing a laid-back life, it’s not a wise move for a homeowner—particularly a homeowner who lives above a crawl space. Just because you don’t see it in your daily life doesn’t mean there might not be a problem growing just below your floorboards. Since these hollow, unfinished spaces are dug out – traditionally two to five feet – below the first floor, in addition to being a potential access point for critters to invade your home, water can pool there.
They are not without their benefits, of course! First gaining popularity in the 18th century, crawl spaces were used to protect homes from the elements – like flash flooding. They were also commonly used as root cellars for storing canned goods. But, over time, their most common advantages became air circulation underneath the house to reduce energy consumption and accessibility to systems you might typically find in a basement, such as HVAC, duct work, insulation, plumbing, cables, and electrical wiring.
Is It a Problem If There’s Water in my Crawl Space?
If you suspect you have water in your crawl space, it may be time to call in a professional – like the experts at H2O Proof & Foundation Repair. A little bit of water following a hard rain is not uncommon, but large pools that appear to linger could be at the root of some significant issues. By allowing water to pool and remain unchecked, you could run the risk of mold spores which could compromise the air quality of your home and the health of your family, as well as the growth of microorganisms that may lead to rot and impacts to your home’s foundation that may lead to structural damage.
What Are the Causes of Water in a Crawl Space?
Flooding from a major storm is only one way water can enter your crawl space. You might also experience a burst water pipe during a hard freeze, a plumbing leak, water draining from your roof and overflowing gutters during a rainy day, or poor grading around your home.
How Do I Know if the Water in my Crawl Space is Causing Damage?
Some signs to watch for if you suspect the water in your crawl space is causing damage include:
- A rise in your energy bills (damp air below may lead to humidity above, making it harder to heat and cool your home’s interior)
- An unpleasant mildewy aroma
You’ll want to take a peek inside your crawl space to take note of additional signs, such as wet foundation walls, visible standing pools of water, condensation on your pipes and duct work, wood rot, and an increase in insect activity (crickets, silverfish, and termites love cool, moist, dark spaces.) Because water can stay in your crawl space for months, take note of the color and viscosity. If it’s green or yellowish in color and appears to be thicker than normal, chances are, that puddle has been there for a while.
What’s the Best Way to Fix Water Damage in my Crawl Space?
If you suspect or see water in your crawl space, to get to the root of the problem, you’ll want to schedule an inspection with a company specializing in crawl space repair. H2O Proof & Foundation Repair is proud to include crawl space repair among our specialties, and we offer a free inspection with a plan of action. We can remove the water and offer a variety of crawl space waterproofing and moisture control solutions to help rid your home of the problem. That said, if you own a crawl space and want to get ahead of a potential issue in the future, the best defense is a good offense. Crawl space encapsulation includes sealing floors and walls, installing insulation, incorporating a dehumidifier, and placing an effective drainage system to safeguard your home. If you have any questions or wish to schedule a free inspection of your crawl space, call 678-426-8618, email info@h2o-proof.net, or fill out our online contact form. To learn more about our full range of services and financing options, please visit www.h2o-proof.net.
