There is Water in My Crawl Space – Should I Be Worried?
Heavy rainfall might not just bring in the fun but also some unwanted guests like water in the crawl space of your house. And mind you, this guest will stay there until you force it out – and you should do it as soon as possible.
When was the last time you checked your crawl space? Have you ever searched how important it is to keep crawl space dry? Maybe you should have done so? But we know how you feel. Like other people, exploring your crawl space would be one of the last things you would want to do. It’s constricted, filthy, and possibly full of insects, rodents, spiders, and cobwebs. However, you will need to investigate this area at some time to determine whether there is water in the crawl space. Since the crawl space is built in the below-grade location beneath the house, you may believe that a wet crawl space is natural. The ground can understandably get dry or wet as the seasons pass and weather patterns change. However, it would be best to keep your crawl space dry, and the faster these wet crawl space concerns are handled, the better.
The moisture can seep through there and severely harm your house’s foundation – a great hazard for your health and your house’s value. Let’s find out more about the risks of water in crawl space:
Risks of Having Water in the Crawl Space of Your House
Water in the crawl space of your house generally comes from one of the three sources: a sewage leak and water seeping in from the surface soil typically following recent heavy rainfall or condensation. Condensation forms on cold surfaces such as drips and ducts over the crawl space surface.
Even though staying water in the crawl space of your house is unclean and undesirable, but the water itself will not damage your property. Water vapors or moisture is what causes rotting, mold, energy dissipation, and insect attraction. And these issues aren’t limited to your crawl space. Upstairs, up to fifty percent of the total of the air enters your house from below, which means airborne contaminants such as mold spores, wet and smelly air, and musty odors will create a perfect space for mold and dust mites.
1. Structural Damage of the House
If you have water in the crawl space of your house, it can cause extensive structural damage. The crawl space is right beneath your house, enclosed by the concrete blocks of your structure. It also includes the wooden supports that hold your house standing. If there is stagnant water in the crawl space of your house, it can damage both the wood and concrete.
Dissipating moisture from the water in your crawl space may harm woodwork and insulation and ultimately make its way into your house, whether it be from stagnant water after a heavy rainfall or merely the water from the soil. Concrete can soak up the water and become porous as time passes. As a result, the concrete may develop big cracks and fractures, leading to shifting soils surrounding your foundation – damaging your house’s foundation and, ultimately, its market value.
2. Increased Production of Mold Spores
Excess moisture is a typical source of mold in your crawl space and upper living spaces. Increased levels of moisture promote the development of mold. Mold also enjoys decaying organic things such as paper, wood, and cardboard. The scary part is that if you have a wet crawl space with wood or other organic elements, then you have the perfect habitat for mold to grow on.
Mold also enjoys eating dead bugs, and that there is generally a lot of them in the crawl space. Crawl space vents are an open invitation to insects and vermin. Vents also allow moisture to enter, producing an ideal environment for mold.
Worse, mold emits airborne particles that ultimately find their way upward. Mold development in your crawl space is not really healthy for your body or the value of your home. No one wishes to purchase a moldy house.
3. Pests and Vermin in the Crawl Space
Water in crawl spaces attracts a wide range of pests, including rats and termites. These pests can form their colonies in your crawl spaces safely as they do not need to worry about being found because you don’t frequently check this spot.
If your crawl space has termites, they can eat the wooden structural components that support your house’s foundation. Again, if the foundations endure too much harm, they will disintegrate and eventually collapse, destroying your home.
Animals like rats or mice will also quickly find their way into the house if you have pests in the crawl space. Because these creatures may transmit diseases and their excrement can damage your wellbeing, it would be best to eliminate any stagnant water in the crawl space of your house to make it less tempting to vermin.
How to Prevent Water in Crawl Space
Complete elimination of water in crawl space might help you save 15-25 percent on the heating and cooling bills. Here is what you can do:
1. Installing a Sump Pump System
The first line of defense in getting water out of your crawl space is to install a sump pump built exclusively for crawl spaces. Make sure the sump system has a strong sump liner, a sealed top, and a dependable pump is required.
2. Installing a Dehumidifier
Underground leaks and stagnant water increase moisture in the crawl space. You can prevent any kind of moisture or water damage by installing a dehumidifier to remove excessive amounts of water from your crawl space. A house with a dry and clean crawl space is less appealing to mold, dust mites, insects, and other pests.
Who to Call for Water in Crawl Space
The ideal remedy for your crawl space water problem is unique to your scenario. If you are concerned about water in your crawl space, arrange a free crawl space examination with a specialist. If you discover water in your home’s crawl space, contact 911 Restoration of Long Island right away to eliminate the water damage as soon as possible.
