What Happens When There’s Water in My Crawl Space?

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

If you notice any water or mold in your crawlspace, give the experts a call at 231-564-4014!

Your home’s crawl space is often a neglected part of the house. In fact, you might not check it regularly. With this part of homes often going neglected, water can build up in your crawl space without your knowledge. This happens because the ground gets wet and dry through the seasons that can cause moisture in your crawl space. 

What Happens When a Crawl Space Is Wet

There are three ways water gets into a crawl space; a leak, water seepage from the soil, or condensation. When there are puddles of water in the crawl space, you should address them right away. Even though the water itself won’t damage your home, the water vapor that comes with it will. Moisture can cause rot, energy loss, and even attract pests to your home. 

Here are some of the major problems you’ll experience when you have a wet crawl space: 

• High Energy Bills: Having a crawl space means you have more space to heat and cool. However, when there’s wetness inside, the damp air will take more energy to heat or cool. With that said, you’ll use more energy which will translate into higher energy bills. 
• Mold: Undeniably, mold loves moisture, and it feeds on dead organic materials, such as paper, wood, and cardboard. When there’s mold in your crawl space, it will release airborne spores that can make their way upstairs. The spores aren’t good for your health and can cause health effects, while also having a detrimental effect on your property value. 
• Dust Mites and Pests: Dust mites love humid environments, which means they would love to be in your dirt crawl space. They can float in the air and trigger allergies and asthma. Dust mites can also attract pests, such as termites, mice, rats, and even snakes. 

Fix Your Crawl Space Problem

The most important thing you should do to fix your crawl space problem is to first understand where the water is coming from. Surface water that gets into the space comes from roof drainage, overflowing gutters, grading issues, or leaky basement windows. 

Another reason there’s water in your crawl space is groundwater. The soil that’s surrounding the foundation can be saturated after periods of heavy rain or snow. Finally, issues with your plumbing can also cause water into your crawl space. 

Always Keep It Dry

When you have identified the reasons water gets into the crawl space, you’ll be able to find ways to keep it dry. For one, a dehumidifier and sump pump system can prevent water and moisture damage. 

Now, if your crawl space leaks when it rains, you need to get it under control. The main goal here is to get rid of humidity in the crawl space to prevent moisture. 

Conclusion

Water in your crawl space can be a huge problem if you don’t address it immediately. That’s why it’s a good idea to have regular inspections to ensure that everything’s well. In the case that you notice moisture in your crawl space, call SERVPRO at 231-564-4014 right away before it creates more issues that can be costly.