What To Do About a Wet Crawlspace

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

A wet crawl space under your Navina, OK, home can cause problems in the rest of your house

Common Causes of Crawl Space Floods

A wet crawl space under your Navina, OK, home can cause problems in the rest of your house. Fortunately, it is possible to dry out a crawl space and prevent future flooding.

Preventing a Crawl Space Flood

Because many crawl spaces are not waterproof, they can take on moisture for many different reasons. The following are some common causes of crawl space floods:

• Clogged gutters
  
• Insufficient grading away from foundation
  
• Leaks from indoor or outdoor pipes
  
  

Make sure that your landscaping and gutter system allows water to flow away from the foundation. Your lawn should slope away from the crawl space, gutters should be well-maintained and downspouts should be directed away from the house. Additionally, repair any leaks as quickly as possible, and notify the municipal authorities if a public pipe bursts. If your crawl space floods frequently, you may consider installing a sump pump or having the area encapsulated to prevent future floods.

Drying Out a Crawl Space

If you find yourself with a wet crawl space, it is important to address the problem as quickly as possible to prevent mold growth and structural damage. First, make sure that water is no longer flowing into the area. Repair the leak, wait for the storm to pass, etc. Then, remove the soaked materials. This makes it easier to determine if they can be salvaged and speeds up the drying the process. After that, begin drying out the crawl space. Most likely, you will need a pump to accomplish this. You can also use dehumidifiers and commercial-grade fans. After the crawlspace is dry, clean mold growth off of the piers, joists and other surfaces. When everything is clean and dry, you can begin repairing or replacing all affected materials.
If your home suffers a wet crawl space, it is important to address the problem quickly to prevent mold growth and structural damage. If the damage is serious, or if you suspect your crawl space contains asbestos or other harmful materials, you may decide to enlist an experienced restoration team to help you get your home back to normal quickly and safely.