Water damage is a common and universal issue for many homes, especially for those with crawl spaces. Unforeseen events like heavy rains, flash floods, drainage issues, or plumbing leaks can cause your property to have standing water in your crawl space. And this issue can give you tons of problems if ignored!
Read on to learn more about the causes and effects of standing water in crawl space. Moreover, with the help of professionals, you can have the repairs you need to make your property safe for everyone.
Crawl Spaces: Definition and Uses
Nowadays, because of the advantages, many homes in California have crawl spaces while in other areas are not that common. You can usually see a crawl space below one’s property and it’s similar to a basement. The difference is that a crawl space is usually built to allow outside air to circulate under your property. The usual height is three feet or more above the ground.
A crawl space is not that expensive. Moreover, it is a handy area where you can install your HVAC systems, electrical systems, and plumbing. This will also allow you to make repairs and replacements in the future more accessible and easier. Furthermore, this type of foundation can act as a layer of insulation in the lowest part or ground of your house.
Crawl Space Water Damage
Unresolved standing water in crawl space involves risks. And this can affect your family’s health including the structural integrity of your home. Watch out for things such as:
- Health issues: Immunocompromised people especially those who have respiratory issues are at higher risk when exposed to mold and mildew. Damp crawl spaces can cause chronic allergies like colds, sneezing, cough, sore throats, and skin sensitivities.
- Mold and mildew: Crawl space moisture and humidity levels can lead to mold growth and other microorganisms.
- Structural damage: Water damage can cause extensive damage, particularly to the structural integrity of your property. This includes cracking and erosion of foundation walls, warped supports, wood rot in joists, etc.
- Invasion and infestation of pests: Dust mites and pests (e.g.termites, carpenter ants) are attracted to wet crawl spaces. This makes it an ideal shelter for them.
- Higher energy bills: Damp air will take more energy and therefore will make your HVAC system work more (cool and heat).
Causes of Standing Water in Crawl Space
Check out the following causes of standing water problems in your crawl space and take preventive measures to prevent further damage.
Plumbing issues
Burst pipes or leaking pipes will allow water to flow in any area including your crawl space. Though the vapor barrier is present on the lowest ground of your property, any amount of water will stay on the liner’s top till it evaporates. Have a professional plumber check your piping systems and repair any leaks to prevent extensive damage.
Issues with Foundation Walls
It is common for a property or a house to experience settling as it ages. This is a process that can cause cracks in the foundation. If this happens, the cracks can lower the ability of your property’s foundation to resist water.
As a result, foundation walls can form barriers and eventually cause water to seep underground and into your crawl space.
Poor grading for Surface Water Drainage
If your property has poor grading, surface water has a tendency to be trapped against your home’s foundation. If ever heavy rains or flash floods occur, water can enter the crawl space. Moreover, if water gets deep, it can turn the vents of the crawl space into spouts. This will lead to an increasing amount of water in your crawl space.
Make sure that there is adequate sloped grading around your property’s foundation including the crawl space. This will prevent water from entering and pooling around.
Gutter Issues and Clogged Drains
Another cause of water leaking into your crawl space is clogged or dirty gutters including faulty downspouts. Have a regular cleaning of your gutter to get rid of dirt, debris, including leaves that could cause clogs. Downspouts should be directed against and far away from your property’s foundation.
In addition, another issue to watch out for is clogged drains. Especially when there’s torrential rain, water will start to back up and eventually lead it toward your home. You may consider installing French drains or another form of drainage to prevent further water damage in your house.
Crawl Space Water Removal
Standing water in crawl space is no joke. One of the best ways to lower the risk of long-term damage is not neglecting it! Act and respond right away once you notice this issue in your home. Aside from installing a sump pump in your crawl space, contact professionals for evaluation and complete water removal in your area.
Superior Restoration has highly trained people who can help you with any water damage issues on your property. Please don’t hesitate to call us. We will be more than pleased to serve you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
