Crawl space water is one of the worst aggravations you may have to deal with as a homeowner. Getting water out of the crawl space is one important part of the equation. After you’ve got the water out, you’ll need to take steps to make sure that it does not become a problem again.
The good thing about taking care of water in your crawl space is that there are several mitigation options available, including methods to keep this area waterproofed.
What is the Process for Removing Water from a Crawl Space?
One of the first things that homeowners need to think about is removing any wet debris. Without the debris being removed, you’ll have a difficult time drying everything out to satisfaction. Anything from loose insulation to loose junk can get in the way, so all of these items must be cleared out.
Many professionals will remove standing water with sump pumps, which push water out and away from the house. When you consult with a professional, they will be in the best position to decide the best way to get the water out. Drying the area out will be the next, most important step.
What Happens if Crawl Space Water Causes Mold?
Crawl space water can often lead to mold. Mold is unsightly and unwelcome in any house. However, mold can also cause health problems, especially in residents who have asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Substructure washes can help remove any traces of mold from wood framing members as part of the cleanup process. The end result will be beams that look as though nothing ever happened.
Another benefit of the washes that professionals can use to address water damage is that they are safe for use around your family. For example, Falcone Crawl Space uses a peroxide-based wash for cleaning crawl spaces after issues with mold.
One of the strongest preventative measures is applying an antimicrobial coating to the areas affected by moisture and mold. These coatings are perfect for crawl spaces and can also be used in basements. In many cases, these coatings can help prevent mold for up to ten years after their application, making the coating worth your effort.
What Other Methods Can Get Rid of and Keep Water Out of a Crawl Space?
Many of the problems with wet crawl spaces originate in homeowners having kept their crawl spaces closed. Although ventilation is an important part of a comfortable home, many overlook the importance of ventilation in crawl spaces, despite the impact on overall air quality.
Ventilation systems installed by foundation contractors can be very effective for managing moisture levels. The costs of these ventilation systems, compared to the overall costs of keeping your crawl space closed, are substantially lower.
The fans in these ventilation systems use little energy and don’t run continuously. Running dehumidifiers inside closed crawl spaces, by contrast, requires higher energy costs.
The system that Falcone Crawl Space installs is a smart system, relying on sensors to control the ventilation based on outside humidity. Fans inside the crawl space will trigger appropriately depending on information from the readings. If you require additional dehumidification, you can request an optional dehumidifier.
What Should You Do?
As frustrating as issues with your crawl space may seem, knowing that you have options will come as a welcome relief. Taking steps to get your crawl space in good shape will help prevent a lot of costly repairs.
Falcone Crawl Space & Structural Repair is ready to help you with your crawl space water issues; contact us today for more information.
