Live In Lookout Mountain, & Have a Damaged Crawl Space?
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Is water in crawl space bad?Water in a crawl space is a sign that something is wrong. Humidity trapped within corners or underneath floorboards will become a breeding ground for different bacteria that will lead to mold, rot, and mildew. All of these things will create an awful aroma that will begin to permeate throughout a building, and create an unhealthy environment for those inside. If mold and mildew are allowed to build up, then the structural integrity may be at risk of being corroded away. Too much humidity in a crawl space will also corrode support beams and foundation, cause electrical short outs, create condensation, and promote insect infestations. Dehumidifying a crawl space and getting back to normal humidity levels will be necessary in preventing issues that can come from all of these side effects. Water may enter a home when the air inside the home is much cooler than the air outside, This may happen during hot summers when the air conditioning units are on frequently to cool down the building. Air conditioning will create moisture beneath the floorboards and air ducts of a structure, allowing air to become trapped under the floorboards. Ground water can seep up through the soil beneath a structure and begin to create puddles. The humidity of a climate can greatly affect the amount of humidity in a crawlspace. To prevent this, most humid climates will utilize non vented crawl spaces to keep it away from outside air. And the humidity level may fluctuate depending on the region and time of year it is. Water during rain and/or snow storms may creep its way beneath your foundation if the gutters and downspouts are not functioning properly. Water in your crawlspace may also indicate that there is a crack or opening within some of your insulation or vapor barrier. Even just a little bit of standing water and moisture can create a bad smell, so having a professional come and help regulate the humidity level will be very important in stopping any issues early on.
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Is it normal to have a little water in a crawl space?
Water should not be in your crawl space as even a little bit will cause problems. If a crawl space is not vented and there is no way for that small amount of water to evaporate, then it will sit and become a breeding ground for bacteria. This will lead to mold and the formation of mildew in your crawl space that will cause a bad odor that will eventually penetrate into the main house. The air in your crawl space should ideally be more dry than the air outside of your house. Dry air will be ideal in preserving the condition of the foundation. However, the air should not be too dry, because this too can damage the foundation. The humidity inside a crawl space should generally be about 10% to 16% humidity.
To help keep the appropriate crawl space humidity level: install a vapor barrier, have proper ventilation, install a dehumidifier and redirect water away from the base of your home. These safety measures will help ensure that unwanted water does not collect beneath your house and cause mold damage to the foundation and floorboards. To help prevent groundwater from seeping up into your crawl space, the dirt floor area should be covered with a vapor barrier that will stop humidity created from water that naturally seeps into the ground during rainfalls. Vapor barriers are usually constructed of plastic, and sometimes aluminum, to add insulation to the foundation. To prevent unnecessary moisture in this area, begin by closing the crawl space vents to the outside air. This can prevent moisture in humid climates from entering the space year-round. It will also help a home maintain its cooled or heated temperature and reduce energy costs. Water should be directed away from your home. If water is trapped underneath your house, then it may cause mold and mildew to form. Eventually causing a terrible odor. Moisture will also cause sagging floors directly above your crawl space. This may be prevented with functional grades, downspouts, and gutters that will move the water away from the foundation. Another option that can maintain proper humidity levels beneath your home is by installing a dehumidifier. Ask one of our trained professionals to see what type of dehumidifier may be right for your home.
To help keep the appropriate crawl space humidity level: install a vapor barrier, have proper ventilation, install a dehumidifier and redirect water away from the base of your home. These safety measures will help ensure that unwanted water does not collect beneath your house and cause mold damage to the foundation and floorboards. To help prevent groundwater from seeping up into your crawl space, the dirt floor area should be covered with a vapor barrier that will stop humidity created from water that naturally seeps into the ground during rainfalls. Vapor barriers are usually constructed of plastic, and sometimes aluminum, to add insulation to the foundation. To prevent unnecessary moisture in this area, begin by closing the crawl space vents to the outside air. This can prevent moisture in humid climates from entering the space year-round. It will also help a home maintain its cooled or heated temperature and reduce energy costs. Water should be directed away from your home. If water is trapped underneath your house, then it may cause mold and mildew to form. Eventually causing a terrible odor. Moisture will also cause sagging floors directly above your crawl space. This may be prevented with functional grades, downspouts, and gutters that will move the water away from the foundation. Another option that can maintain proper humidity levels beneath your home is by installing a dehumidifier. Ask one of our trained professionals to see what type of dehumidifier may be right for your home.
How do I get rid of water in my crawl space?
Getting rid of water in a crawl space may depend on the amount of water in the area. Small amounts of water may just be able to wipe up with a rag or towel. Smaller hand pumps may also be used to pump out puddles and sitting water. If there is major flooding in the crawl space, then it may need to be pumped out with heavy equipment that is meant for large amounts of water. Regardless of the amount of water, it will need to be removed before any type of repair can be done to the crawl space. Dehumidifiers can then be used to bring the humidity and moisture level down. The dehumidification process take water molecules out of air to create a less moist environment. The water that was previously in the area will cause a high amount of humidity underneath your home, which could lead to the corrosion of the structure and more water related issues. Therefore these dehumidifiers will return the air to a normal amount of humidity for the crawl space. Dehumidifiers can also become a permanent installment that will regulate the amount of moisture that enters the crawl space. This will prevent future puddling of water as it will maintain the level of humidity in the air and can be beneficial for health, comfort, and the removal of musty odors and mold. As the dehumidifier dries and redistributes air, it will help to kill bacteria and mildew that normally thrive in damp and humid climates. After the water has been removed, then any damage that may have been caused should be removed or repaired. A new vapor barrier may need to be installed on the floors and walls of the crawl space. These precautions will help to keep water out so that the area beneath your home is dry.