A crawl space can become a health hazard if you have moisture damage. Moisture can cause mold, rotten wood, and structural damage. You can help your crawl space stay dry by maintaining your home. Foundation problems can allow water to infiltrate your home. Initiate timely foundation repairs and take care of the landscaping to reduce water near your home. When you learn the signs of moisture damage, you can respond to the problem before it becomes severe, as well. Keeping water out of your crawl space keeps the entire home safer.
Landscaping
All homes should have a sloped lawn that pulls water away from the house. The slope of your lawn can change over time as the foundation settles, however. You may notice standing water in various places if you need the grade of your lawn updated. You can also maintain plants and flower beds properly to keep the moisture level of your soil healthy. If you add too much water, moisture may build up near or in your crawl space.
Drainage
Some homeowners add drains or pumps to the property to move water away from their homes. When combined with the proper slope of the property, you can keep water well controlled. Clean out your gutters regularly, as well. When leaves and debris collect in your gutters, water cannot move to the drain pipe. Water may pour over the side of your gutters and collect close to your basement or crawl space.
Foundation Repairs
If you need foundation repairs, don’t procrastinate. Foundation problems get worse over time. This can lead to severe structural complications. For regards to water damage, if the damage becomes apparent under your home, look online for Winston Salem crawl space repairs. Schedule an inspection of your home to determine if you need a foundation repair. Look out for standing water, cracks in the walls or floors, and doors that stick.
Learn the Signs of Moisture Damage
If you know the signs of moisture damage, you can often get help before the problem gets worse. If you don’t see standing water or a pipe leak, look for subtle clues of moisture damage. These can include high humidity, mold, and stains. You may notice a higher electric bill due to the humidity. You may also have a musty smell near the crawl space or in your home if moisture has infiltrated your crawl space.
Encapsulation
You may consider having your crawl space encapsulated to keep moisture out. This process involves preparing the crawl space by removing all moisture with pumps and a dehumidifier. You must also clean out the crawl space and look for damage before an encapsulation can take place. Hire someone to check the electrical wiring for safety purposes and plumbing before moving forward with the process. You must start the process with a clean, dry crawl space. Moisture in your crawl space creates the perfect conditions for unhygienic issues. Left alone, these can affect your indoor air quality and could lead to health hazards. Protect your home from the outdoors with crawl space encapsulation.
You can prevent moisture buildup in your crawl space by maintaining your home and yard. You may also need a professional to inspect your home for foundation damage. Standing water often happens when you have a foundation problem. Many people also use pumps and drains to deter water from entering the crawl space. You may also consider encapsulation to ensure a clean and dry crawl space. By understanding the signs of moisture damage, you can recognize moisture problems before they become severe, keeping your home healthy.
