How Much Damage Can a Flooded Crawl Space Do?
A flooded crawl space is no small matter. It can cause significant damage that, if left unresolved, can affect your health and become expensive to fix. Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions provides expert services in the tri-state region of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Here, we discuss what kind of damage excess water can have on a home’s crawl space and foundation, and ways to prevent it.
What Is a Crawl Space?
Crawl spaces can be a convenient and cost-effective way to opt out of installing a full basement. Crawl spaces are preferred in flood-prone areas. They comprise a home’s structural foundation and are constructed about two feet in height to elevate the property in case of heavy rains. By design, crawl spaces are deep enough to house a home’s main wiring, plumbing, heating, and ventilation equipment.
What Causes Pooling and Flooding in a Crawl Space?
Several factors can result in the need for crawl space repair. They include:
Landscaping
It may seem surprising, but where garden beds and bushes are placed may contribute to crawl space flooding and excess water. The perimeter of the exterior foundation should be exposed and the soil surrounding it should slope downward by several inches for the first five to 10 feet. If not, moisture can readily seep through the foundation masonry and into the crawl space.
Faulty Gutters
Gutters that are clogged, damaged, or not diverting water away from a home’s foundation can also be a major reason that a crawl space continually floods. If gutters aren’t dependable, it may be time to consult with Dry Tech Waterproofing solutions and learn about our waterproofing services.
Heavy Rains and Flooding
Certainly, a crawl space may flood due to heavy rains and flooding. But if it occurs often and goes unfixed, it could be the home’s base wasn’t constructed properly when built. If that’s the case more advanced foundation stabilization may be the solution.
Other causes of crawl spaces floods could be leaking pipes, poor drainage, or even a sump pump that needs repairing.
What Damage Can a Flooded Crawl Space Cause?
A flooded crawl space can result in significant damage to the entirety of a home. Notable damage water buildup can cause includes:
Mold
Mold is a sign of moisture locked in a dark enclosed area, such as a crawl space. Mold and mildew can physically deteriorate the foundation’s structure and can cause many health issues. Exposure to mold spores, which easily drift from subfloor spaces into living areas, can irritate allergies, and cause headaches, hoarseness, and chronic asthma. Even if the crawl space becomes dry, spores can remain, and mold remediation may be necessary.
Cracked Foundation
If water pools in the crawl space, cracks in subflooring masonry can form or expand. Deterioration becomes cyclical as more water, sediments, and organic matter, including bacteria, enter the space and create an environment ripe for further destruction and mold. Foundation crack repair may be necessary at this point.
Sloping Floors
As foundations crumble, they provide less support for the upper floors, which can lead to sloping floors as well as windows and doors that don’t align properly. To help prevent initial foundation decay, homeowners can consider crawl space encapsulation. This process entails lining the area with polyethylene to fully conceal floors, walls, and sometimes ceilings. Sealing tape secures all the edges so that moisture and water are locked out.
Keep a Flood-Free Crawl Space With Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions
Residents in Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions service areas in the tri-state area of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware receive the best processes, most advanced technology, and state-of-the-art materials to keep home crawl spaces healthy and dry. Our reputation is backed by years of experience, providing comprehensive subflooring water management solutions, including crawl space repair and encapsulation. We care about our customers, demonstrated by offering free estimates, a lifetime transferable warranty on all our waterproofing solutions, and a zero-interest financing plan. To learn more about all Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions services contact us today.
