Wet Crawl Space??

Water Restoration

It is always important to control water entry into buildings, especially crawl spaces. Wet crawl spaces promote the growth of microbes, degrade structural members, attract harmful insects, and cause other types of property damage. If water enters through a leak, flood or accident, it should be removed immediately and the affected area completely dried. As with many situations, an ounce of prevention can be worth a pound of cure. Planning to keep water from entering a crawl space, such as during heavy rains, can save on costly cleanup later on. Here are some helpful prevention tips:

•Maintain gutters and downspouts to ensure that they are free of leaves and debris

•Direct the flow from downspouts away from the foundation

•The best time to evaluate the flow of the gutter system is while it’s raining

•Use underground drainage pipes to direct water away from structure

•Slope soil downwards from the foundation to allow water to flow away

•Insulate pipes that could freeze and burst

•Inspect crawl spaces on a regular basis to ensure against unsafe or damaging situations

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER THAT MAY HELP MAINTAIN DRY CRAWL SPACES:

•Make sure water from air conditioning units drain away from the building

•Check vents to ensure they are open to allow ample airflow through the crawl space

•Ensure that automatic venting systems operate properly if installed

•Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for service and maintenance if using vent fans or dehumidifiers to ensure optimum efficiency

•Insulate air conditioning ducting to prevent condensation on exposed surfaces

If maintenance and prevention procedures do not stop moisture from entering a crawl space, or if humidity levels exceed 60% due to soil conditions or lack of airflow, then the situation needs immediate attention. Professional remediation companies can save homeowners money in the long run by responding quickly to moisture problems. By thoroughly drying crawl spaces, they can greatly reduce the extent of damage caused by water or humidity. Airflow is the key factor in drying crawl spaces. By moving just-evaporated moisture away from the surface, additional evaporation (drying) occurs faster. Temperature also contributes to drying a crawl space effectively. Warmer air has a greater capacity to absorb moisture than cooler air. As temperatures increase, airflow helps warmer/drier air replace cool/damp air, speeding up the drying process. Please remember, the first step in addressing a crawl space is safety. If PuroClean Emergency Services can help please call our office today, 513-897-8990 or 937-401-9700.

Last edited on 15th of September 2020