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Remove Standing Water in Crawl Space

Need to Remove Standing Water in Your Crawl Space? We're Removing Water Through Encapsulation, Vapor Barriers, Sump Pump installations, Dehumidification & more.

Standing Water in Crawl Space2024-03-20T02:17:16-04:00

What Effect Does Standing Water In A Crawlspace Have On A Home’s Value?

The presence of standing water in the crawl area does not, in and of itself, lower the value of a home. When there is no movement of water in the crawlspace, there is a greater risk of mold growth, which lowers the value of the home. The appraised value of a home can be significantly impacted by the presence of mold. For instance, FHA appraisers are required to make a note of whether or not there is mold developing in a home, as well as the type of mold, and where it is located. If you see black mold developing inside your home, there are a few things you need to be aware of, including the following: Your health could be negatively affected for the rest of your life if you are exposed to toxic black mold, and in some extreme circumstances, it could even be fatal.

Crawlspace Encapsulation Charlotte NC

Benefits of a Crawlspace

Encapsulating the crawl area is becoming an increasingly common option for closing off the crawlspace. The first step in this process involves covering the floor and the walls with large sheets of white plastic. Purchasing a sump pump and a dehumidifier is going to be necessary if you want to avoid mold growth in the crawl area and keep it dry. It all boils down to having a dry crawlspace, which presents a number of opportunities for improvement. Let’s take a more in-depth look, shall we?

  • Access: As was indicated previously, one of the most major benefits of a crawlspace is that all of the systems, including wiring, plumbing, gas hookups, and ventilation, are easily accessible. A concrete slab base, on the other hand, does not offer this benefit. Crawling into the crawlspace underneath the building allows you or a contractor to perform the necessary repairs if there is a problem with these aspects of your property.
  • Versatility: crawlspace foundations are utilized whenever a conventional basement cannot be constructed due to factors such as the slope of the land or the proximity of the property to water. crawlspaces are a popular alternative for foundations in regions where the soil is prone to termites or where there is an abundance of moisture.

How Should Water Be Eliminated From The Crawlspace?

Improper grading and the absence of rain gutters are two factors that contribute to the worsening of moisture control issues in crawlspaces. These factors allow excessive rainwater or ground water to enter the crawlspace. The problem is made worse by insufficient ventilation in the crawl area, which mixes warm and cold air, leading to surface condensation and increasing the amount of moisture in the crawlspace underneath the building. This consistent soaking of building materials produces the ideal environment for mold to develop, termites to thrive, and structural damage to occur underneath your house. These problems can be avoided by avoiding continuous wetting of building materials. Get in touch with us if you need the most effective crawlspace water removal services in the state of Carolina. The following are some common approaches that can be taken to deal with water in the crawlspace:

  • Through the use of appropriate grading around the building, moisture can be kept away from the structure.
  • Installation, maintenance, and cleaning services for gutters and downspouts
  • In order to direct water away from the structure, downspout extensions and exit lines need be installed.
  • Buildings can have their interiors or exteriors waterproofed. Waterproofing can be done either way. Using vapor barriers or other encapsulation technologies to completely seal off the crawlspace from the ground below.
  • It is recommended that crawlspace ventilation be implemented, which may include crawlspace dehumidifiers and/or crawlspace ventilation fans.

The Disadvantages That Come Along With Having A Crawlspace

The plumbing, electrical wiring, ducting, air conditioning, and heating systems in a building are typically housed in crawlspaces, which also allow for unrestricted access to these substructures. crawlspaces are also used to store insulation. The issue with a crawlspace is that it has the potential to get filthy and moist very quickly. If there is an excessive amount of moisture in the crawlspace, there is a possibility that there will be a problem with mold, fungi, termites, and rodents.

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  • Moisture: The presence of moisture is not a crawlspace’s greatest friend, and this is especially true in older homes that have underground spaces that are aired. The structural integrity of wooden items can be compromised by an excessive amount of moisture, which can lead to rot. The cost to replace rotten support beams can range anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the material that was utilized (wood or steel) and how straightforward the problem was to remedy.
  • Mildew, Mold, and Other Forms of Fungus: In the event that a moisture problem is not addressed, the crawlspace will develop into the perfect environment for the growth of microorganisms such as mold and mildew. If the air from the crawlspace circulates throughout the house, the potentially dangerous germs and bacteria will disperse throughout the home. This might mean disaster for those who already struggle with respiratory conditions or allergies.
  • Infestations: Crawl areas that aren’t properly sealed up leave themselves open to the possibility of an insect infestation. Rodents and other small creatures are drawn there because of the warmth and moisture that can be found there. Insect infestations can be a source of air pollution due to the dander and hair shed by the insects, but the insects’ droppings also present a health risk. In addition to the damage that can be caused by tiny animals, structural components, HVAC ducts, and wiring can also be damaged by insects like termites.
  • Insufficient Insulation: Crawlspaces that have not been sufficiently enclosed or insulated can be a source of interference for the heating and cooling systems in a building. If the air inside is warmer or cooler than the air outside, respectively, the furnace or heater may have to run for a longer period of time in order to maintain the desired temperature.
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