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Theres Standing Water in My Crawl Space should I be Worried?

There’s Standing Water in My Crawl Space, should I be Worried?

Having a crawl space in your home can have its advantages. However, if the crawl space is not properly ventilated, installed correctly, or if you don’t have a solid drainage system, there can be some potential problems. Standing water in the crawl space is absolutely something to worry about because it can lead to mold and mildew growth.

The potential risk of health hazards increases tremendously if you have a moldy crawl space. It can also cause structural damage, wood rot, and the likelihood of more mold spreading throughout the foundation of your home. It would be wise to find a crawl space repair specialist in Columbia, SC.

The key is to stay ahead of these issues and if they ever occur, you’ll need to find a specialist in moisture remediation, or you, your family and your home can be at serious risk. So, if you have standing water in the crawl space under your house in Columbia SC, consider it a top priority to get it removed immediately.

What Exactly is a Crawl Space?

Crawlspaces are extremely common in the South, especially in Columbia, SC. It is similar to a basement, but is vented to outside air. Some can be two feet tall or shorter, while others can be full-height like a basement.

There are a few reasons why you would want a crawl space. The two primary reasons are cost and accessibility. Essentially you are building the floor of a home off the ground, as opposed to using a concrete slab-on-grade.

What are the Benefits?

For starters, it is a very cost-effective solution moving dirt to level a sloping piece of property rather than using concrete, which can get super expensive.

Second, it is extremely convenient because you’ll have a handy area to install your HVAC unit and piping. You can also use it for storage and have your water and sewer distribution throughout the house from the crawl space. Since it is easily accessible, your future crawl space repairs will be much easier to manipulate.

Moldy Crawl Space

Crawl spaces that aren’t ventilated properly can cause moisture to accumulate. Mix moisture with a warm climate, and you have yourself a perfect environment where mold can grow, multiply and spread.

With standing water, the water is already there in the crawl space. Moisture evolves through evaporation and you are left with a perfect breeding spot for mold to grow. In some circumstances, there can be black mold that grows. Black mold in your crawlspace can cause major health problems, and in extreme cases can even lead to death.

Living around a moldy crawl space can result in you and your family breathing in toxic air. Air quality is essential for your health and the health of your family. If moisture is causing the mold to grow, then the question becomes, how do you avoid moisture issues?

How Can Water in the Crawlspace be Fixed?

crawlspace-water damage crawlspace water 300x183A very common reason why there can be standing water in your crawlspace is the drainage system around your home. Improper grading and lack of rain gutters can also contribute to water in your crawlspace.

There are some standard solutions you or a professional can do to prevent water from entering the space.

 

Those include:

  • Waterproofing the interior or exterior of your home
  • Installing Encapsulation
  • Adding downspout extensions
  • Cleaning, Installing, and repairing gutters

If you have water in the crawl space under your home, you’ll have to figure out a way to prevent that from happening again in the future.

Investing in Crawl Space Repair

Repairing your crawl space can be a great investment in your home and the health of your loved ones. Improper installation usually leads to moisture, and moisture in crawl space can lead to mildew.

The first thing you should do is test for mold yourself, or if you don’t know what you’re doing, contact your local mold remediation specialist in Columbia, SC. Professionals in this field will have the experience and necessary tools to make sure your home is safe to live in and a perfect crawl space repair in Columbia SC.

Crawl Space Encapsulation

A crawlspace encapsulation can protect your home and family from harmful mold. Ignoring standing water, or any condition that can bring black mold into play or poor air quality is something you shouldn’t take lightly.

When standing water occurs or you have moisture building up in your crawl space, you’ll need to look into a mold removal and moisture remediation company. Part of the moisture remediation process is encapsulation.

Encapsulation can be compared to the lining added to swimming pools to avoid leaks in them. It is the best solution to avoid moisture issues, especially in Columbia, SC. Encapsulation will seal any moisture from getting into your crawlspace.

Does Standing Water in the Crawl Space Affect the Value of a Home?

Actually, standing water itself does not necessarily affect the value of a home. What does affect it though, is the potential of foundational damage and mold growth from the standing water. If you’re looking to sell your home, mold can greatly affect the appraisal value.

FHA appraisers are required to note if mold is growing and what type of mold it is. Besides mold being a major health concern, it will also devalue your home and affect the overall value that its worth.

What’s Next?

Standing water in the crawl space is definitely something you should act on and not take lightly. If you are a homeowner, you have a big responsibility keeping your home safe for you and your loved ones. Investing in crawl space repair, mold removal, or even moisture remediation should be a top priority if you have these problems.

Keeping things up to date and safe isn’t easy, however, finding professionals in the Columbia, SC area is. The last thing you want in your home is mildew, mold or even black mold. We all know the potential health risks involved. Keep an eye on your crawl space and in the event of standing water, be sure to get it fixed right away.



source https://www.crawlspaceprossc.com/theres-standing-water-in-my-crawl-space-should-i-be-worried/

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