Not only does water tend to cause a lot of damage; if not cared for properly, it can lead to mold and the health concerns that accompany a mold issue. Standing water or pooling water will lead to mold growth that can threaten your home’s structural integrity and your family’s overall health. For crawlspaces, a water issue will lead to wood rot and decay and eventually harm your home’s foundation.
Crawlspace water issues can also foster termite infestations, carpenter ant troubles, and other insect and pest problems if not addressed. The good news is that you can fix a water problem in your crawlspace with the proper steps; the most critical one is to identify the source of the water. A water remediation company can help you not only find the source of your water problem; they will take steps to eliminate water damage and mold, and set safety control measures in place to reduce the risk that water will be a problem in the future.
Often, homeowners assume that a water problem that is underneath their home isn’t a problem. If you allow water to sit for a month or years, though, over time it will eat away at the structural integrity of your home and lower your home’s overall value. Wooden beams and joists can begin to rot and develop mold, leading to the need for expensive repairs; more importantly, mold can threaten the health of your family and lead to chronic health concerns. Water remediation techniques are necessary if you have any water issue that lasts for more than a couple of weeks. If you assume that flooding or water saturation issues clear up with seasonal changes, you are probably heading for a host of serious problems down the line.
The key to fixing any potential water issue is first identifying where the water is coming from. There are usually three different sources of water problems: below-grade, above-grade, and interior water issues. Below-grade issues stem from water coming up from underground and are usually experienced as a seasonal issue. Above-grade water usually results from plumbing problems, water supply pipe issues, or a lack of drain pipes below the floors of your home. Interior water issues are those that arise from high humidity and water entering from the ground area of your crawlspace. Why is it important to know the cause of your water source? The only way to fix the problem and ensure that it isn’t a problem going forward is to address it properly.
Crawlspace water removal is critical to ensure that there isn’t any water pooling that can sit and lead to foundation issues or mold. There are several steps that need to be taken.
The critical first step is to identify the source of water in your crawlspace. Whether it is above, below, or interior, it is going to be important to address what led to the water issue before you even address removing it.
Once you have identified and stopped the source of water in your crawlspace, it is important to understand the extent of the damage. Often, removing water is only the first step. Because there are hazards to water removal like an electric shock from exposed wires, it is best to hire a professional service to ensure your safety. Additionally, a licensed water removal specialist will know how to take the proper precautions to prevent any additional damage that can come from not fully assessing the extent of your water issues.
Once you have assessed the damage and any loss resulting from it, draining the water from your crawlspace is necessary. It often takes many different processes and industry-specific tools to remove not just standing water, but also to help clear the air, dry any wood or drywall, address sub-floor moisture and saturation, and use blowers and extractors.
Draining the water is necessary to see what type of damage is lurking. Once the standing water is removed, all other water-saturated building materials need to be eliminated and replaced. Removing any affected areas is not only critical to improve air circulation and expedite drying; it will eliminate the potential for mold and mildew growth. Everything from insulation to drywall needs to be inspected and taken out if wet.
Once you have removed the standing water, you need to address the moisture left behind. Often, it is necessary to use dehumidifiers in all of your living spaces, including the crawlspace, to reduce the overall humidity of your home and reduce the risk that mold will be able to grow. Structural drying dehumidifiers will reduce the risk of structural damage down the line, and high-volume commercial blowers will dry your home’s areas much more quickly.
Floodwater isn’t just water; it comes with all types of contaminants, dirt, and particles, so once the water is addressed and you have removed the humidity and affected building materials, you have the task of cleaning and sanitizing what is left behind. Cleaning and sanitizing are important to remove the dirt and debris that you can visibly see, as well as addressing harmful things like mold and contaminants that might not be visible.
Mold is present everywhere in our environment, but can only grow when it has the right conditions such as the moisture that comes with water issues. Mold treatment is an essential part of removing water in your crawlspace, because water results in mold spore growth if not addressed. Mold is not only something that will lower your home’s resale value; it can threaten the health of you and your family and lead to long-term chronic health conditions.