Crawl Space Moisture and Why It Matters

A majority of people do not give much thought to their crawl spaces. But the truth is that your crawl space is essential to the structural integrity of your home, as well as the health and safety of those who live there. Today, we’re going to dive into the fundamentals of crawl space moisture—from what causes it, to why it matters, to how to fix it.

What Causes Crawl Space Moisture?

A crawl space is, by definition, a narrow space between a building’s first floor and the ground. They exist as a way to create a barrier between the home and the earth’s moisture. However, even with a crawl space, the line between the earth and the foundation of the home can become blurred.

Crawl space moisture can become a serious issue if certain factors go unchecked. Often, it is avoidable. An effective waterproofing system can help direct moisture away from the foundation of your home. But even if your home has been thoroughly waterproofed, a leak in the plumbing can cause issues, too.

Still, sometimes excess crawl space moisture emerges due to factors that are less in our control. For instance, our area is prone to long periods of excess moisture. After heavy rain, the saturated groundwater can seep under your home. There is also the threat of condensation.

Why Is It a Problem?

The worst mistake you can make would be to downplay the danger of crawlspace moisture. Excess moisture in your crawlspace can imperil both your health and the structural integrity of your home.

To start with the former, mold tends to thrive in moist environments. You might think that mold in your crawlspace can’t pose much of a danger, but keep in mind that up to 50% of the air down there will end up in your home. If there’s mold in your crawlspace, it can wreak havoc on your respiratory health.

But how does crawlspace moisture compromise your home’s structure? Keep in mind that your crawl space houses your home’s support beams. A moist environment will cause these beams to rot, and the cost of repairs in cases such as these can be exceptionally high.

What Can I Do About It?

Now that we’ve established the causes and consequences of crawl space moisture, you’re probably wondering what you can do about it. The good news is that there are more resources to help combat crawlspace moisture than ever before.

One of the best solutions is to invest in a sump pump. These devices can do wonders to help you remove water from your crawl space before it has time to evaporate and cause damage. Combined with a crawl space dehumidifier, you can mitigate the risk of crawl space moisture dramatically.

If you continue to have issues, do not go without the help of a waterproofing professional. They can help get to the source of the issue, and cut it off by perfecting your interior drainage system.

Contact All Aspects Waterproofing Today for Your Waterproofing Needs

Whether you need a new sump pump installed or want to waterproof your entire basement, contact All Aspect Waterproofing, a Better Business Bureau A+ rated company with over 30 years of experience in the Washington, DC./Maryland/Virginia area. We have a great deal of experience in waterproofing, mold testing, and mold remediation, and we want to make you feel at home again. Contact us online or by calling 1-866-999-3110 or 301-766-4420. To see what we’re up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Houzz.