Water Damage in Crawlspaces

4/2/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded Crawlspace

Water Damage in Crawlspaces

When water is able to enter the crawlspace under a home, it can cause substantial damage. Here are some of the common ways that water intrudes a crawlspace, as well as measures to prevent it from happening.

• Drainage Around the Home

You want the ground to slope away from your home, creating positive drainage. If water pools up around the foundation it can over saturate the ground, and there’s a risk of it seeping through the foundation and going into your home.

• Streams or Rivers

If you live near a stream or river, you are at risk of flooding. Storms or large amounts of run-off can cause streams to come out of their banks, and reach nearby structures. It doesn’t necessarily mean you will encounter flooding inside the living space of your home. But the water can seep through the foundation and go into your crawl space.

• High Groundwater Table

The groundwater table varies greatly in Casper, from neighborhood to neighborhood. If you live in a low-lying area with a high water table, your crawl space could have continuous water intrusion problems. Sump pumps and drain tiles may help relieve the problem.

• Water line leakage

It is common for household plumbing to run through crawlspace areas, as it allows easy access to all rooms in the home. At any time, pipes can develop cracks or pin-hole leaks. Because these types of leaks are slow, and homeowners rarely go into their crawlspace, large amounts of water can accumulate over time. The increased humidity in the crawlspace may cause condensation on wood framing, which could encourage mold growth. The best way to avoid these problems is to inspect crawlspaces on a monthly basis.

• Downspout Issues

Downspouts and gutters are designed to collect water from the roof and direct it away from the house. If a gutter becomes blocked, or a downspout is disconnected, the water may build up along the edges of the house. This water eventually enters the crawspace through foundational seepage. Keeping gutters free of debris, and repairing damage when it is discovered, will help keep the water away from your home.

If you should get water in your crawlspace, SERVPRO of Casper can help. Call us for a free inspection, or emergency service.