When it seems like every time it rains or gets humid outside, the lower level and crawl space in your home is damp, full of moisture and maybe even standing water.
Identifying the source of moisture and why it continues to be a recurring problem in these same areas is the first step to eliminating the problem for good.
Basements and Crawl Spaces = High Risk Areas
After or even during a rainstorm, you probably head straight to the basement to check for water. Despite taking preventative measures, you continue to combat moisture issues.
The common denominator for these moisture problems is water. The goal is to solve the mystery of how it’s getting inside your home.
If water enters the basement and/or crawl space and has no way to escape or dry out, moisture and dampness is going to continue to be your issue.
Unresolved moisture issues ultimately lead to bigger issues such as mold, odor, structural damage and pest infestations.
Breaking Down Potential Water Sources in High Risk Areas
Basements
If your gutters are failing, water slides down the sides of your home, pools around your foundation and gets inside. Make sure your gutters are clean, in good working order and downspouts direct water well away from the foundation of your home.
If you notice cracks in the basement walls, it’s another place where water is able to get inside. If there is carpet or cardboard boxes on the floor, the water will soak right in, remain wet and become moldy and musty.
Leaky pipes and faucets in the basement are another source for moisture and standing water problems.
Old basement windows may very well have broken or cracked seals allowing water to enter the home.
Crawl Spaces
Many of the same moisture issues that affect the basement also affect crawl spaces.
Excess moisture or water in crawl spaces may result from standing groundwater, failing gutters, faulty grading around the foundation, leaking pipes or leaky windows.
The bigger problem with crawl spaces is that you don’t check those spaces often, which gives water a chance to stand and pool without ever drying out.
Too much water in a crawl space causes damage to any insulation or mechanicals stored there. Standing water in a crawl space is a breeding ground for all kinds of insects or rodents, in addition to making conditions perfect for mold.
Call a Professional
When you’ve checked all the areas, repaired what you could see yet continue to experience water issues, call a professional to check the basement and crawl space areas. Keep in mind that dampness and moisture problems lead to bigger problems for you and your home down the road.
A professional service can find the source of the water, thoroughly dry affected areas and seal/drain the crawl spaces to prevent further problems and damage.
In Santa Rosa and surrounding Sonoma County areas, call RCS for expert moisture prevention recommendations, services and a free estimate.
