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Tag Archives: Crawl Space

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Dry Solutions for a Wet Crawl Space

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If you have standing water or a consistently wet crawl space, it spells trouble and headaches for you both now and in the future.

Learn what you can do to dry up the crawl space and enjoy a safer, healthier home.

Causes of a Wet Crawl Space

There are a number of reasons for a wet crawl space. Some of them include:

  • Heavy rains
  • High humidity
  • Sewer backup or clogged sewer lines
  • Leaking pipes
  • Poor air circulation and/or ventilation
  • Poor drainage
  • Broken sump pump

Wet Crawl Space Damage

The longer you wait to remedy the wet conditions in your crawl space, the higher the risk of expensive damage to your home.

Some of the damage to your home may include:

  • Damage to electrical or plumbing fixtures found in the crawl space
  • Damage to wood and structural components of your home located in the crawl space
  • Foundation damage
  • Wood rot
  • Active, spreading mold
  • Sagging interior floors
  • Permeating, lingering musty or foul odors
  • Pest and/or rodent infestation

Additionally, there are health concerns to consider:

  • Illness, breathing issues or allergic reactions to mold and rodent droppings
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Cold-like, allergy symptoms such as sinus pain, watery eyes, and coughing/sneezing

Drying Up Water in a Crawl Space

The first thing to do is remove as much of the water as soon as possible. The most effective way to remove excess water from a crawl space is either by using a wet/dry vac or water extraction pump.

The next step is to dry the area. Letting the crawl space air dry is not an option because it takes too much time. Concrete pads, dirt floors and wooden support beams absorb and retain water quickly and stay moist for a long time.

After vacuuming up the water, running a dehumidifier or two will help remove the moisture and humidity from the crawl space. Drying the space completely as quickly as possible is very important to prevent mold and mildew.

Identifying and Correcting Wet Conditions

After cleaning and drying the crawl space, your next goal is to find and correct the issue causing the problem.

Whether it’s due to leaking pipes, a broken sump pump, or poor drainage, the problem needs to be repaired as soon as possible. If there are unidentified reasons or several causes for the excess water, you should contact a professional water clean-up service for assistance.

Conclusion

A flooded crawl space is nothing to ignore because the damage to your home and health are far too costly.

For assistance with crawl space clean-up, restoration, and repairs, call the professionals at RCS in Santa Rosa.

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Drying Out a Flooded Crawl Space

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If your crawl space is left with standing water after a flood or heavy rains, drying the area out is a priority.

Leaving standing water to dry on its own will take too long and in the meantime, you’re at risk for mold, structural damage, damage to personal belongings or plumbing/electrical damage.

Here’s what you can do to dry a flooded crawl space quickly.

Remove Standing Water

If you have several inches of standing water, you either need to use a pump to suck up the water and direct away from the crawl space or call in professionals to remove the water for you.

For an inch or less of standing water, a wet-dry vac works well to suction up puddles and standing water.

Remove Damaged Items

As the water is pumped out or has already been removed, begin removing all water-soaked items stored in the crawl space.

Remove and discard insulation or anything that was damaged and floating in the flood water.

Drying the Crawl Space

Once the water has been removed, it’s time to dry things out. Everything in the crawl space needs to be dried including the crawl space floor, wood support beams and any other soaked structural components.

Before starting the drying process, check to make sure that you’ve sopped up as much of the water as possible and removed all water damaged items.

Prior to bringing in drying equipment, make sure electrical wiring and/or outlets are safe and functioning. If any wires or electrical components were damaged, call in an electrician to make sure everything is safe.

To avoid potential contamination of the air and your drying equipment by disturbing mold spores so they go airborne, fill a bucket with a cup of white vinegar and warm water.

Use the mixture to wipe down surfaces, support beams and anything else that was affected by standing water. This helps kill bacteria and mold to prevent further contamination.

Plan to run a dehumidifier for the next few hours to pull the humidity out of the air which helps speed up the drying process. Set the dehumidifier to lower humidity levels to hit between 35% to 45%. It can take an entire day or more to completely dry the space after a flood.

Fans may or may not help depending on the circumstances. While you believe the fan will help circulate air, it may make humidity levels worse.

Experiment with the drying process by using fans or if a stand-alone dehumidifier works better.

Crawl Space Flooding Prevention Tips

You really only need to experience crawl space flooding once to take preventative action.

One of the things you can do is to check drainage to make sure water is effectively moving away from your crawl space.

Check gutters and downspouts for clogs or damage that may be preventing water to move without obstruction on its way away from your home.

Installing a sump pump is another option if you are prone to standing water or reside in an area more susceptible to flooding.

If you struggle with flood water issues in your crawl space and are looking for more effective and permanent solutions, reach out to a professional crawl space clean up company who can help you put a plan together.

They may recommend installing flood vents or encapsulating the crawl space to address frequent moisture and humidity problems, in addition to flooding issues.

Conclusion

Keeping your crawl space dry is the key to a healthy, mold and toxin-free home.

For suggestions, answers, and real solutions, reach out to RCS in Santa Rosa, your flood damage repair and restoration experts.

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Crawlspace Cleaning this Spring

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Now that the weather is heating up, it’s time for inspection and spring cleaning of your crawlspace.

Read on to understand why it’s important to keep the crawlspace clean, and spring-cleaning maintenance tips for you to check off.

Maintaining Structural Integrity

Maintaining structural integrity of your home is critical. Keeping structural components like support beams located in the crawlspace dry, free from mold and damage from the elements keeps your foundation strong.

Protection of Utility Lines, Connections and Hook Ups

Much of the access to real-time lifelines of your home are located in the crawl space.

It’s time to check on the plumbing, gas hook ups, electrical and HVAC ducts or ventilation systems.

If mold is growing in the crawlspace, it can negatively affect the overall air quality in your home. This can spell disaster for anyone suffering from breathing or lung issues.

Common Crawlspace Problems

With extra rain and springtime humidity, conditions are perfect for fungus and mold to take root, grow and spread quickly.

After months have gone by without checking the crawlspace, trash and yard debris blow into and accumulate there. It’s important to remove all the trash because it can interfere with the function of mechanicals stored below.

Trash and debris also appeals to pests and rodents looking for nesting materials.

Speaking of rodents and pests, they like to live in crawlspaces to protect themselves from predators and provide extra shelter from the elements.

It’s important to remove nests and dry up wet standing water where insects can breed and reproduce.

Spring Crawlspace Checklist

Trash and Debris Removal. To include loose trash, broken pipes, disturbed or loose insulation, dead animals, and nests.

Cleaning. Removal and cleaning of mold and fungus growing on support beams, HVAC ducts and from any other visible location.

Drying. Using a wet dry vac or fan, vacuum up or air-dry standing pools of water.

Ventilation. Check to make sure crawlspace is getting enough ventilation for proper airflow which keeps the space dry and protects mechanicals and insulation from mold.

Repairs. Check for and repair leaking pipes, cracks, and holes.

Replace. Replace missing or damaged insulation.

This is also an opportunity to replace a missing or damaged vapor barrier, which helps prevent damage from moisture and humidity.

Professional Crawlspace Services

While an inspection and DIY cleaning may be enough for you to handle yourself this spring, there may be too much damage or required repairs that a professional can better handle.

Crawlspaces are typically small and difficult to navigate. If you suffer from health or physical limitations, it may be extremely challenging for you to address everything needed to keep your space clean and well maintained.

A professional crawlspace cleaning service has special equipment to find sewer/water leaks, measure moisture levels, clean pest, and rodent urine/droppings, completely dry/ventilate the area and address vapor barrier and dampness concerns.

Conclusion

This spring, make it a point to clean and restore your crawlspace for improved efficiency of your mechanicals and for top level HVAC air quality with mold-free, clean air circulation.

In Sonoma County, schedule an inspection with the crawlspace cleaning experts at RCS. After our thorough inspection and clean out, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from a safe and clean crawlspace and home all season long.

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3 Ways to Prep Your Crawl Space for Fall

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As summer comes to a close, it’s vital that you prepare your crawl space for the fall. Below you’ll learn more about frequent fall crawl space issues and few ways you can prevent them.

Common Crawl Space Problems During the Fall

One regular issue during this season is mold. Because crawl spaces are enclosed, they can collect mold spores easily. With the humidity inside crawl spaces, these particles can quickly spread and encourage mildew. Over time, it could get sent up into your home which can contaminate the air and lead to respiratory issues.

Another problem is pests. As outdoor food sources start to slow down, some pests might investigate your crawl space in search of some. This can be especially problematic if you keep trash cans and edible debris in it. Not only can this invite diseases into your crawl space, but it could lead to structural damage if they start chewing on or burrowing into the walls.

3 Tips for Prepping Your Crawl Space for Fall

Add a Vapor Barrier: You might want to add a vapor barrier to your crawl space. This sheet creates a thin yet powerful layer around the walls and floors preventing moisture and pests from sneaking into it.

Check for Cracks: Another critical thing to do is inspect the crawl space for cracks. These might seem like a minor issue, but even the smallest one can invite water and moisture into the section. Because there isn’t a place for it to go, the water and moisture will linger inside. This could lead to structural damage and mold growth.

Because of this, do a thorough inspection of the crawl space, especially around the edges. If you notice anything in the walls, flooring, vents, or doors make sure to seal them immediately.

Add a Ventilation System: It’s important that your crawl space has adequate ventilation. This ensures that the space doesn’t collect moisture. It also prevents contaminated air from traveling into your home’s ductwork. While you can have a major ventilation system installed, you could also plug in an air purifier. This can remove allergens and other debris from the air. It will also keep moisture out.

Getting your crawl space ready for fall is vital if you want to keep it in good condition. By keeping this information in mind, you can ensure it is. If you have questions about it or would like a professional to inspect the space, contact RCS in Sonoma County. We’ll be happy to answer any concerns you have and get your crawl space ready for the season.

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How Summer Affects Your Crawl Space

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As summer continues to linger, it can cause many issues for your crawl space. While this might not seem like a big deal, if your crawl space is having problems, it will eventually affect your home and health. Below is a bit more about how this season can wreak havoc on this area and a few things you can do to protect it.

Common Summer Crawl Space Concerns

Summer’s heat and humidity can result in moisture. This can make the crawl space very damp which can cause its temperature to fluctuate and encourage mold growth.

If not fixed, these issues can soon create even more concerns. These range from structural damage to poor home air quality.

3 Ways to Protect It

If you want to make sure these issues don’t happen, there are a few steps you can take.

Ensure There’s Proper Ventilation: The key to stopping summer crawl space problems is to make sure there’s good ventilation. One easy option is to blow a fan in it. This can keep it cool while drying out moisture.

Besides this, check that its vents are open. While they should be closed during the winter, during the summer they’ll keep air circulation flowing. This can significantly cut back on condensation.

Verify It’s Sealed: Another critical aspect to check is if the crawl space is sealed. If not, it could cause rain and other liquids to seep into it. If you’re not sure, look at the walls. Does a plastic sheet cover them? Do you notice thick caulking? If not, the space probably isn’t. You’ll want to seal it yourself or have a professional do so for you.

Install a Dehumidifier: A dehumidifier absorbs moisture by sucking it out of the air and then pushing it through its coils. After reaching the coils, the gadget will remove the condensation and then release the remaining air.

This makes it a critical tool to utilize in crawl spaces during the summer. You can plug one in and place it in the middle of the space for a few hours. You’ll want to check on it often and empty its bin so it works well.

Ideally, choose a dehumidifier designed specifically for crawl spaces. These tend to be more compact and powerful than ones built for regular indoor usage.

Summer can be a crawl space’s biggest nemesis. But, with these tips, you can work to fully protect your home.

If you’re worried the season might have already caused some crawl space problems, contact RCS in Sonoma County. Our team will be happy to inspect the area and get to work fixing any issues that might be of concern.

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3 Tips to Keep Your Crawl Space Maintained During the Winter

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A crawl space is an important part of the home that often goes unnoticed. While it’s located beneath you, it plays an important role in your living space’s air quality and how warm it stays during the winter.

It’s crucial that homeowners maintain this area during the winter for quite a few reasons. Below you’ll discover why it’s so vital and a handful of ways you can do so.

Why Should I Maintain My Crawl Space During the Winter?

Maintaining your crawl space during the winter is important because it will ensure cold temperatures don’t sneak into your home. It will also prevent freezing pipes and discourage pests from living in the space to stay warm.

3 Ways to Keep Your Crawl Space Maintained During This Season

Close Vents: One of the best ways to keep your crawl space maintained during the winter is to close its vents. The vents contain small openings that encourage air flow during the summer. However, if they stay open during the winter, it will only allow cold air to sneak in. Because of this, you’ll find your home might have chilly temperatures or that your pipes easily freeze.

To prevent this, always make sure to close your vents before the first frost. You might also want to seal them with caulking or cover them with a piece of plywood.

Check the Moisture Barrier: A moisture barrier is a thick layer that protects your crawl space from toxins, pests, and cold air. If you have one, it’s important to do periodic checks of it throughout the winter to ensure it’s holding up. If you notice tears in it or that it’s falling off of the wall, quickly fix it.

Apply Insulation: If you notice that your floors are cold or your home’s air seems to be a little chillier than normal, it could be due to your crawl space. The air circulating within it will eventually rise into your home. If the crawl space isn’t insulated, this cold air will make your home seem very frigid despite you having the heat on.

While you should ideally have insulation installed before this season, it’s never too late to add it. You can apply thick insulation around the walls to prevent cold air from blowing through your home. You could also contact a professional to assist with this process.

Maintaining your crawl space during the winter is important if you want to avoid fluctuating temperatures and frozen pipes. Around Santa Rosa RCS can assist with it by sending a team out to do inspections. We can also install insulation, moisture barriers, or clean up debris left behind by pests.