A wet crawl space can be a major problem for any homeowner.
Why?
Because water and moisture build-ups cause several issues:
- rotting wood
- rusting metal
- mold growth
- pest infestations
Each of these poses its own dangers. Weakened wood and metal compromise the structural integrity of your property. Pests can bite through cables, find a way into your home and bring hygiene risks. And mold growth may harm you and your family’s health if left to spread.
That’s why every homeowner must keep their crawl space dry. But what’s the best way to do this?
Remove Water and Clean the Crawl Space
This is the most obvious and, perhaps, a vital part of dehumidifying your crawl space.
Removing water, lingering moisture and condensation from the areas affected is a challenge without the proper equipment. That’s why so many homeowners leave this task to water removal/water damage restoration specialists instead of trying it alone.
Any mold growths must be extracted too. Even trained professionals exercise extreme caution when removing mold, especially if it’s black. This is the most dangerous type and creates greater health risks than more ‘standard’ molds.
The crawl space should be cleaned thoroughly to eliminate all traces of water damage.
Identify Entry Points for Water
Explore your crawl space and look out for any entry points through which water may pass. This includes leaking pipes and/or cracks in the foundation.
Make sure any entry points are sealed to prevent further moisture entering the crawl space — don’t be afraid to bring professionals in to do this for you. You want to feel reassured the area will stay dry and safe. Working with experts delivers that peace of mind.
Dry the Crawl Space Out with the Proper Equipment
Dehumidifying a crawl space effectively demands the right equipment. This enables specialists to sap moisture from the air and bring humidity levels down to a safer level.
This cultivates a drier crawl space and minimizes the risk of further problems, including mold growths (which thrive in humid conditions).
The amount of time required to dehumidify a crawl space varies based on the extent of water damage and resulting mold infestation. A more mild case demands less attention, especially if the problem is addressed immediately.
But extra time may be necessary if the crawl space needs severe remediation and drying out following prolonged exposure to moisture.
Taking the time to dehumidify your crawl space is fundamental. Never leave water and mold to ruin yours. Your home, your health and that of your family may be at risk if you do.
Take the First Step to a Dry Crawl Space
Want to learn more about dry out and repairs services in San Jose?
SJ Restoration is an insurance-approved, fully-licensed, bonded vendor. We work with a network of reliable affiliates with valuable experience in drying crawl spaces out, removing water, dealing with storm damage and more.
Take action to protect your crawl space and property today. Call SJ Restoration to find out how we can help now!