How Much Damage Can Standing Water Cause to Your Crawl Space?

Damaged Crawl Space - How Much Damage Can Standing Water Cause to Your Crawl Space graphic

How often do you think about your crawl space? Probably not very often, and probably for a good reason. They’re dank, uncomfortable parts of the home that don’t see much foot traffic. However, it might be in your best interest to change that. 

Most people don’t check on their crawl spaces very often. The problem is that crawl spaces can quickly become moisture traps. Moisture can get in from the outside, cling to wood, form condensation, and eventually form standing puddles of water. 

Over time, this excess moisture can lead to damage that could affect your entire home. Here’s what you need to look out for and how crawl space cleanout services can help.

Mold

An excess of moisture and a dark place are the best growing conditions for mold and mildew. Dead organic material, like wood, is particularly vulnerable to mold growth. As mold grows, it can release spores into the air that will work their way into your air supply and find your lungs. This spreading can negatively affect your health and lead to constant discomfort. 

Dust Mites and Other Pests

Dust mites thrive in humid environments, and one of their favorites is a dirt crawl space under the floor. While dust mites are common throughout the home, giving them one more place to live is never a good thing. 

The droppings they leave behind can get in the air and trigger allergies or asthma. Similarly, pests like spiders, termites, and rodents are attracted to humid spaces. If there’s standing water in your crawl space, get a crawl space cleanout before pests settle in.

Wood Rot

Most crawl spaces are made of wood. As moisture condenses on the wood in your crawl space, wood rot can occur. Wood rot is a fungus, like mold, but it can severely damage the wood in your crawl space. 

A damaged crawl space can lead to structural problems in the home, like sagging floors and jamming doors or windows. If left alone for long enough, your floors could potentially collapse from lack of support. Before repairs become a necessity, consider getting a crawl space cleanout to eliminate the issue. 

Higher Energy Bills

Humidity in your crawl space presents a challenge for your HVAC system. While moisture makes it easier to heat, your cooling system will struggle against the excess water in the air. 

The harder your cooling system works to cool down your home, the more it will cost you in energy bills. A harder working cooling system isn’t good for your unit’s lifespan, either. More work means more wear and tear, and that means a shorter life for your cooling system overall.

Professional Crawl Space Cleanout in Seattle

Attic Projects Seattle can help you with your troublesome crawl space today. With our crawl space cleanout service, we can remove debris and pests, repair damage, and decontaminate the area to be usable again. Call or contact us today to schedule service, and we’ll be there to help!

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