Why is My Crawl Space Damp?

10/22/2021 (Permalink)

Wet crawlspace

You probably can’t remember the last time you looked inside your crawl space, but if the air in your living area stinks and feels damp, your hardwood floors are buckling, your carpets are wet, or your allergy symptoms are getting worse, the cause could be a moisture problem in your crawl space

Before you clean up or apply a fix, it’s good to understand why your crawl space is damp. The significant wetness causes are:

Surface water

When it rains, water from overflowing gutters, leaky basement windows, or grading issues can enter your crawl space.

Groundwater

Soil surrounding your home can get saturated after a heavy downpour. When this happens, water can seep through porous walls and end up in the crawl space.

Exposed dirt

Exposed dirt in the crawl space adds a lot of moisture to the crawl space air. The ground is damp, and as the damp soil dries, the water evaporates upward into the crawl space. This invisible flow of water vapor is constant.

Plumbing leaks

A burst pipe is another cause of a wet crawl space. Water may collect and sit for days until it evaporates. The standing water and increased moisture can lead to mold problems, rot, and attract pests.

Condensation

It occurs when moisture-filled air from the outside gets into the crawl space and cools, then condenses at a dew point. When the air cools, humidity can jump up to 90%. And that’s not good.

Remember, SERVPRO of Grand, Routt, and Rio Blanco Counties is ready to assist you if your Winter Park House has a damp crawlspace and help you get back to normal. Getting your home or business back to preloss condition as quickly as possible is our number one priority. We are a 24/7 emergency response. Call us today at 970-949-3235.