Crawl spaces are seen in some homes, especially older ones. The space between the interior floor and the ground is called the crawl space. It is usually a gap of around a foot or more. Its purpose is to offer access to any under-floor plumbing or utilities. However, the crawl space is prone to water damage. The crawl space is out of sight and can be ignored for long. But, water or moisture in the crawl space can lead to many problems.
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Crawl space water damage can cause structural weakening of the building, pest infestations, and mold growth. If the HVAC system is located in the crawl space, mold can circulate throughout the home and compromise the air quality. Water damage repair is essential when there is water damage in the crawl space. Be Happy Restoration Services offers water damage repair in Mesquite and neighboring areas in Texas. This article by Be Happy Restoration Services explains how to deal with crawl space water damage.
How can water accumulate in the crawl space?
-Broken water heaters
-Cracks or gaps in the foundation allow groundwater to seep through
-Flooding when there is heavy rainfall
-Leaking sewer drain lines
-Overwatering the lawn or plants
-The slope of the landscape that is toward the foundation of the house instead of away from it
-Water directed towards the foundations from incorrectly installed gutter downspouts
Like any other flooding, water in the crawl space needs to be handled cautiously. Since any floodwater is considered contaminated, especially if sewage water is present, water damage repair is best carried out by a professional water damage expert. Trained personnel will use protective devices and specialized equipment for water damage repair, making the process safer.
Steps to take during water damage repair in crawl spaces
Identify source
Identifying and stopping the water source is essential to prevent the problem from recurring. If this is difficult, water damage repair professionals might be of assistance. They have devices that will help identify the source.
Remedies for the water damage
A sump pump or wet vacuum may be used to remove standing water. Electricity must not be used around pooled water to avoid danger. An electrician or remediation professional can assess the situation to determine its safety. Moisture in the air and porous surfaces can be removed using a dehumidifier. This moisture is invisible but can cause mold growth. Water damage repair technicians use industrial-grade dehumidifiers that will dry the area swiftly and thoroughly, which will help reduce the risk of mold growth.
Assess for mold growth
The risk of mold growth is high if water has been present in the crawl space for 48 hours or more. Especially when drywall, soil, or other porous surfaces are present, mold will grow fast. Soil or drywall infested by mold will need to be replaced. Mold may be visible, or a musty odor may indicate its presence. Even if these signs are not noticed, if water has been present for a long time, it is best mold remediation is done by professionals.
Preventing future crawl space water damage
The problem that is causing water damage must be solved first. Depending on what the conditions are, further steps may be taken. Repairing cracks in the foundation or installing a dehumidifier may help prevent water damage in the future. Sometimes sealing the crawl space with an encapsulation system can help. Water damage repair professionals have the expertise and experience to assess the condition and provide solutions for water damage problems in the crawl space.
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Be Happy Restoration Services in Mesquite, TX, offers restoration services to those dealing with water, fire, flood, mold, and other damages. The Be Happy Restoration Services team makes water damage repair a fast and stress-free process. They aim to offer services that help people affected by property damage to resume everyday life as swiftly as possible. Homeowners needing water damage repair in Mesquite, TX, can dial (214) 616-9951 to get immediate help from Be Happy Restoration Services.
