Water in Your Crawl Space

Living in the mountainous regions of West Virginia, homeowners know all too well the havoc water can wreak. But you may not realize that excess water in your crawl space can cause extensive damage. From mold growth to structural issues, water in your crawl space demands immediate attention.

Luckily, the crawl space encapsulation experts at Basement Authority of West Virginia have the solutions to keep your home dry and safe from water damage. With over 20 years of experience serving Charleston, Huntington, and surrounding areas, we know how to tackle crawl space water issues.

This article will teach you all about managing water in your crawl space, the dangers it poses, and how proper encapsulation is the ideal remedy.

What is Water in Your Crawl Space?

Crawl space water refers to any excess moisture accumulating in the cavity between your home’s foundation and the ground. Unfortunately, your crawl space is vulnerable to water intrusion from multiple sources such as plumbing leaks and poorly set up downspouts.

The presence of water in your crawl space can lead to various problems, including:

This problem worsens over time, especially if the underlying issues are ignored. Basement Authority of West Virginia understands the nuances of crawl space issues and removes existing water, preventing future water intrusion.

What Causes Water in Your Crawl Space?

There are a few key contributors that allow water to invade and inundate crawl spaces, including:

Improper Drainage: Poor drainage surrounding your home enables rain and snowmelt to accumulate along the foundation. Downspouts, gutters, and graded slopes should redirect water away from your home; failure to do so lets it press against and permeate your crawl space walls.
Plumbing or Appliance Leaks: Equipment like water heaters, washing machines, HVAC units, and plumbing pipes are commonly located in crawl spaces. Leaks from any of these systems can rapidly flood a crawl space with water.
Flooding: Charleston’s fluctuating climate exposes homes to seasonal floods. High storm water, rising creeks, saturated groundwater, and other flooding redirect excessive volumes of water toward crawl space walls and vents.
Open Vents/Gaps: Standard cinder block foundation walls have open vents. Cracks or gaps also provide entry points for water. Vents and gaps make it easy for flooding, snowmelt, rain or groundwater to penetrate a crawl space.

During your free home inspection, Basement Authority of West Virginia will identify any contributing factors, verifying that the solution we implement will be a permanent fix that addresses all the root causes of water in your crawl space.

Can You Fix a Wet Crawl Space?

Yes – you can absolutely fix a flooded crawl space with professional help!

A flooded crawl space may seem like a lost cause, but solving crawl space water issues is completely doable. Ignoring the problem will only worsen decay and destabilize your home’s foundation.

Attempting homemade fixes seems convenient in theory. But water problems require professional-grade, whole-home solutions to resolve the root causes. Diversion and drainage systems, foundation repair, and encapsulation are complex, labor-intensive installations best left to the experts.

Our team at Basement Authority of West Virginia specializes in keeping crawl spaces dry and conditioned. For over 20 years, we’ve helped Charleston, Huntington, and surrounding homeowners remedy wet crawl space problems for good. Our proprietary products provide superior performance and longevity compared to basic retail options.

How Basement Authority of West Virginia Fixes Wet Crawl Spaces

Our proven process involves permanently waterproofing your crawl space from the inside out, including the following steps:

A thorough inspection to determine the causes and formulate a repair plan
Block off crawl space vents and replace access doors to prevent moisture intrusion
Place interior drainage throughout the perimeter to catch leaks and groundwater
Install a sump pump at the lowest point to collect and remove water
Cover the dirt floor with drainage matting to direct water to the drainage systems
Affix insulation panels to crawl space walls to control interior temperature
Encapsulate the crawl space with a vapor barrier to isolate it from the earth
Install a dehumidifier to control humidity levels
Schedule annual maintenance inspections for ongoing crawl space protection

This multi-step approach addresses both water intrusion and moisture accumulation for a dry, stable crawl space that stands the test of time.

Why Address Crawl Space Water Issues Now?

Acting promptly is key when facing crawl space moisture problems. Lingering water intake causes exponential damage as time passes, potentially leading to the following conditions:

Structural Instability: Wet wood in contact with soil quickly decays. Deteriorating floor joists, beam supports, and foundation materials compromise the structural integrity of your home.
Toxic Mold Growth: Flooded crawl spaces breed mold infestations. Mold releases hazardous spores that infiltrate home air quality and can cause severe health issues.
Pest/Termite Attraction: Standing water and moisture attract pests like termites and carpenter ants, furthering wood decay.
HVAC Inefficiency: Excess humidity overworks HVAC systems, resulting in higher energy bills plus a shorter equipment lifespan.
Musty Smells: Stagnant water and dampness create unpleasant, lingering odors throughout living spaces.

Don’t wait until major repairs become inevitable. Treat crawl space moisture immediately to prevent exponential home damage and maintain your property’s value.

Contact Basement Authority of West Virginia for Reliable Crawl Space Water Solutions

If your home shows signs of moisture damage or smells musty, contact Basement Authority of West Virginia right away. Contact us today to schedule your free crawl space inspection so our team can assess conditions and custom design an effective, warrantied encapsulation system tailored to your space.

With over 20 years serving West Virginians, no crawl space water problem is too big or small for our experts. Call today to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward a permanently dry, healthy crawl space.

FAQs

How can I prevent crawl space water?

To safeguard your crawl space against water, consider waterproofing solutions such as interior drainage and a sump pump. Complement these with moisture management and encapsulation techniques, including vapor barriers, dehumidifiers, and insulation, for all-around protection. Reach out to Basement Authority of West Virginia for a complimentary crawl space inspection and repair estimate.

Can I waterproof my crawl space alone?

While DIY approaches might seem appealing, they often fall short and can be risky, especially when accessing crawl spaces. Solutions from hardware stores typically offer only temporary relief and don’t address the root cause. It’s best to rely on professional services for enduring results. Contact Basement Authority of West Virginia for a no-cost crawl space inspection and estimate.

How much does it cost to waterproof a crawl space?

The cost of waterproofing a crawl space varies, depending on its size and the extent of required repairs. For a precise cost assessment, schedule a free inspection with a specialist from Basement Authority of West Virginia. We provide no-obligation estimates and flexible financing options.