What Is A Crawl Space Good For?
A crawl space is a hollow area under a house between the ground and the first floor. It usually is only big enough for a person to crawl into it, hence the name. You may be wondering why you need to have a crawl space at all and whether it would be best just to seal it up. Well, the crawl space does have its advantages, especially if it is well built. The crawl space elevates your home so that it is above ground level, which is important in damp areas and also in areas that are termite-prone. You can also think of it as the “service area” of your home, the place where all the plumbing, ductwork, air conditioning and heating, and electric wiring are stored. They are kept there out of the way where it is convenient to maintain and service them. For example, if you have a leaking pipe, it is much easier to repair it in a crawl space than it would be if you had to find the specific pipe with the leak and excavate to repair it.
Crawl Space Water Damage
A disadvantage of the crawl space is obviously that it is on the ground, especially in damp areas. Crawl spaces are magnets for moisture, mold and also rodents. One issue with crawl spaces is that they must be well ventilated all the time to prevent moisture. A crawl space must be properly insulated or it will attract moisture and mold. These are the reasons that it is not a good idea to seal your crawl space. Another disadvantage is that the crawl space doesn’t offer your house any protection from inclement weather. So, not only do you have the possibility of pipes leaking in the crawl space and condensation, but you also have to worry about water damage from heavy rain and snow.
How To Repair Water Damage In Your Crawl Space
We always say that the best way to keep your crawl space in excellent condition is to prevent water damage. The way to do that is to inspect it regularly to make sure that it’s dry, intact and there’s no mold growing in it, especially after heavy rainfall.
Don’t forget that mold spreads and it will cause the structure of your house to rot if you leave it for too long. Make sure to have any water damage and mold removed as soon as you detect it.
If you have a crawl space that you suspect might have water damage or mold growing in it, please don’t hesitate to speak with our experts. We provide a full range of water damage restoration, mold removal, mold testing, and inspection services in Berkeley.
Save yourself time and money by having your crawl space inspected by professionals before it needs repairs.