Basement and Crawlspace Water Damage Prevention in Peyton

Basements and crawl spaces are rarely given much thought until something catastrophic occurs. Just imagine dealing with water damage that costs hundreds of dollars. Now that it is too late, you may regret that you couldn't prevent it. If you live in a flood-prone area or the crawl space is improperly constructed, for instance, you are likely to have a flooded crawl space or basement. Water pools around your house when it rains, snows, or pipes burst, causing wet soil around the foundation to expand and shift, causing damage to your home. When this happens, you are at risk of mold development, electrical hazards, and structural damage.

Moisture Control Tips for Crawl Spaces and Basements

A preventative approach is the best way to protect your home's foundation from water damage. Here are some basic preventative measures.

Install Downspouts Correctly.

When installing downspouts, the eight-foot rule should be followed. Install it eight feet above the ground and ensure the water doesn't collect near your home's perimeter. You can also use a downspout extension to send water further away from your home. As a result, ground saturation levels near your property will be reduced, reducing the likelihood of foundation and basement leaks.

Keep your sump pump maintained.

Sump pumps are designed to remove water that rises from the ground before it damages the crawl space or basement. Sump pumps are often found in the basement or crawlspace. To keep your sump pump in good working order, learn how to check it and schedule an annual checkup.

Consider Purchasing a Dehumidifier

Open the windows and turn on the fans in a large basement to help ventilate it. You should also consider installing a dehumidifier, preferable in an area that is easily accessible. A high-quality under-house dehumidifier is an excellent way to actively remove moisture from a room. Dehumidifiers are particularly effective at drying and removing water that has penetrated deep into materials. It is helpful to choose dehumidifiers that are specifically designed for crawl spaces.

Keep Roofs and Gutters Maintained.

Remove all leaves, moss, branches, and other debris from your roof and gutters. As debris accumulates in the drainage system, it restricts water drainage and encourages mold growth.

You need to protect your roof from water damage. Maintaining your roof, downspouts, and gutters will help prevent water from entering your home.

Use Moisture Barriers

There are special heavy-duty materials, known as vapor barriers, that can keep moisture out of your crawl space. You can prevent dampness in your crawl space by covering its floor. You should always lay out moist barriers in continuous stretches. Minor punctures during the spreading out of the barrier will not cause a problem since they allow only a small amount of moisture to pass through.

Repair and Seal Cracks

Cracks in the floor of your crawl space can invite water into your crawl space and cause havoc. If your space is not structurally sound, it should be inspected and any weak areas sealed to prevent moisture from entering. Your home's walls should be inspected for cracks and decaying mortar joints. Any problems you find should be addressed immediately.

Ensure That Pipes Do Not Burst or Freeze

Make sure your home has adequate sealants and insulation, especially in crawl spaces, dryer vents, and basements. In the event of a sudden change in temperature, good insulation can prevent pipes from freezing. Frozen or burst pipes do not necessarily happen only in cold climates. A rapid drop in temperature or inadequate insulation around pipes leads to water damage. As water freezes, it expands and increases the pressure inside the pipe, ultimately causing it to explode. 

Water damage has been seen and experienced by many people. Water not only causes significant damage to an entire household, but it can also cause health issues. A person's stress level and finances are significantly impacted by water damage. Having knowledge of its effects, it is important to prevent it as much as possible. Preventing a problem is always better than spending a lot of money and investing a lot of time and effort to fix it. To avoid problematic scenarios, ensure that you review each item on your to-do list and check it off.

Give Restoration 1 of Peyton a call if your home has been affected by water damage, and let us help!