Keeping Basements and Crawlspaces Dry -Ellicott City, MD

Many people don't think much about basements or crawl spaces unless something catastrophic occurs. Having to deal with water damage would result in hundreds of dollars in losses. Having neglected to prevent it now, it might have proved regrettable. You may experience flooding in your crawl space or basement if you live in a flood-prone area or if it is poorly constructed. During rain, snow, or pipe bursts, water pools around your house. Wet soil around the foundation expands and shifts, causing foundation damage. Therefore, you are at risk of mold growth, electrical hazards, and structural damage.

Moisture Control Tips for Crawl Spaces and Basements

Take preventative measures to avoid water damage to your home's foundation. Follow these tips to prevent water damage.

Keep your sump pump maintained.

A sump pump is used to remove water that rises from the ground in a crawl space or basement. They are usually installed in basements or crawl spaces. Check your sump pump annually and schedule a service appointment.

Consider Purchasing a Dehumidifier

Open the windows and turn on the fans to ventilate a large basement. Dehumidifiers should also be installed, preferably in an easily accessible location. Under-house dehumidifiers are a great way to actively remove moisture from a room. A dehumidifier is especially effective at removing water that has penetrated deeply into materials. It is a good idea to use a dehumidifier designed specifically for crawl spaces.

Keep Roofs and Gutters Maintained.

Take the time to clean your gutters and roof of leaves and moss. A buildup of debris in the drainage system restricts water drainage, resulting in mold growth.

Roofs need to be protected from water damage. Maintaining your roof, downspouts, and gutters will prevent water from entering your home.

Use Moisture Barriers

In order to avoid moisture entering your crawl space, you can install vapor barriers. This can prevent dampness from entering your crawl space. The moisture barriers should be installed continuously. Punctures in the barrier will not cause any problems because only a small amount of moisture will pass through.

Repair and Seal Cracks

Cracks in the floor of your crawl space can allow water to enter and wreak havoc. You should have your space inspected to ensure any weak areas are sealed and moisture cannot enter. Ensure the mortar joints of your home are not decaying. In case of a problem, fix it right away.

Ensure That Pipes Do Not Burst or Freeze

You should completely seal and insulate your crawlspace, dryer vent, and basement. You can keep your pipes from freezing if the temperature drops suddenly by insulating them. Pipes can freeze and burst in any weather. An abrupt drop in temperature or inadequate insulation around pipes can cause water damage. Freezing water expands, causing an explosion inside a pipe due to high pressure.

Water damage is not uncommon for people to see and experience. Water can cause significant damage to a household and can also affect a person's health. It adversely affects a person's stress level and financial situation. By being aware of their effects, we can prevent their effects as much as possible. It is better to prevent a problem than to spend a lot of time and money trying to fix it. Ensure that you review and check off every item on your list to avoid problematic scenarios.

Whenever you are dealing with water damage in your home, give Restoration 1 of Ellicott City a call. Our experts are ready to help you!