We've talked at length about basements, and how to keep your basement dry and safe from damage, but crawl spaces have gotten a bit left out. Below is everything you need to know when planning for your crawl space, preparing for heavy rains, or treating a current water-problem in your crawl space.

Basements are in-ground, concrete additions to the home, and when finished can be used as another living space, or a controlled storage area. Crawl spaces, on the other hand, are quite shallow (usually less than 5 ft), above-ground, and give you direct access to all the inner-workings of your home, including all of your pipes. A combination of concrete, cinder blocks, and wood is used to create the crawl space, and it can be more susceptible to water. To keep your crawl space damage-free, here are 4 things you can do:

1) Regular Maintenance

This is almost always our number 1 tip. Pipe leaks and HVAC malfunctions are the most likely source of unwanted water in your crawlspace, simply because they're in the perfect location. To prevent leaks or other water issues, regular maintenance is key.

2) Seal Cracks

While you're crawling around checking your pipes or replacing a couple pieces of machinery, take an extra minute to identify any cracks or non-insulated areas where moisture seems to grow. Sealing these up before they become worse can save you thousands of dollars in the future.

3) Dehumidifier

Sometimes, even with a well-sealed and insulated area, water collects. If you're noticing small amounts of moisture hanging around in your crawl space, installing a dehumidifier can regulate the amount of water in the air, and keep your crawlspace at an ideal level of dryness.

4) Emergency Action Plan

Finally, it's always good to have a "just in case" plan. Accidents outside our control can happen, even when we follow all the correct steps, which is why it's important to have an Emergency Action Plan. This can include having a French Drain in your crawl space, which uses a trench system to divert water away from this area, or a sump-pump, which actively takes water from the area and deposits it elsewhere.

BioClean

If you're not totally confident in your crawl space's current set-up, contact us for a professional opinion and evaluation. BioClean can help you prevent your worst nightmare from becoming reality.