Standing Water in Pocahontas, AR
Challenge
Homeowner Albert B called Crawl Space Solutions of Arkansas due to having standing water in his crawlspace.
Solution
Most times, water in the crawl space gets there one of three ways: a plumbing leak, water seepage from the surrounding soil (usually after heavy rain), or condensation. Humidity condenses on cold surfaces, like ducts, and drips onto the crawl space floor.
Puddles of water in the crawl space aren’t good, but the water itself won’t ruin your home. It’s the water vapor (or moisture) that causes rot, mold, energy loss, and attracts pests. And these problems don’t just stay in your crawl space. As much as 50% of the air upstairs comes from below - this means mold spores, musty smells, and humid air that dust mites love.
3 major problems caused by a wet crawl space
Pooling water in the crawl space is obvious and so is damage such as mold and rot. What’s not as obvious is the ways a wet or damp crawl space can impact your health and the rest of the home.
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Higher Energy Bills
A home with a dirt crawl space costs more to heat and cool. The reason for this is damp air takes more energy to heat or cool and more energy used means higher energy bills.
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Mold
Mold loves moisture. And mold loves to eat dead organic materials, like wood, paper, and cardboard. The bad news is most crawl spaces have lots of moisture, as well as wood and other organic materials for mold to grow on.
Mold also likes to eat dead insects and there are usually lots of those in the crawl space too. Vents in the crawl space provide an open invitation for insects and pests. Vents also let in moisture, creating the ideal home for mold.
What’s worse is mold releases airborne spores that eventually make their way upstairs. Mold in your crawl space isn’t good for your health or your property value. Nobody wants to buy a house with mold.
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Dust Mites & Pests
Dust mites thrive in humid environments, so they love homes with a dirt crawl space underneath. Dust mites are microscopic parasites that live in your bedding, carpet, and furniture. Dust mite droppings float in the air and can trigger allergies and asthma. Other pests, like termites, spiders, mice, rats, and snakes love damp, dirt crawl spaces too.
