If you are worried that you may have some problems within your property’s crawl space, there are a few signs that you can look out for. If you see any of these red flags, it is time to call in an expert to have your crawl space assessed.
Excessive Humidity
Humidity in a crawl space is somewhat inevitable unless you have invested in proper encapsulation and waterproofing. However, excessive humidity can lead to many problems beyond discomfort and dampness and can be a sign of deeper issues within the structure of your home (in particular your home’s foundation).
If you notice that the walls of your crawl space are wet to the touch or there are droplets of water forming on the ceiling of the crawl space, the humidity level is far beyond normal and you should take steps to investigate the health of your property. You will likely find some structural damages if humidity has reached this level.
Standing Water
Standing water is a common problem in crawl spaces that have not been fully encapsulated, but there is a big difference between the standing water that commonly occurs after a heavy storm and persistent standing water with no discernible cause. If you have noticed that there are always pools of standing water in your crawl space, you likely have foundation damage.
It is also likely that your property is on very expansive soil which, when saturated, is putting pressure onto the foundation, causing it to crack. When deep cracks form in your foundation, water will have a direct line into your property’s crawl space. This will lead to dampness and humidity in summer and standing water in the wettest seasons.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are pretty much a given in any crawl space which has issues with dampness and standing water, no matter the source of the moisture. If you notice pockets of mold and mildew spreading across the ceiling of your crawl space, or there is a musty smell as soon as you enter the crawl space, this is a problem sign.
While mold and mildew seem fairly harmless, they can cause real trouble for your property and even your health. Certain species of mold can attract pests like mold mites and cockroaches while others can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues that range from uncomfortable to requiring medical intervention.