It's possible that you believe having a damp crawl space is normal given that it's a space below ground level and located underneath the house. After all, the ground goes through cycles of being wet and dry due to the passage of the seasons and the effects of weather patterns. But the reality is that a crawl space that is dry is by far the best option, and the sooner problems with a wet crawl space are resolved, the better.

What problems can arise if water gets into the crawl space of your home?

Standing water in the crawl space of any home can lead to mold and mildew growth, which, in addition to being a potential health hazard, can become the cause of rot and structural damage. If you are thinking about purchasing a home that has water standing in the crawl space, you should also be on the lookout for mold.

Is there a tool that can determine whether or not there is moisture present?

A moisture meter is an essential instrument that is used in a wide variety of industries to determine the amount of moisture that is present in different types of materials. Moisture meters are an essential tool for home and building inspectors, as they are used to detect the presence of potential issues and damage in structures caused by an accumulation of moisture.

Is it typical for crawl spaces to have standing water after it rains?

Even though a flooded crawl space following heavy rains may be an all-too-common occurrence in many homes, this circumstance is not typical. In principle, the crawl space beneath the house is intended to maintain its dryness regardless of the external climate. Otherwise, there will be damage caused by water.

Is there water in the crawl space after a storm? 

When you have to deal with a flooded crawl space, there is an especially large number of things that need to be taken care of after any kind of storm damage. Learning what to do first can make a significant difference in terms of both personal safety and the ability to retrieve lost property. 

Before going into the crawl space, make sure that the electricity has been turned off to the lower levels of your home. Take pictures of the water damage in the crawl space to document it for the insurance adjuster. Also, if you have any valuables that have been stored away and there is a chance that they can be salvaged, you should contact a restoration company.

What are some effective ways to dry out my crawl space?

It might take anywhere from eight to ten hours to completely dry out a crawl space that has been flooded. Warm air that is moving picks up moisture more readily than still air does. To speed up the drying process, place a source of low heat, such as a light bulb, inside the crawl space and position one or more electric fans where they'll blow air across damp surfaces.