If you can't see it, you won't remember it. This way of thinking appears to be widespread, particularly when it comes to parts of your home that you don't enter very frequently, such as your crawl space or attic. Unfortunately, if you do not properly maintain your crawl space, it will eventually cause you problems that will make your home uncomfortable, inefficient, and susceptible to damage from moisture.

Is it acceptable to have a crawl space that's damp?

There should not be any water or moisture of any kind in your crawl space, as this should cause you concern. Dampness is frequently the precursor to a wide variety of issues, such as the development of mold, the production of musty odors, the presence of pests, structural damage, and damage caused by water. All of these are significant problems, the solutions to which may end up costing an arm and a leg in the long run.

Will there no longer be water in the crawl space?

The short answer is "No," which means that the water in your crawl space will not disappear if you do nothing to fix the problem. There are a number of potential sources of moisture in your crawl space, including leaking pipes, foundation wall cracks, or even the ground itself.

What are the warning signs of a water problem in the crawl space?

Mold growth on wood surfaces and HVAC ducts, wood rot, termite damage, and buckling hardwood floors are common symptoms of issues that are caused by water in the crawl space. Other symptoms include termite damage. If your home has a dirt crawl space but it hasn't been encapsulated, this can allow ground moisture to seep into the crawl space, which in turn can raise the level of humidity in your home.

How can we resolve the issues with water in the crawl space?

Installing a full drainage system in your damp crawl space is the solution to the problem. The presence of standing water in the crawl space can result in the growth of mold and mildew, as well as rot in the wood, which can cause structural damage as well as health issues. Groundwater, leaking pipes, and heavy precipitation are all potential sources of water in your crawl space. 

What are some effective ways to dry out my crawlspace?

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. Place a source of low heat, such as a light bulb, inside the crawl space, and position one or more electric fans in a location where they will blow air across damp surfaces. This will expedite the drying process.