Top Reasons You Need Crawl Space Waterproofing in Springfield Missouri
Many people think of their crawl space as that area under their house that doesn’t get much attention. As long as they don’t go under there, then they won’t see any problems that they need to worry about.
When crawlspaces are clean, dry, and correctly insulated, they contribute to the overall efficiency and longevity of your home.
But out of sight and out of mind doesn’t mean that all is well. Here in the Ozarks, we get some pretty heavy rains from time to time.
If your crawl space is below grade, then a standing pool of water next to your foundation can lead to water intrusion into your crawl space and that can lead to some pretty nasty things.
The damage might not be instantly visible, but its gradual effects can be devastating.
Here are the top reasons why you don’t want water flooding into your crawl space and why you should invest in crawl space waterproofing in Springfield Missouri.
Weakened Foundation
Your crawlspace houses the foundational structure of your home. These foundational components, often made from wood or metal, can be severely damaged by persistent moisture. Water, over time, can lead to rust in metallic structures and rot in wooden beams.
The more water intrusion you get through and around your foundation walls, the more your foundation can weaken. This can cause cracks, leading to more water intrusion, leading to more problems.
It can also cause structural instability, uneven settling, and safety hazards, which will ultimately lead to a decrease in your property value.
Breeding Ground For Mold
If you have standing water or a consistent moisture source, you are going to get mold. Mold and mildew thrive in damp, dark places. Not only do they cause structural harm, but they also pose serious health risks.
Exposure to certain types of mold can cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and other health issues in the occupants of the house.
Air rises and mold spores are microscopic so they can rise through the smallest of cracks or holes into your home.
The air quality inside your home reflects what is happening below if you have a wet, dirty, mold-infested crawl space.
One third up to one half of the air inside your home comes from the lowest level. A crawl space full of ever growing mold due to the consistent water intrusion is going to impact the rest of the house.
Insects And Pests
Insects such as spiders, ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes, centipedes and termites love dark, wet crawl spaces. The more moisture you have in your crawl space, the more inviting it is to tons of wood destroying insects that like to eat and feed on the wood and ruin the structure of your home.
Foul Odors
Those insects and rodents that nest, feed, and breed in a wet crawl space always leave feces and some even die down there. All of those odors can rise into your home, leaving you wondering what that terrible smell is and where it is coming from.
Standing water or even persistent dampness in your crawlspace can also lead to unpleasant smells permeating your home. As moisture encourages the growth of mold and mildew, it can cause a musty, damp smell. These odors can seep into living areas, impacting the comfort and enjoyment of your home.
Increased Energy Costs
Moisture in a crawl space can lead to higher humidity levels throughout your home. This makes it harder for air conditioning systems to effectively cool the space, leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills.
Health Risks For Your Family
The presence of mold, mildew, insects, and pests in your crawl space can leave your family exposed. Exposure to mold spores and pest droppings can trigger allergies, respiratory problems and other health issues.
It should be clear that a dry, well-maintained crawlspace is essential for the health, safety, and efficiency of your home. So, what should a homeowner do?
It starts with regular inspections from a crawl space waterproofing company you can trust. It’s also vital to ensure that your home has adequate crawl space waterproofing measures in place.
Depending on how much water you have, this might involve professional crawlspace encapsulation, installation of a sump pump, or application of sealants to prevent water ingress.
Don’t risk your family’s health, or the structural integrity of your home. You don’t have to go down into your crawl space if you don’t want to, but let Dog Gone Waterproofing inspect it for you to make sure your family and your home are safe and you have no water issues intruding your home.
Preventing water accumulation in your crawlspace is not just about avoiding minor inconveniences. It’s a necessary measure to protect the structural integrity of your home, ensure the health of its occupants, maintain energy efficiency, and preserve your home’s overall value.
Act before it’s too late. Let the crawl space waterproofing professionals at Dog Gone Waterproofing make sure you have a dry, safe, and efficient crawlspace for a long-lasting, healthy home.