3 Most Common Causes of Crawl Space Problems

Unfortunately, crawl space problems are a common nuisance for many homeowners in Ohio and Northern Kentucky. Since the winters bring lots of wet snow, water can easily find its way under your home and cause problems. Even if you keep your crawl space dry and clean from debris, damage can still occur. For many people, their crawl space is an area that tends to go overlooked, but it is the source of the majority of the air you breathe in your home. If your crawl space is causing your home problems, here are some of the common reasons why.
Common Causes of Your Ohio Home’s Crawl Space Problems

1. Initial Construction of Your Home
When contractors initially build your home, there are certain steps taken to effectively construct it in a way that keeps the structure safe and durable. Things such as digging a hole, pouring concrete footing, and laying out the foundation are all fundamental things that go into building a house. When your crawl space was first built, there’s a likely chance that no waterproofing measures were put in place to protect it. If your crawl space has a dirt floor that’s exposed to the elements, or any open crawl space vents, you could run into problems. Since your crawl space is susceptible to outside air and moisture, it can cause things such as wood rot, high humidity, mold and mildew, and pests.

2. The Stack Effect
On average, your crawl space is responsible for 50 percent of the air you and your family breathe. When this air becomes contaminated with toxins such as mold and mildew, musty smells circulating upwards, and dust, your loved ones could be at risk of developing respiratory issues. The stack effect is primarily due to the way your crawl space was constructed and allows warm air to rise through your floors and out through your roof. This can also cause your energy bills to skyrocket, humidity levels to elevate, and drafts throughout your home. By encapsulating your crawl space and sealing any open vents, you can prevent the stack effect from wreaking havoc on your home.

3. Moisture
One of the main culprits for crawl space damage, moisture, can find its way into your crawl space and cause a variety of problems. Whether through a dirt floor, crawl space vents, or the weather outside, it can create a multitude of damage to your crawl space and the rest of your home. Moisture can lead to an excess of humidity, mold and mildew, wood rot, pest infestations, and pooling water. By encapsulating your crawl space with a vapor barrier, installing a sump pump, and adding a dehumidifier to this space, you can ensure moisture stays out and under control.
Don’t Let Crawl Space Damage Affect Your Home. Choose OBA For Permanent Repairs.
If you’ve noticed mold in your home, high energy bills, condensation, or musty smells, you may be dealing with problems in your crawl space. Since your crawl space is located directly under your home, it can cause a slew of problems if damaged. By taking the proper precautions and encapsulating your crawl space with proven solutions from Ohio Basement Authority, you can ensure your crawl space stays dry and protected.
With years of experience, we’re proud to provide homeowners with tailored solutions for their homes. By calling and setting up a free inspection a member of our team will come out and diagnose the issues in your crawl space. We’ll then provide you with a no-obligation, written estimate of our repairs. Don’t hesitate to repair your crawl space. Call the experts at Ohio Basement Authority today!
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Crawl Space Damage Causes FAQs
The time required to fix crawl space drainage issues depends on the extent of the problem and the solutions implemented. After a thorough inspection, an Ohio Basement Authority professional will provide an estimated repair timeline. Our crews work efficiently to minimize disruption to your daily life.
Sudden spikes in utilities without changes in usage, cold floors, high indoor humidity, and musty smells could indicate crawl space trouble. Ohio Basement Authority determines the source of the problem and recommends customized repair solutions during a free inspection.
We do not recommend addressing crawl space moisture alone. Entering your crawl space by yourself can be hazardous, and DIY solutions from big-box stores are temporary at best. Professional services ensure a comprehensive and long-lasting solution. Ohio Basement Authority has the right tools, training, solutions, and protective gear. Contact us to learn more and to schedule a free inspection.
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