For the next 5 months, we are officially in hurricane season and are expected to see anywhere from 10 to 20 potential storms. Hurricanes and severe thunderstorms can potentially lead to extensive and expensive damage in and around your home, and while it’s important to stay calm, it’s also important to be prepared. We’ve put together information about how severe storms can affect your crawlspace, signs of damage to look out for, and how to prepare your home and crawlspace in advance.
Excessive Water
The health of your crawlspace can determine the health of your home inside. If your crawlspace is not correctly encapsulated or prepared, it can be significantly affected by a severe storm. These types of storms we experience in the summer produce excessive rain and warm, humid temperatures. If your crawlspace is vulnerable to this humidity and water infiltration, it can become the perfect place for mold, mildew, and even pests to grow and breed. Furthermore, a crawlspace that is not properly ventilated means this moisture has nowhere to exit and will continue to foster the growth of bacteria and other fungi. If left untreated, your home may be at risk of even bigger problems.
Structural Damage
When standing water is left in the crawlspace or basement of your home, it can affect the structural integrity of your house. Moisture can lead to wood rot, and with the growth of mold, there could be a danger of damaged floor joists. Even if you do not have moisture damage in your crawlspace, the foundation of your home can still be affected by summer storms. The soil around your home can expand due to oversaturation. This can put significant pressure on your home’s foundation, possibly resulting in shifts or cracks. Then, water can easily infiltrate your crawlspace and the damage could significantly worsen. It’s important to prepare your crawlspace for the worst, and to contact the crawlspace professionals at Sutton Specialty as soon as you notice any damage.
How to Prepare
Prior to a big storm, we encourage you to consider the condition of your crawlspace. If you have been contemplating crawlspace maintenance, or a new encapsulation, now is the time! Consider installing a dehumidifier to collect extra moisture that may be in the air, or if you struggle with drainage issues, a sump pump may be right for you. We also recommend cleaning your gutters to ensure proper drainage away from your home. Remember – the condition of your crawlspace can affect your home and your health, so be proactive!
Signs of Damage
After a severe summer storm, you should be on the lookout for different signs that your home’s foundation or crawlspace has been damaged. Since your crawlspace is not easily accessible, it can be easy to forget about it. However, other issues inside and around your home may indicate you have a problem below your house. Signs of crawlspace damage include:
- Cracked foundation
- Rotted wood
- Mildew or mold
- Sagging or uneven floors
- Sticking doors and windows
Sutton Specialty is proud to provide free crawlspace evaluations and quotes to our customers. We will inspect your crawlspace, help you determine what services are right for you, and provide quality, professional repairs and maintenance to improve the health and condition of your crawlspace to protect your home and your family. To get ahead of the storm season, contact us today, 252-320-2577.
