Is Your Crawl Space Ready For Storm Season?
When Is Hurricane Season?
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with most storms hitting Virginia typically in August and September. The most common natural disaster that Virginians face is flooding, whether from hurricanes or heavy rainfall. Even just 1 inch of water can cause around $25,000 in damages. While you can’t control the weather, there are things you can do to mitigate the risk of your crawl space flooding.
If you’ve been putting off waterproofing your crawl space and are tired of dealing with moisture damage and flooding, reach out to Summit Waterproofing for professional waterproofing services today. Contact us at 703-291-1516 or submit a contact form to schedule your free crawl space inspection.
How To Prevent Crawl Space Flooding In Rainy Season
There are several ways to waterproof your crawl space depending on your home’s needs. Once they’re all working together, your crawl space will be prepared for this hurricane season.
Drainage
A crawl space drainage system helps collect water as it enters the crawl space and directs it to a controlled exit point. Instead of letting water spread across the space and create ongoing moisture problems, the system moves it where it can be properly managed.
Encapsulation
Crawl space encapsulation seals the area beneath your home to help control moisture, humidity, and outside air movement. By reducing exposure to ground moisture and outside air, encapsulation creates a more controlled environment that helps protect your home’s structure and improve the air quality inside.
Sump Pump
The sump pump is the heart of a crawl space water proofing system. It works by channeling the water through the perimeter drainage system to the sump pump system, which then quickly pumps the water out of your home. We typically recommend adding battery backup protection so that the space stays dry when it’s needed most.
Vapor Barrier
A heavy-duty vapor barrier is installed across the crawl space floor and extended up the walls. This helps reduce moisture rising from the ground and adds an important layer of protection inside the crawl space.
Dehumidifier
After standing water is removed, a properly sized crawl space dehumidifier helps control humidity levels. This keeps the space drier and helps prevent moisture from returning as an ongoing problem. The size of the crawl space will determine the best dehumidifier to use.
Foundation Crack Repair
Over time, pressure builds up on the foundation walls and can lead to small cracks that allow water to seep through. If it’s not immediately dealt with, it can lead to significant damage and costly repairs.
Prepare for Power Outages
Hurricanes and power outages go hand in hand. The high winds, flooding, and heavy rains often knock down powerlines and damage power distribution equipment, leaving some homes without power for multiple days or longer.
When preparing for a possible power outage, be mindful of where flooding typically occurs in your crawl space and make sure that electrical equipment won’t be damaged to avoid any electrical hazards.
What Happens If You Don’t Waterproof Your Crawl Space
A crawl space that hasn’t been properly waterproofed is susceptible to all types of issues. They not only affect the crawl space, but the rest of the house as well.
- Mold growth
- Musty smells
- Increased indoor allergens
- Attract termites and rodents
- Structural damage from prolonged water intrusion
- Soft or sagging floors above the crawl space
- High humidity levels inside the home
Protect Your Crawl Space with Our Waterproofing Services
Summit Waterproofing provides crawlspace waterproofing services throughout Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Alexandria, Arlington, Stafford and the surrounding areas. We perform thorough inspections to identify where water is entering, how moisture is building up, and what system is needed to fix it.
After the inspection, we provide a clear, detailed estimate so you know exactly what work is recommended and why.
Call 703-291-1516 or submit a contact form to schedule your free crawlspace waterproofing estimate today.
