The presence of moisture in the home is something that every person should be on guard against. Moisture can lead to a danger you might not be aware of until it is too late. You and your family might begin to experience respiratory symptoms which can be really tough on children and the old. Any space with persistent moisture can be a breeding ground for mold, and one common site for this to occur, is in the crawl space. The problem does not have to get to that point if you deal with moisture right away, and keep mold to a minimum.
Look For Signs of Moisture
Start by checking your crawl space and nearby areas for leaks and wet spots. These could originate in different areas such as:
- Broken pipes
- Blocked drains
- Leaks in the roof, basement or the siding
Ideally you should hire someone like me for a whole home inspection. My home inspection process will catch problem areas you are unlikely to notice simply because you aren’t aware of the warning signs.
Evaluate the Problem
You need a full understanding of the damage caused by the moisture before you can proceed. Before you go into the crawl space make sure you have a dust mask and a good flashlight. You might also need protective clothing. Look for areas with rotting wood and mold. Pests may also be attracted to moist areas, and these can do even more damage.
Clean the Area
Anything you store in the crawl space can be affected by moisture. You will have to clear out the space completely to make any repair work easier. Clean up any rotting material you find. If there is any water collected, be sure to get these areas dried out. If you notice any mold, it is best to have a professional take care of this instead of using a household cleaning product. You will also need to call a pest control expert to deal with any insect infestation.
Keep it Dry
After the cleaning the crawl space, you will have to take steps to see that it remains dry. Once the moisture problem has been dealt with, you can use a dehumidifier in the crawl space. This is even more useful in areas with high humidity. Monitor the machine so that you will know when it is time to empty it.
Give me a call at 480-570-5615 if you’re in the Gilbert or east valley area and require the assistance of a home inspector.
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