Damp Crawlspace Frederick

You may not be worried when you discover that the crawlspace in your Frederick home is damp. It’s not exactly your basement, which is part of your house, but instead it’s constructed between the ground and the bottom of the home. A tiny bit of moisture in a crawlspace is no big deal, right?

Wrong. Unfortunately, water can cause serious complications in your home and we at AA Action Waterproofing advise you to take precautions to avoid the costly damage it can inflict. Because your crawlspace is directly below your home, and moisture that accumulates will inevitably travel upward, entering your home through the floorboards, drywall, and insulation. Not only is this a nightmare for the structural integrity of your home, but it can inflict health problems on you and your family—namely from mold and mildew.

To further the complications, your crawlspace is, well, a crawlspace. It does not necessarily have the depth of a regular basement, meaning it can be considerably smaller, and you may not even be able to stand up inside the small space. And since many of the homes in Frederick were built in the early 20th century, if the proper preventative measures haven’t been taken you may end up with a dirty, damp crawlspace.

Is A Damp Crawlspace Really That Bad?

Crawlspaces are unique parts of your home—they’re not quite inside, but they’re also not quite outside. Since it’s a bit of an in-between place, a small amount of water shouldn’t hurt anything, should it?

As already mentioned, mold and mildew is a nasty side effect of moisture in the home. Mold spores will easily start growing anywhere they find enough humidity to survive, and they’re especially fond of darker, undisturbed areas like crawlspaces. But mold isn’t just unsightly, it can actually affect the health of your family. Mold exposure can cause rashes, watery eyes, runny noses, and even coughing, wheezing, or more serious respiratory problems.

Unfortunately it doesn’t stop there, and some of the other problems you could encounter might just make your skin crawl. A crawlspace that goes uncared for can attract termites, rodents like mice and rats, and bloodsucking parasites like fleas and ticks. The hot and humid Maryland summers are a prime time for excess moisture and these creepy crawlies to make their way into the damp crawlspace in your Frederick home.

What Can I Do To Prevent Getting A Damp Crawlspace?

You have a few different options for keeping your crawlspace nice and dry. Consider encapsulating your crawlspace by installing a vapor shield along the floor, installing a self-emptying dehumidifier, or sealing off any unnecessary vents. These methods are useful and can save you in a pinch, but nothing is quite as effective as waterproofing.

Naturally, the best way to get rid of mold, mildew, termites, rodents, and parasites from taking over the space is to never have to deal with them in the first place. Waterproofing your crawlspace is by far the most effective prevention method, and while it will cost more than the previous methods listed, it will improve your home for the long-term. In Frederick, Maryland, you can run into the issue of a damp crawlspace year-round—from when the harsh snowfalls of winter start to melt to when rainstorms of the summertime take over. It’s an investment that will protect both your home and your family for years to come.

So What Are The Benefits To A Crawlspace Waterproofing System?

If you’re feeling ready to make the investment but just need one last push, just think about all of the wonderful and positive effects of waterproofing your crawlspace. Not only will you greatly reduce the moisture that causes nasty mold infestations, but you won’t have to worry about termites, rats, parasites, or other pests. It’s also possible to cut down on your energy bill, since climate-controlled air will no longer seep into the crawlspace and escape your home.

And last but not least, a nice, dry crawlspace can be used for what is was intended to be used for: storage! Without worry of moisture, feel confident in using it as a safe and sanitary storage place for your belongings. Waterproofing your crawlspace can turn it from a dark, dingy area to a perfectly safe one for your valuables.

If you’re looking for someone to service and waterproof your crawlspace in Frederick, Maryland, we encourage you to investigate a contractor’s credentials and get a few extra quotes. Contact us at AA Action Waterproofing to receive a free estimate and learn more about waterproofing your crawlspace. We’re just a phone call away at 410-305-9323.