Landscaping Issues and Water Damage Under Your Home
Call AdvantaClean for Expert Water Damage Cleanup
Basement and crawlspace water damage can be very common for many homes. This is because these water problems can stem from both interior and exterior sources. As the lowest point in your home, the crawlspace or basement becomes the last spot where moisture and water travel from leaks or incidents in your property. Additionally, any rising groundwater under the house becomes a moisture source that leads to damage at this lowest level.
When looking at your property, your landscaping is the most significant source of outdoor moisture. Rainwater runs downhill and goes along the path of least resistance. Therefore, your landscaping dictates much of what happens to your basement or crawlspace regarding water intrusion. There are several preventative steps to take so you can ensure your landscaping doesn’t negatively impact your basement or crawlspace.
Preventing Water Damage from Your Lower Level with Your Landscaping
There are several ways that you can work to protect your crawlspace or basement by paying attention to your exterior, such as:
- Landscape Grading – You should always grade your landscaping to slope away from the home so water flows in the opposite direction of your foundation. The soil along the first several feet of this area should have a downward slope to divert water to keep it from pooling. There should never be any areas around your home where the yard slopes toward the building.
- Avoid Using Topsoil – In areas of your yard that are adjacent to your home, use clean fill dirt rather than topsoil. Because topsoil is porous, it doesn’t offer any water resistance, meaning water can seep into the ground, getting into your basement or crawlspace.
- Be Mindful of Flower Beds – Although you may love the look of flower beds or raised gardens, you must keep them away from your foundation. If these planters are too close to your home, they can lead to lower-level water damage and issues with moisture control.
How to Tell if You Have Basement or Crawlspace Water Damage
There are a few signs you can look for pointing to issues underneath your home, such as:
- Hardwood floors that cup or buckle
- Wood rot or termite damage
- Visible mold growth on surfaces under the home
- Increased humidity levels under your home
The good news is that all homeowners can work to prevent the need for water damage remediation due to basement and crawlspace issues. For example, any property without proper ventilation in this area could benefit from installing a fan system to move the air and reduce condensation. Another wise option, if you have a crawlspace, is professional encapsulation to keep a moisture barrier in place.
About Crawlspace Ventilation
If your home has a crawlspace, you could have a ventilation system that is not strong enough to ensure proper moisture control. AdvantaClean can come to your property, assess this area, and pinpoint the cause of your moisture issues. We can address the moisture problem and then draw up an estimate for encapsulation and ventilation services.
Vapor Barrier Systems
Installing a vapor barrier system can keep evaporated ground moisture from entering your crawlspace air. With a combo that involves a quality waterproofing system, you can keep water from becoming an issue. AdvantaClean can help eliminate rust, rot, insects, mold, and other moisture-related hindrances.
Call AdvantaClean if you have water damage or moisture issues in your crawlspace or basement. We can have a crew there for assessment promptly. Whether you need water removal, drying, or crawlspace encapsulation, you can count on us to find the perfect fix.