Crawl spaces can be a helpful addition to any home. While they may not be as large as attics, they still offer a convenient space to store belongings that don’t need to be accessed very often. However, they can only serve this important purpose if the belongings being stored in them can be kept safe and dry. Read on to find out about a few of the warning signs that it’s time to look into Crawl Space Waterproofing in Baltimore to ensure excessive moisture will not be damaging the crawlspace and the things being stored in it.
Musty Smells
One of the first things most homeowners notice about leaky crawl spaces is their unpleasant, musty smell. This smell is usually being caused by excessive moisture, which, in combination with the small, warm space, creates the perfect environment for mold growth.
Visible Mold
Visible mold or mildew in any space is a sure sign that humidity levels are extraordinarily high. If the crawl space leak is already bad enough to be fostering mold and mildew, there’s a good chance water damage has already occurred. This will need to be addressed before Crawl Space Waterproofing in Baltimore can be performed.
Water Stains
All the water leaking into a crawlspace has to go somewhere. Frequently it soaks into the walls and floors of the space, leaving noticeable water stains. Water stains usually appear as discolored spots on walls or floors, which may only be noticeably wet when it is actively raining.
Buckling Floors
Excessive moisture can also result in warping of the wood that comprises crawl space floors. This can result in uneven floorboards, which will likely need to be repaired or replaced if the problem has been allowed to persist for some time.
Get Help Now
Taking action immediately upon noticing signs of excessive moisture can make the difference between performing some simple repairs and needing to renovate the entire crawlspace before it can be used for storage. The best thing to do about leaky crawlspaces is to hire a contractor with specialized experience in repairing water damage and waterproofing these types of spaces. Check out Armored Basement Waterproofing LLC online to learn more about one company that can help.