lightning in the sky-148120777.jpgHurricane Irma, thankfully a tropical storm by the time it hit locally, has had devastating results throughout Georgia. Though relief efforts are well underway, the storm damaged many structures and left metro Atlantans with some with flood-related issues. If you have a crawlspace, you should check it for dampness as soon as possible. Rain, overflow and leaks from Irma could have left water in this area of your home, even if you escaped the worst of the storm.

Why is eliminating moisture in your crawlspace so important?

Neglecting to dry out your crawlspace can have damaging effects on your home and even your health. Water in your crawlspace can lead to wood rot, which can undermine the soundness of a home over time and is often very expensive to repair.

Moisture in this area will also produce mold and mildew, which can circulate throughout the home. For many, breathing mold and mildew can trigger a wide variety of uncomfortable health impacts. Normally healthy individuals may experience respiratory problems, skin irritation and more, while those with asthma or mold allergies could be even more severely affected. The larger a mold and mildew problem grows, the more difficult it will be to remove.

How to dry your crawlspace

You have several options if you detect moisture issues in your crawlspace. One solution is Temp-Vents, which open and close according to air temperature, dramatically reducing moisture issues in the process.

If you're worried about wood-decaying fungus and other wood destroyers, a vapor or moisture barrier may be the solution for you. Vapor barriers can greatly reduce the amount of moisture that condenses in your crawlspace.

You might also want to consider a more permanent solution for dampness in your crawlspace. An encapsulation solution, like the budget-friendly IdealCrawl from Inspect-All Services, will improve indoor air quality by preventing mold and mildew and reducing the chance of expensive home repairs due to wood rot. As part of the installation process, Inspect-All Services will remediate water that is currently in the crawlspace.

Getting help

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by Hurricane Irma. Remember that if you live in an area that was hit, you may have water in your crawlspace from rain, overflow or leaks. If you aren't sure whether or not you have water in your crawlspace, a professional can come to your home for a free inspection.

Please contact us today to find out how Inspect-All Services can help solve moisture issues in your crawlspace or elsewhere in your home.