Do I Need To Worry About A Damp Crawl Space?

The area under your home—the crawl space: have you seen it lately? You may not have a reason to visit it, and why would you? It’s probably dark, dingy, smelly, and creepy. But these conditions are exactly why you should worry about a damp crawl space.

Wet crawl space environments are common, but they’re not normal or healthy, as they can lead to many long-term problems like mold, poor indoor air quality, and structural issues.

But don’t panic. Many other North Carolina homeowners are in the same boat, and we’re offering you a lifeline. Keep reading to learn more about damp crawl spaces and how to fix them with crawl space repair solutions.

What Does It Mean When a Crawl Space Is Damp?

A damp crawl space can mean many things, but the presence of excessive moisture is at its core. This can take the form of high humidity levels, condensation on pipes and ductwork, or obvious puddles of water in crawl space areas. The minute you encounter a damp crawl space, you can expect the air to feel heavy and balmy.

So, what’s the reason for these issues? Let’s dig deeper.

What Causes A Damp Crawl Space?

When dealing with a damp crawl space, it’s crucial to uncover the cause of the problem, which could be any of the following:

Open Crawl Space Vents

Most North Carolina homes with crawl spaces were built with vents to allow for air circulation, but they lead to the very problems (mold, humidity, flooding, etc.) that they are intended to prevent. Open vents allow our area’s humid outside air, water, and pests inside the crawl space to wreak havoc.

Uncovered Soil

Many crawl spaces also lack a proper moisture barrier on the floor. This liner may be thin and damaged or missing entirely, leaving the dirt crawl space floor exposed. This allows moisture to seep into the crawl space, leading to dampness.

Poor Drainage

Gutters and downspouts are your home’s first line of defense against rainwater runoff. If these systems are clogged, damaged, or not angled properly, water easily collects near your crawl space and can leak inside. Improper soil grading also contributes to pooling water and poor drainage.

leaking and corroded pipes in crawl space with wood damage

Plumbing Leaks

Most plumbing pipes run through the crawl space. These pipes tend to leak occasionally. Because crawl spaces are often out of sight and out of mind, the pipes can leak for long periods before being discovered. Over time, your crawl space may become damp from these plumbing leaks. Similarly, sanitation lines can also leak or rupture and contribute to dampness.

Foundation Wall Cracks

Water seepage through cracks in the foundation is another common cause of water in crawl space areas. If the cracks are not repaired and the water is not removed, this moisture may weaken your foundation, leaving it vulnerable to bigger problems.

How Do I Know If I Have a Damp Crawl Space?

A wet crawl space can expose you to unhealthy and unsafe conditions like mold, pest waste, and other toxins. We don’t recommend venturing into this area on your own, yet it’s still important to know what’s going on down there.

So, how are you supposed to know if your home has a damp crawl space? Use these checklists to find out:

moldy and rotten crawl space floor joists

Inside the Crawl Space

If you can safely access your crawl space and look inside, watch for these problems:

Inside Your Home

Keep an eye out for these symptoms throughout the rest of your house:

Musty odors
High energy bills
Buckling or warping floors
Bouncy floors

If you notice multiple symptoms, it’s time for a thorough crawl space assessment. Many local professionals can provide you with a free evaluation and suggest the best way to fix these problems.

How Do I Fix A Damp Crawl Space?

As you can see, a damp crawl space is a complex area, but you don’t have to tackle its repair on your own. We encourage you to work with crawl space specialists instead of trying your hand at DIY repairs, which are temporary and get expensive and dangerous to install.

After a professional inspection, your repair plan might include the following crawl space moisture control solutions:

Sealing Crawl Space Vents: It’s important to block any open vents to prevent air, water, and pest intrusion.
Waterproofing Systems: Dry out the crawl space with interior drains and a sump pump, which work together to collect and remove leaking water
Insulation: Replace soft fiberglass insulation with durable wall insulation panels treated to resist mold, moisture, and pests.
Basement Crawl Space Encapsulation: A thick and durable vapor barrier isolates the crawl space from the earth.
Dehumidification: An energy-efficient dehumidifier controls humidity levels and filters the air.

Along with investing in these interior crawl space moisture control solutions, it’s a good idea to install and maintain gutters and downspouts, and ensure proper landscape grading.

Fix Your Damp Crawl Space Today!

Tar Heel Basement Systems inspector shaking hands with a homeowner

A wet crawl space is never a good sign. This excess moisture can deteriorate the integrity of your structure or harm your family’s health. This is scary, but all is not lost. It’s never too late to repair, improve, and protect your home.

If you suspect you have a damp crawl space, get in touch with the crawl space experts at Tar Heel Basement Systems. We’re happy to complete a free crawl space inspection and recommend a lasting solution for your crawl space moisture issues. Thousands of North Carolina homeowners trust our expertise and customized repairs, and we’re excited to help you, too!

schedule free inspection

Wet Crawl Space FAQs

Will a crawl space dry out on its own?

A crawl space will not dry out on its own and requires active intervention. Without proper moisture control and potentially professional drying services, a damp crawl space can lead to mold, wood rot, and structural damage.

Does homeowner’s insurance cover water in a crawl space?

Homeowner’s insurance typically covers water damage in a crawl space if the water intrusion is sudden and accidental, such as from a burst pipe. However, damage from gradual issues like poor drainage or long-term moisture problems is usually not covered. Contact your provider to review exactly what your policy includes.

Is it normal to have standing water in the crawl space after heavy rain?

While heavy rainfall may result in water accumulation in the crawl space, it should promptly drain. Persistent standing water is a concern that warrants investigation into its cause, as it can lead to potential structural and moisture-related crawl space issues.

Related Resources

What is Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Ensure your crawl space stays dry with Tar Heel’s encapsulation process.

Water in Crawl Space: Causes and Lasting Solutions

Plagued by standing water in crawl space? Learn what causes this problem and how to avoid further damage with professional repairs.

Crawl Space Plumbing: Leaks & Flooding Repair Solutions

Some crawl space issues cannot be resolved by simple waterproofing solutions alone. In that case, a full revamp is necessary.

The Benefits of Crawl Space Inspections

Is it worth it to have a contractor come and look over your crawl space? What do contractors look for during this process?

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.