If you live in a home with a basement or a crawl space, you are far from alone. After all, both are incredibly common all throughout the United States – something that is more than supported by the data that has been gathered on the subject. In fact, at least 27 million homes have crawlspaces in them, a number that continues to grow, as up to one fifth of newly built homes will have been built over a crawlspace as well. Basements are also quite commonplace, and can be used as storage spaces but also as additional living spaces, depending on whether the basement in question is finished or not.
For instance, you’ll need to actively prevent against water damage for basements and crawl spaces alike. After all, the data more than backs up that this is a threat, showing that more than 95% of all homes with basements (around 98% of them to be a bit more exact) will experience some type of water damage at some point in time. Crawl spaces are also prone to water damage, though taking steps such as the addition of crawl space insulation can help to reduce the risk of such things.
Crawl space insulation is a great way to create a waterproof crawl space, at least in part (though a crawl space insulation system alone is not likely to be enough in and of itself). In addition to crawl space insulation and its implementation, installing a crawl space dehumidifier can also help the build up of water and moisture in general in such small and contained spaces, thus effectively reducing the chances of water damage. But even taking small steps like that of the addition of crawl space insulation alone is far better than taking no steps to prevent against water damage at all. Such methods of moisture removal can also be quite effective for reducing of water in just about any and every basement spaces as well, something else that will be important for many a household to consider.
Of course, not all water damage will able to be avoided, no matter what measures of waterproofing might have been taken. Fortunately, acting fast in the event of water damage can prevent further problems from arising, such as that of mold. And mold is certainly something that should be avoided whenever it is possible as all types of mold (100% of them, according to data gathered by the EPA) can cause varying levels of harm. Mold can exacerbate existing conditions as well, conditions that range from asthma to allergies. And more than 90% of all sinus infections that exist on a chronic basis are actually caused by regular mold exposure over the course of time.
For one thing, simply airing out everything that has come into contact with the water can help to prevent the growth of mold. Ideally, this will be done in the first 24 to 48 hours after the damage has first occurred. If this is not possible, the chances of things like mold growth increasing are quite considerably indeed. But acting promptly can currently help to reduce the chances that you will need to worry about mold – and even likely some other types of water damage as well.
Should mold still end up developing, you should also act as quickly as possible, ideally as soon as you notice that there is a problem. For instance, calling a mold remediation company can be hugely important in combating the growth of mold in your home. For while discovering the presence of mold where you live can be quite the anxiety provoking thing, mold can actually be remedied with relative ease at the hands of mold removal professionals.
And, of course, preventative steps are the best way to prevent such things from ever coming to be. From crawl space insulation to the creation of a moisture barrier, there are many steps you can take towards keeping your crawl space dry, as well as for keeping your basement dry too. Even something as simple as crawl space insulation can be helpful – and something that will end up saving you money at the end of the day.
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