Homeowners in the Carolinas have lots of 'routine maintenance' things to keep up with, including pest and moisture-related issues. While we have covered many of the pest concerns that homeowners face in our region, less has been said about moisture and water-related problems that can lead to costly repairs. The first step in gaining education about the water-related issues that your home might face is understanding exactly how water gets into your home. Let's take a look at some of the key factors.
CRAWLSPACE HOMES
Most homes across the Carolinas are built as a 'crawlspace' home; the flooring of the home is above grade, and the area underneath the flooring is typically left as dirt with varying degrees of height between the ground and your floor (sometimes being so short as to necessitate 'crawling' for access (even for mobile homes, the area underneath is still considered as crawlspace). Here you can often find plumbing, electrical, and other infrastructure assets that can be accessed for maintenance. Water can enter a crawlspace through several pathways, often due to improper drainage, plumbing issues, or natural environmental factors.
1. Surface Water Intrusion
Poor Grading: If the ground around the foundation slopes toward the house, rainwater can flow directly into the crawlspace.
Improper Downspouts or Gutters: Missing, clogged, or improperly directed gutters and downspouts can allow rainwater to accumulate near the foundation.
Ponding Water: Standing water near the foundation after heavy rainfall can seep into the crawlspace.
2. Groundwater Infiltration
High Water Table: In areas with high water tables, water can rise through the soil and seep into the crawlspace, particularly during heavy rains or flooding.
Hydrostatic Pressure: Water can push through foundation walls or floors when the soil around the foundation becomes saturated.
3. Plumbing Leaks
Burst Pipes: Damaged or burst pipes in or near the crawlspace can release water directly into the area.
Leaking Appliances: Appliances like water heaters or washing machines located above the crawlspace can also cause water issues if they leak.
4. Condensation (Moisture Buildup)
Humidity and Poor Ventilation: Warm, humid air entering a cool crawlspace can lead to condensation on surfaces like pipes, walls, or the ground.
Uninsulated Pipes: Cold pipes in a humid crawlspace can "sweat," creating water accumulation over time.
5. Seepage Through Cracks or Openings
Foundation Cracks: Small cracks in foundation walls or floors can allow water to enter, especially during heavy rainfall or flooding.
Unsealed Openings: Gaps around utility penetrations (e.g., pipes or electrical conduits) can provide entry points for water.
6. Flooding
Severe Weather Events: Hurricanes, heavy storms, or flash floods can overwhelm drainage systems and cause water to enter the crawlspace.
Preventative Measures
Ensure proper grading and drainage around the foundation.
Maintain and clean gutters and downspouts regularly.
Install a vapor barrier to reduce moisture from the soil.
Seal cracks and openings in the foundation.
Consider a sump pump or drainage system for areas prone to flooding.
Improve crawlspace ventilation or use a dehumidifier to reduce condensation.
BASEMENT HOMES
While most homes in our region are built with the 'crawlspace' method, many other homes are built with a basement foundation. Basements are typically built well below grade and most commonly feature a concrete floor. Basements have enough height to facilitate living area for homeowners, so it is not uncommon to find basements that are fully finished with additional living rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms, and kitchens. Those that are not finished are typically utilized as storage areas. While many of the methods that water gains entry are the same as crawlspace homes, basements can present their own advantages and disadvantages (such as being further below grade). Water can enter basement homes through various mechanisms, often related to poor drainage, structural vulnerabilities, or natural environmental factors.
1. Foundation Cracks and Openings
Structural Cracks: Cracks in basement walls or floors provide pathways for water entry, especially during heavy rain or flooding.
Gaps in Seals: Poorly sealed utility penetrations (e.g., pipes, cables) can allow water to enter.
Construction Joints: Water can seep through joints where walls and floors meet if they are not properly sealed.
2. Window and Door Leaks
Egress Windows: Poorly installed or sealed basement windows can allow water to enter, especially if water pools around them.
Improper Door Installation: Basement walkout doors without adequate weatherproofing or drainage systems can leak during storms.
Preventative Measures
Improve Drainage Systems:
Ensure the property is graded to direct water away from the foundation.
Extend downspouts at least 6 feet from the house.
Seal Vulnerabilities:
Fill and seal cracks in the foundation and around utility openings.
Install or maintain window well covers.
Install a Sump Pump:
Use a sump pump with a battery backup for water removal during power outages.
Waterproof the Basement:
Apply waterproof coatings or membranes to walls and floors.
Install an interior or exterior drainage system.
Maintain Plumbing:
Inspect and repair leaking pipes or fixtures.
Prevent drain backups with regular maintenance.
Control Humidity:
Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in the air.
Insulate pipes to prevent condensation.
A NOTE ON SLAB HOMES Slab Homes are less common but still prevalent across the Carolinas. These homes have neither a crawlspace nor a basement. They are build entirely on a poured and reinforced concrete slab. While this typically means that the usual plumbing, electrical, and other infrastructure needs to be integrated into the floors, walls, or attic (which often makes access more difficult), this structural technique does have some unique advantages as well. While slab home foundations will be the last to typically have problems with issue related to a rising water table due to heavy rains, it can often be the first to experience flooding from rising surface waters, especially if the home flooring and ingress methods are only slightly above grade (differing local codes may specify varying minimum heights). While many of the above mentioned points for both crawlspace and basement homes can also apply to slab homes, extra attention may need to be paid to grading and landscaping as proper drainage will be key to slab homes.
HOW NELON-COLE CAN HELP
Our business is dependent on our team knowing the factors that can affect your home, regardless of foundation type. As you can see, there are may factors that affect the ability of water to get into your home. Our job is to thoroughly inspect both your home and your property, and determine which factors are most likely to affect your own home. Every property and every home is different; there is no 'one solution fits all' answer. You have to dig in and do the work.
Our team isn't afraid to get dirty, and find the best and most cost-effective methods to protect your home. Sometimes that can be as simply as moving more water away from your home via some slight landscaping or grading changes. Other times more aggressive solutions may be employed. But our commitment is to your protection; water damage can be costly to repair, and often water damage in your home may not be covered by insurance policies (who may want separate 'flood' insurance policies).
We encourage you to call and talk to one of our moisture and water control experts. There is never any obligation, and we are happy to come out to your home for a preliminary analysis and inspection. Call 1-888-7-TheWeb or request a quote or inspection right from our home page here on the Nelon-Cole website. It's fast and free, and the steps you take today will help to keep your home dry and trouble-free well into the future.
Charlotte Mold and Moisture Control - Gastonia Mold and Moisture Control- Asheville Mold and Moisture Control - Spartanburg Mold and Moisture Control - Hendersonville Mold and Moisture Control - Lincolnton Mold and Moisture Control
Comentários