How Damaging is Flooding in a Crawlspace?

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says We Should Encapsulate this Pearl River Crawlspace to Mitigate Flood Damage. I Like that Idea!

When the space beneath your main floor becomes compromised by flooding, it could have destructive consequences for your entire Pearl River residence.

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that because their Pearl River properties do not have a basement that they are better protected from flooding. In truth, crawlspaces can be equally damaged and compromised by these disasters, especially conditions where the ebbing of the floodwater is not immediate. Understanding how your crawlspace can become damaged from the presence of flooding is critical to appreciating the need for professional flood restoration companies like our SERVPRO of Slidell team.

Flood damage in Pearl River crawlspaces does not always happen immediately. Prolonged exposure of standing water on structural elements and persistent moisture concerns can lead to destructive effects like deterioration and mold. The initial mitigation actions that our SERVPRO professionals can take are designed to protect and preserve exposed elements and prevent costlier damages from occurring.

• Subflooring – The underside of the house's main floor is often directly exposed in this crawlspace as an access point for service shutoffs for water, gas, and other utilities. Persistent moisture or direct water exposure can absorb into joists and the OSB board.
• Supports – The supports for the house can also be directly exposed to standing water during flooding, which can lead to deterioration. 
• Microbial Growth – Persistent moisture concerns often facilitate mold growth. If dampness does not get addressed promptly, mold colonization can spread into the house through flooring materials. 

What Can Prevent Crawlspace Flood Damage?

With a team of in-house contractors capable of providing long-term flood protection, the advisable approach is crawlspace encapsulation. This process covers all exposed structural surfaces with plastic sheeting to prevent exposure to moisture/water. The installation of water diversion tools like sump pumps prevent floodwater from lingering in this area as well.

From flood removal to crawlspace encapsulation, you can count on our experienced SERVPRO of Slidell team to help after a disaster. Give us a call today at (985) 649-1516.