When It Rains This Hard, Check Crawl Space and Gutters

It looks like today’s storm may set a rainfall record. It is the right time to take a peak in your crawl space in verify that it is draining properly. A little bit of water under your vapor barrier is to be expected, but there should not be any water accumulation on top of the plastic. After this heavy rain subsides for about a week, check the floor of your crawl space again. If you still have standing water, it will have to be addressed. It may be a simple matter of unclogging the drain line that allows water to escape. This is usually a 3″ or 4″ perforated plastic pipe located at the low point of your crawl space floor. After several years, silt may build up in this pipe causing water to back up in your crawl space. It may be cleared with a garden hose at high pressure. If that doesn’t work, it may require professional assistance.

A company we have come to rely on for their good quality work, professionalism, and fair pricing is:

 Perma-Dry Contractors 1-800-584-9118

Be aware as there are some less than reputable companies out there which seek to take advantage of the uninformed.

Gutters. If water is spilling over the side of your gutters, correct this condition immediately. Few things cause more long term headaches and expense than gutters that are neglected. Painting, siding replacement, water intrusion and subsequent framing damage, displaced soils that support your foundation……the list goes on. As unpleasant as it is, don’t wait for the rain to stop to take care of it. As with most homeowners, it is an easy item to overlook when it’s not raining.