Handling Crawlspace Cleanup After a Flood

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

If your crawlspace has suffered home flood damage, contact a water restoration company

You made it through a home flood and are now facing the very real storm damage aftermath. It’s critical that you don’t overlook any areas as you handle cleanup, especially the often-neglected crawlspaces. If not cleaned properly they can become major breeding grounds for mold that will quickly affect your entire home. Follow these steps after a flood in your Biltmore,NC, home to ensure your crawlspaces don’t become a casualty.

How Crawlspace Floods Happen

Your home can take on water from a hard driving rain, rapidly melting snow or even poor drainage. Flooding happens from the ground up, so the lower crawlspaces are often the first casualties of ground flooding. Flooding in these areas can lead to mold growth that rots the wood framing of your home and causes major damage.

Remove the Water

Once flood waters have receded, it’s time to get to action removing water. Old fashioned buckets may be enough to get out initial water. A shop vacuum is another good tool to have on hand to remove remaining water, so long as it’s not contaminated with human waste. That type of water is best removed by professionals.

Dry It Out

The most critical step in any crawlspace cleanup after a home flood is drying the entire area. Ventilating the crawlspace is the best and fastest way to ensure that it dries out before mold has a chance to take hold and cause major damage. Use fans facing outward to draw air out of the space rather than blow moisture in.
Your crawlspaces are out of sight and often out of mind. But they can be the ideal place for mold to take hold and cause major expense and headaches. If your crawlspace has suffered home flood damage, use the above tips. Or better yet, contact a water restoration company to evaluate the damage and help you take the steps you need.