Many houses are built with basements underneath, but if a house doesn't have a basement then it probably will have a crawl space under it. Crawl spaces are used to have access to the furnace, electrical wiring, air conditioning and heating ducts, water lines, and drains. It is important that this area is kept dry. Unfortunately, it is very common that a crawl space has issues with water damage. Major problems will develop in crawl space if it has moisture or standing water in it over a long period of time.

Any electrical wiring that is run from the crawl space into your house can deteriorate over time from exposure to moisture and humidity. It can become downright dangerous if live wires actually come into contact with standing water. The wires could short out or electrocute someone if they were to step into the standing water.

Another major problem that can occur from standing water in a crawl space is the damage that will eventually happen to the foundation and structure of the house. The cement foundation will weaken and crack over time if it is continually exposed to water. This can cause the house to settle and cause cracks in walls. Doors and windows can tilt or bow enough that they won't open and close properly. Beams, joists, and sub-flooring will rot and weaken if allowed to stay wet for too long.

Water damage in a crawl space can cause mold growth. This can be difficult to get rid of, especially if it adheres to wood beams, joists, and sub-floors. Mold is not just an unwanted nuisance but is a hazard to your health. It can be dangerous and even fatal in some cases.

There are several ways to help keep your crawl space safe and dry. Make sure you have gutters that are in good condition and that the rain or snow water that runs off the roof flows through the gutters and out of the downspouts away from the house itself. Repair any problems you find with your gutters right away. Make sure that the soil and lawn surrounding the foundation of the house has a slope that moves down and away from the foundation. This will keep water from pooling around and seeping into the crawl space.

Another important way to keep the crawl space moisture and humidity free is to have sufficient ventilation around the crawl space. There should be several vents built in around the walls of the house near the foundation for this purpose. Make sure they are unobstructed and in good condition. This allows air to flow through the crawl space so it can dry out and reduce the amount of humidity present in the space which will prevent mold growth.

A sump pump can be a good investment for your crawl space if it tends to still have any water issues after you have done all you can do to prevent water damage to the crawl space. The sump pump will remove any standing water and keep it from collecting again.