After the Flood, Don't Forget the Crawlspace

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Whether pipe bursts or floodwaters rise in Sylva, NC, there is a chance you will experience a home flood. Even if there isn’t much water, that doesn’t mean that the often-forgotten crawlspace hasn’t experienced flooding. If that happens and it goes unchecked, it may mean long-lasting issues.

Cleaning a Flooded Crawlspace

At the first signs of a water issue, it’s vital to take the following steps:

Work to stop the flow of water. While this may not be possible when due to natural flooding, a pipe leak or burst only requires turning off the main valve.
Once the water is no longer entering the area, a vital component of preventing the home flood from causing more damage is water extraction. A wet-dry vacuum can be used, but this may take more time as opposed to an industrial-grade pump. The type of flooring should also be considered. If it is a dirt floor, the mess will likely require the expertise of an expert.
The next step is drying the space out. While the visible water may be gone, the structural components of the home likely absorbed a significant amount of the water. The faster studs, walls, and joists are dried the less likely the chance of mold growth. Fans and dehumidifiers should be used to eliminate excess odor.
After the area is dried, it will need to be disinfected and deodorized with flood-approved products.

Contact a Restoration Company
In many cases, accessing the crawlspace is a difficult situation. Knowing how important it is that all water is removed and affected areas are cleaned properly, this type of cleanup is best left to a certified water and storm damage remediation company. Along with having the industrial-grade equipment to speed up the extraction and drying processes, it will also have trained technicians able to handle all forms of damage and restoration.
While it may be out of sight, ensure your crawlspace isn't out of mind after experiencing a home flood. Like any other area of the home, fast cleanup is essential to avoiding lingering issues.