What Forces Can Damage My Crawl Space?

There are a few different forces that can work against the structural integrity of your crawl space and, subsequently, the rest of your home. More often than not, these forces work together, meaning if you don’t treat one, the others can cause just as much damage to your property. Some of the most pervasive forces working against the integrity of your crawl space include: 

Hydrostatic Pressure and Friends 

Hydrostatic pressure is one of the most persistent forces to work against the structural integrity of your home. As moisture gathers around the perimeter of your home and crawl space, it can force the structural materials you have in place to change size and temperature on a molecular level. In doing so, that moisture can cause a significant amount of stress for your supports. Over time, that stress can cause cracks to develop in the compromised materials, subsequently allowing additional moisture to make its way into your home. That moisture can begin to build up indoors to the point where it may travel through the rest of your home via the stack effect. 

That said, hydrostatic pressure does not work alone. Tree roots, pests, and even faulty construction can all contribute to higher-than-normal moisture levels inside of your home. If, for example, hollows have started to appear beneath your home, contractors may be able to trace your existing damage to uneven crawl space sinkage. 

The Stack Effect 

As mentioned, the stack effect is somewhat inescapable. It’s only a negative force within your home, however, if you find yourself contending with crawl space damage. A crawl space that’s overwhelmed with moisture will spread that moisture throughout the rest of your property, compromising the structural integrity of your supports. 

The damage you can see in a home impacted by the stack effect varies. If you manage to catch your crawl space damage early on, the problems you see in the rest of your home may be minimal. Comparatively, if you fail to repair your crawl space, then you may start to see your drywall dissolve, mold clusters appear, and your wooden or otherwise unprotected supports fall victim to rot.