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Damp crawlspace.

A qualified crew should enter the crawlspace, and a licensed electrician should handle wiring.

Customers put it like this

  • the crawlspace is wet
  • there is standing water under the house
  • the floors smell musty
  • the floor feels damp above the crawl
Prepare this job in ForeBotFind another guide

Stop first if

  • Water touches energized wiring.Do not enter. Call a licensed electrician, and the utility if needed.
  • Sewage is present.Keep out and call a specialist before anyone enters.
  • Wiring is damaged or sagging.Stay out and leave entry to a qualified person.
01

Ask on the call

5

Homeowner? These are the questions a good technician will ask you. Having the answers ready makes the first visit count.

  1. What did you see or smell, and when did it start?
  2. Is there standing water, or only dampness?
  3. Does it change with rain, irrigation or the season?
  4. Is the ground covered, and are the vents open?
  5. Have you noticed damage or a change in the floor above?
02

Bring

5
  • Temperature and humidity meter with dew point
  • Contact or infrared surface thermometer
  • Moisture meter
  • Flashlight
  • Phone for photos
03

Check on site

6
  1. Before entering, look in from the hatch for standing water, pests and sagging wiring.
  2. Deal with bulk water first. Check grade, irrigation, downspouts and plumbing.
  3. Then check ground cover for full coverage, tears, laps, turn-up and sealing.
  4. Then look at vents by season and climate. Do not close vents without moisture control.
  5. Log temperature, humidity and dew point against joist temperature.
  6. Choose vented or sealed, record the choice, and read the flooring maker's terms.
04

Keep on the record

5
  • Photos from the access point
  • Temperature, humidity and dew point log
  • Moisture readings at joists
  • Ground cover condition
  • Downspout and grade notes

General guidance for a qualified person, not a finding about any home. The person on site decides.