What Happens If You Ignore a Wet Crawl Space?

invadersnate
Jun 22, 2025
2 min read

A little water under your house might not seem like a big deal — but ignoring it could cost you thousands in repairs and put your family’s health at risk.

At PierPoint Foundation Solutions, we’ve seen it all: sagging floors, rotted beams, mold-covered insulation, and homes that became unsellable because no one addressed the crawl space in time.

Let’s walk through exactly what happens when a crawl space stays wet — and what you can do to stop it before it spreads.

🌧️ Where the Water Comes From

Your crawl space can take on moisture from several sources:

Rainwater runoff or gutter overflow
Groundwater seepage (especially in low-lying or farm-adjacent areas)
Condensation from uninsulated ductwork or plumbing leaks
Humidity entering through vents or gaps in the foundation walls

Even if it doesn’t flood, a damp crawl space never fully dries on its own — and that’s where the trouble begins.

⚠️ What Happens When Moisture Stays

Wood Rot

Beams, joists, and subfloors absorb moisture over time, leading to rot. That means sagging floors, squeaks, and structural instability.

Mold & Mildew Growth

Mold thrives in moist, dark places. It spreads fast — not just under the house, but through your HVAC system into the air your family breathes.

Higher Energy Bills

Humid air in the crawl space makes it harder to regulate your home’s temperature, putting extra strain on your A/C or furnace.

Pest Infestations

Wet wood attracts termites, ants, roaches, and rodents. Many homeowners don’t realize their crawl space is providing the perfect habitat.

Foundation Settlement

When water repeatedly erodes the soil under your piers or footing, it can cause uneven settling, cracks, and major repair costs.

Health Risks

Long-term exposure to mold spores can trigger respiratory problems — especially in children, the elderly, or anyone with asthma or allergies.

🧱 Why DIY Drainage Doesn’t Work

Throwing down some gravel or placing a box fan in the crawl space won’t fix the problem. The only proven way to protect your home from moisture long-term is to:

Install proper drainage (EZ-Flow system or trench with sump pump)
Seal the crawl space with a vapor barrier
Add a dehumidifier or foam wall insulation to control humidity
Close off vents and gaps to prevent outside air from entering

🛠️ We Fix It the Right Way — Every Time

At PierPoint, we don’t just treat the symptoms — we eliminate the cause. Every crawl space is different, so we design a system to match your home’s needs and your budget.

Our encapsulations are backed by: