Why Is Water Under My House in Roanoke, VA? Expert Advice

JES Foundation Repair inspector and homeowner pointing at crawl space door

Notice water under your house after heavy rainfall? Have you delayed installing encapsulation solutions for too long? If you answered yes to either question, keep reading.

This page explains what you need to know about damp and wet crawl space areas and how to prevent moisture-related foundation damage with the right repair solutions in Roanoke, VA.

Moisture and Water Runoff in Crawl Spaces: What to Know

Moisture and water run-off in crawl spaces causes detrimental effects when left unaddressed. If you’ve questioned, “Is water under my house normal?” many other homeowners have also asked the same question.

Rainwater accumulates beneath homes, especially during the intense storms and heavy rainfall seasons we all dread. However, that doesn’t make it safe or okay. Let’s look at problem signs that indicate you may have water or moisture in the crawl space area of your Roanoke home.

What Are The Signs of a Damp and Wet Crawl Space?

Did you know that excess water in the crawl space doesn’t just stay there until it evaporates? It actually rises as humidity through the stack effect, impacting your home’s indoor air quality and increasing health issues like allergy and asthma symptoms. This is especially true if your crawl space lacks a proper encapsulation system. Additional problem signs of a damp or wet crawl space include:

As you know, these issues won’t fix themselves. However, you may be surprised to learn that the warning signs often appear before you even notice the standing water. So, if your next question is, “What’s causing it?” Let’s look at the causes of crawl space problems.

What Causes a Damp and Wet Crawl Space?

In Roanoke and surrounding areas like Salem, Vinton, and Hollins, several factors contribute to water under your house, including:

Poor Drainage: Downspouts that discharge close to the home or yard grading that slopes toward the foundation cause crawl space water accumulation.
Heavy Rainfall: Roanoke receives an average of over 42 inches of rain annually, leading to frequent water runoff in crawl space areas.
Clay Soil: Expansive clay soils retain water and absorb moisture into crawl space walls.
Unsealed Vents and Doors: Openings allow humid outdoor air, rainwater, and pests to enter the crawl space.
Leaks: Moisture sources like plumbing pipes and HVAC systems housed in crawl spaces can leak, creating condensation that goes unnoticed.

Water runoff from sloped terrain, clogged drains and gutters, or poor drainage can easily infiltrate crawl spaces. Combined with Roanoke’s frequent rainfall and clay-heavy soil, this moisture creates the perfect conditions for structural damage, wood rot, mold, and pests.

DIY Inspection and Moisture Prevention Checklist

Crawl spaces can be hazardous, as they often host limited areas for movement. Proper safety equipment and tools are necessary to navigate the area safely. However, you can follow these steps to assess your home before contacting a professional:

exterior gutter water accumulation near house foundation

Walk around your home’s exterior to check for pooling water near the foundation.
Look for water stains, wet insulation, or mold inside the crawl space (without entering the area).
Confirm that gutters and downspouts are clean and direct water 5–10 feet away from the home.
Use a hygrometer to check for high indoor humidity levels.
Inspect interior floors for sagging or sponginess.

If you determine that crawl space water or moisture may be an issue for your home after completing this assessment, contact a local crawl space professional in Roanoke.

Effective Methods for Addressing Water Runoff in Crawl Spaces

Professionals help prevent long-term water damage by recommending one or more of the following crawl space solutions:

crew member installing crawl space dehumidifier encapsulation

Crawl Space Encapsulation: Seals the crawl space with a waterproof vapor barrier and insulation
Crawl Space Drainage System: Channels water toward a sump pump for expulsion.
Sump Pump Installation: Removes water from beneath the home
Crawl Space Door Sealing: Seals away outdoor elements, like pests and outside air
Dehumidifier Systems: Manages crawl space humidity year-round
Drainage Improvement: Redirect water away from the home via gutters, downspouts, and grading

Each solution works together to protect your home from the inside out, especially in water-prone neighborhoods like Garden City near the Roanoke River.

Get Expert Crawl Space Encapsulation in Roanoke

JES Foundation Repair inspector pointing at house with homeowner

Delaying crawl space repairs, including moisture issues, can lead to more significant problems in the future. If you notice water accumulation or signs of a damp crawl space, now’s the time to fix it. JES Foundation Repair helps Roanoke homeowners address crawl space problems with tailored encapsulation solutions. We offer free inspections to ensure you receive the right solution for your home.

Crawl Space FAQs

How does JES Foundation Repair dry out crawl spaces?

Our process involves removing standing water and installing CrawlDrain™ for ongoing drainage, complemented by drainage matting, encapsulation, insulation, and dehumidification. Contact us for more details and a free inspection.

How long does crawl space encapsulation take?

The duration of the project varies based on the crawl space size, the extent of existing damage, and the specific solutions implemented. Most encapsulation projects take between one and three days to complete, including moisture control, insulation, and sealing. JES Foundation Repair teams work efficiently to ensure your crawl space is fully protected on schedule. Contact us for more information and to schedule a free inspection.

Is addressing crawl space moisture a sound investment?

Absolutely. Addressing crawl space moisture protects your home’s structural integrity and ensures a healthier living environment, providing long-term benefits. Delaying action can lead to more severe issues like structural damage and health hazards. Reach out to JES Foundation Repair for a detailed, free inspection and quote.

Shaye Glisson

Shaye is an SEO Content Writer for Groundworks with over twelve years of experience creating helpful content across various industries, including home services and retail. She is a Gulf Coast native and writes from her firsthand knowledge of the area's hurricane and flood impacts on the local community. In her free time, Shaye enjoys exploring the local food and music scenes.

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