If you’ve never lived in a house with a crawl space (the unfinished space under the roof or beneath the first floor of your property) before, then you probably have some questions about it. You might find the answer to some of your queries below:
How Important Is Crawl Space Installation?
The underside of your property is built to act as a buffer between your house and the damp, wet earth below. Crawl space installation is also important as it can be the perfect place for you to put the ductwork and utility cables that are used to circulate conditioned air throughout your house.
What Are the Common Crawl Space Problems You May Encounter?
Crawl spaces offer plenty of benefits. But they can also cause many problems, especially if they’re not properly taken care of. Here are some potential issues you may have to deal with:
- Mold and Mildew Growth
The underside of your home is prone to flooding. And since it is not reached by direct sunlight, the water will stay in the area for a long time. If this happens, mold and mildew may grow.
- Pest and Insect Infestation
Aside from mold and mildew, a flooded crawl space may also attract pests and insects. These may include mosquitoes, rats, mice, cockroaches, spiders, ants, beetles, and termites.
- Structural Damage
The presence of mold, pests, and insects in your crawl space may threaten your home’s structural integrity. Mold can feed on and break down any organic matter on the underside of your property. Pests like termites and powderpost beetles can also eat the wooden structures in the area.
- Health-Related Concerns
Mold, pests, and insects don’t only cause structural damage to your property. They can also affect your health. For instance, exposure to mold can cause allergic reactions like sneezing, headache, and shortness of breath. Mosquitoes, rats, and mice can also become carriers of infectious diseases such as rabies, Zika virus, and Lyme disease.
- High-Energy Bills
If the standing water in your crawl space is left unattended for a long time, there’s a high possibility that your indoor air humidity level will increase. And when this happens, your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit will have to work harder than usual to provide you with the comfort you need. But as a result, you’ll have to pay a higher electricity bill.
How Can You Take Care of Your Crawl Space?
To prevent the crawl space problems listed above, the best thing you should do is keep the area dry at all times and ensure that water never gets into the underside of your home. You can do this by:
- Installing a Drainage System
A crawl space drainage system creates a way for standing or pooling water to exit your crawl space. It can also help improve your indoor air quality and prevent flooding, dampness, and high humidity in the area.
- Waterproofing, Encapsulating, or Insulating the Area
To ensure that water never gets in the underside of your property in the first place, you should waterproof, encapsulate, or insulate the area. Encapsulation also helps keep moisture away from the floor joists and the subflooring of your crawl space. On the other hand, insulation can reduce temperature fluctuations in the conditioned space of your home.
- Placing Crawl Space Moisture or Vapor Barriers
Insulation and encapsulation alone aren’t enough to keep your crawl space dry at all times. So, you’ll also need to install moisture or vapor barriers in the area. They also provide plenty of benefits, such as preventing rust and corrosion, improving energy efficiency, avoiding wiring hazards and electrical risks, and keeping indoor humidity at a normal level.
Get in Touch With a Waterproofing Company Today!
If you want to ensure that the underside of your property is dry and safe at all times, the best thing you can do is to contact a waterproofing company. They have experts that can help you waterproof, encapsulate, or insulate your crawl space. They can also install a drainage system in the area if needed.
Waterproofing contractors are also the best people you can contact in case you have questions, clarifications, or if you need more information about maintaining your crawl space. Reach out to them now. They’ll surely be more than willing to answer any questions you have and assist you with your needs.