The crawl space of a home is not a space that often receives much attention, if any at all. Typically, situated just beneath a home to prevent the home from sitting directly on the ground, a crawl space may seem innocuous. However, it's imperative as a homeowner to ensure that your home's crawl space remains clean, clear, and free from mold, mildew, and water damage.

When a crawl space accumulates water or goes neglected for years, the home has a much greater risk of structural damage, foundational leaks, and even water damage or mold appearing beneath the home. According to PR Newswire, when compared to a global market cap of $2.2 billion, foundation repair services in North America currently have a total market share of approximately 38%. If a crawl space is left alone without inspections for some time, you will likely require crawl space repairs from professionals to get your house back in proper order. Knowing what signs to look for in and around your home can help mitigate expensive crawl space repairs while resolving the issues at hand as quickly as possible.

What to Keep in Mind as a Homeowner With a Crawl Space

Before you begin looking for signs that your home needs crawl space repairs, there are a few things to keep in mind. As a homeowner with a crawl space, it's important to keep up with proper maintenance. Consider the following factors when you believe you may have an issue with the crawl space beneath your home.

• History: Keep your home's history in mind as well as its age. Consider the type of building materials and construction methods that were likely used to build the foundation and crawl space of your home.
• Size: Consider the size of the home's crawl space and how accessible it is without special equipment or gear. Does your home's crawl space extend beyond your home or is it larger than traditional crawl spaces?
• Climate: The climate that you live in will also play a pivotal role in how much potential water damage, mildew, or mold your home may have to deal with. If you live in an area with a dry and moderate climate, you're less likely to need crawl space repairs because your home will have fewer risks of becoming a target of mold spores and water damage accumulation.

Here are six signs that can help you determine if your crawl space needs repairs.

1. Sagging and Sloped Floors

If you notice a drop in one of the floors throughout your home or if you believe your floors are sagging, your home's foundation or your floor joints may require further inspection. However, if you notice sagging throughout your home, this may mean that your foundation is in trouble, and your home may require crawl space repairs. If there is any water accumulation below the home and inside your crawl space, you will need to address the situation immediately to prevent further sinking or the loss of your entire floor.

2. Musty Odors in the Home

Another tell-tale sign that your home has mildew or water damage is the obvious musty odor that is evident any time you enter your home or a specific room. If the musty odors in your home are isolated to one room, you will likely find the culprit of the smell directly beneath the room itself, in the crawl space. However, the odor may also be coming from your walls, depending on the structure of your home as well as the existing foundation in place. When excessive moisture is present and water stagnates, it will begin to release musty odors in the surrounding air. This is also much more common in spaces that lack proper airflow, which is why it's essential to familiarize yourself with the structure of your home in each specific room throughout the house.

3. Increased Humidity

Noticing a significant increase in humidity and dampness throughout your home requires a more serious look, as this does not typically occur without major changes happening to the atmosphere (inside or outside of the home). If you notice that the windows in your home are beginning to allow condensation to buildup without temperature changes outside, you may have water and moisture buildup inside of the home or in your crawl space. You may also begin to notice that condensation is building up faster inside of your bathroom or even on steel appliances you are using in your kitchen and bathroom spaces.

If you have excess humidity in the home, you will not only notice condensation beginning to appear on your windows but also on various appliances you have in your kitchen or bathroom areas. You may also begin to notice an uptick in allergy symptoms for those who are sensitive to humidity and outdoor elements. Additionally, paint that begins to peel from a wall unexpectedly while humidity is increasing is indicative of a bigger leak or problem, which is likely situated in your crawl space.

4. Standing Water

If you have standing water or any water that stagnates in your home, this is not only a risk in terms of mold and mildew or foundational damage but it can also be extremely risky to one's health. Toxic mold spores and bacteria from standing water can be extremely harmful to those who have sensitive allergies or to those who are immunocompromised. Any time you discover standing water in your home or beneath your home in your crawl space, contact professionals immediately to remedy the issue as soon as possible without delay.

5. Mildew and Mold

Spotting visible mold and mildew in your crawl space is a clear indicator that your crawl space requires remediation and attention. Avoid attempting to eliminate mold spore growth and mildew yourself, as this can lead to unintended adverse health risks. Working with professionals can help to remove mold and mildew entirely from your crawl space without the added personal risks.

6. Increased Electricity Costs

Have you noticed an unexpected increase in your electricity bills without changing your habits or the amount of electricity you are using each month? If so, this may require further inspection. If you notice that your home is experiencing high levels of humidity and condensation, your HVAC system may be working overtime in order to keep up with your preferred temperature demands. The higher the humidity levels are in your home, the more your HVAC system will be forced to run. Not only will this result in higher electric bills but also in unnecessary stress and wear and tear on your HVAC system, shortening the duration of its lifespan.

If your crawl space has not received a complete inspection, you may be unaware of the type of insulation you currently have in place. Poor insulation beneath your home's crawl space can allow both hot and cold air in without ever knowing the culprit. When this occurs, your home's HVAC system is forced to begin working overtime again. This can lead to poor circulation and excessive wear and tear on the HVAC system, causing it to work less efficiently in a short period of time.

If you are a homeowner who has noticed some significant changes to your foundation or surroundings and you believe you are in need of crawl space repairs, be sure to turn to the professionals. Professionals who specialize in crawl space repairs have the proper tools, equipment, and know-how to determine the root causes of issues while providing viable solutions. Call us today at Foundations First Northwest for more information on crawl space repairs.