The crawl space of your home is certainly not the main attraction or the most attractive aspect of your house. It is an important part of your house, though. The crawl space plays an important role in the health of your home and its structural integrity. The crawl space is an area under the home that functions as a small room, but it's not a basement. It may have a dirt floor, solid walls, and little standing room. This space can also hold a lot of hazards. This is why crawl space maintenance is important. In this article, we will learn more about crawl spaces, some of the hazards they pose, and how you can better care for this area.

Moisture and Mold Growth

One of the most important things that you need to know about a crawl space is that it can be at risk for a lot of moisture accumulation and mold growth. Moisture can infiltrate this area through different means. These can include groundwater seepage, plumbing leaks, or poor ventilation. Since mold spores thrive in a damp dark environment, this becomes a perfect breeding ground for growth.

Mold spores and mold growth present homeowners with a multitude of risks. Mold can compromise indoor air quality, cause structural deterioration, and can also lead to health complications for those living in the home. Breathing in mold spores can make existing respiratory ailments worse, trigger allergic reactions, and decrease lung function in vulnerable people. Long-term exposure to mold can also cause chronic health problems. Homeowners need to be aware that it's their responsibility to keep an eye on crawl spaces in order to prevent these risks.

Pest Infestations

Another risk within a crawl space is pest infestations. A crawl space is a quiet, dark space out of the way of humans, so that makes it an ideal location for animals to nest and hide. Pests such as rodents, termites, and insects thrive in this environment. These types of pests, however, can cause extensive damage to your home. They can damage insulation, wiring, wooden structures, and more. This type of damage poses safety hazards as well as expense. Getting pest infestations under control will cost you money as well as the repairs you may need to do because of the pests. This is another reason why you can't afford to ignore crawl space repairs.

Structural Instability

A crawlspace may experience structural issues over time. These can include sagging floors, deteriorating supports, and cracks in the foundation or surrounding walls. These issues can eventually compromise the stability of the home overall. A home with structural integrity issues will have uneven floors, misalignment of doors and windows, or, in a worst-case scenario, collapse. If there are foundation issues, homeowners need to address those promptly. According to HomeAdvisor, most homeowners will pay around $4,640 to repair foundation issues. You can't afford to ignore these types of issues. Crawl space repairs should be done quickly to avoid progressive problems.

Electrical Hazards

Crawlspaces may also contain electrical wiring. This can also pose a risk to your home. Since this wiring is often out of sight out of mind, problems can arise and go unnoticed for long stretches of time. This can include exposed wiring, damaged insulation, improper wiring installation, or damaged wiring. These types of risks can lead to shocks, fires, or other safety issues. This is why it's important to have crawlspaces inspected occasionally by professionals. If repairs are needed, electrical experts should be called in for these repairs.

Radon Exposure

Another risk can be radon gas exposure. A crawlspace and even a basement can be an entry point for radon gas. This is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause serious health problems if it accumulates indoors. This type of gas has been linked to lung cancer. This is why it's important for homeowners to have radon levels checked in their homes if they have crawlspaces or a basement.

If radon levels are high, it may be necessary to have radon mitigation done. This is a process in which equipment can be installed into the home to properly ventilate and remove radon as well as monitor radon levels in the future. This is one of many risks crawlspace create. Now let's look at some benefits of having a crawlspace.

Utility Access

A well-maintained crawlspace is a convenient access point for utilities. You can easily get to plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC ductwork through the crawlspace. When these systems need repair and maintenance, service providers can get to where they need to go quickly and safely.

Storage Space

Many homeowners also use crawlspaces for extra storage. However, you should be selective in what you store here due to the increased danger of humidity and dampness. Items that don't need to be kept in a climate-controlled area are fine to store in your crawlspace. There are pros and cons to using a crawlspace as storage, so that is something to keep in mind when deciding what to store there. Keeping items in airtight containers is a great way to ensure your items don't get ruined.

Flood Prevention

Since the crawlspace is the lowest part of the home, it provides a place for water to accumulate during flooding before it reaches the interior of your home. This is often helpful since water can easily be pumped out of the crawl space and there is little there that could be damaged. A sump pump is often used for this purpose.

Insulation

If you want to make the most of your crawlspace, have insulation added. This will create an added barrier for your home against air leakage. When crawlspaces are properly insulated, it can have a positive effect on your heating and cooling as well as your energy usage and bills. Having a properly insulated crawlspace also helps prevent pest infestations.

Seal Vents and Openings

If you have an older home with a vented crawlspace, you need to seal these up. In the past, it was believed that the area should stay vented to increase air circulation and keep things dry. These vents allow in moisture and pests which can ultimately damage your home. Also, look for any cracks that may allow in water. Make sure these are properly sealed.

Drainage or Sump Pump

If your home doesn't already have a sump pump, you should consider having one installed. This device can reduce the risk of flooding in your home significantly. Flooding can happen due to natural causes, weather events, and appliance malfunction. The important thing is to have the proper water removal system in place to deal with this issue when it happens.

Crawl Space Encapsulation

You might also want to consider crawl space encapsulation. This will help to protect the area from moisture and pests. Moisture is locked out and your home is kept dry. This process is done by installing a vapor barrier that is double-taped at the seams. This is the most effective way to protect your crawlspace.

These are important things that homeowners need to know about their crawlspaces. If you're in need of crawl space repairs, please contact our team at Foundations First Northwest today. We have over 40 years of experience and offer free estimates.