The Risk of Overlooking a Crawl Space

Crawl spaces can be a primary culprit of letting cold air into a home, leaving the floors cold and increasing the heat needed to keep a house comfortable.

Foundation issues can happen in any area of a home but can especially go unnoticed in crawl spaces, as these areas are, by design, hidden from view. However, homeowners with a crawl space must check it regularly to ensure foundation issues are not present, as these issues can lead to other detrimental issues in the home over time.

Staying on top of a home’s crawl space maintenance and repair is essential. Minor problems can escalate quickly and turn into costly repairs. Homeowners with a crawl space must remember the following common issues to know what problems to look for when doing regular crawl space inspections.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial in crawl spaces to prevent excess moisture that attracts mold, termites, and rodents. Pest infestation is a serious issue, as they can start chewing on the home’s utility lines and wiring. Carpenter ants and termites can also cause damage by eating away at a home’s building materials and wood. Foundation issues can cause cracks in the walls that let in water, which can, in turn, attract these pests. Check for cracks and moisture buildup regularly to avoid crawl space infestations.

Heating bills

Crawl spaces can be a primary culprit of letting cold air into a home, leaving the floors cold and increasing the heat needed to keep a house comfortable. Ensure the crawl space is adequately insulated against cold air, and check for foundational issues, such as cracks in the wall and sagging near the door, that could be letting cold air in. Damages in the foundation are expensive to repair; be sure not to let months of an overworking heating system add to the cost.

Mold growth

During summer, crawlspaces can become wet and moist, leading to mold and mildew growth. Remember, mold is not only a nuisance; inhaling mold spores is a health hazard and can lead to serious respiratory issues. Cracks, sagging walls, and unstable floors are all a sign of foundational issues that can lead to moisture buildup and mold.

If people in the home start experiencing a musty smell, allergy symptoms, or headaches, this could be a sign that mold has started accumulating. This is a severe health threat and must be treated immediately. Call a professional to assess the issue and ensure it doesn’t worsen and become more expensive to repair.

Crawl spaces are designed to be inconspicuous, but that doesn’t mean they should go overlooked. Homeowners with a crawl space must keep a close eye on the area to ensure no foundational issues are causing expensive damage, discomfort, or health issues. Check the crawl space regularly and contact a professional if any issues arise.

Accurate Builders of the Chesapeake provide foundation, basement, and crawlspace installation and repair for the greater Baltimore area homeowners.