Inspecting and keeping your crawl space neat, dry, and safe are essential for your family’s and your house’s well-being. Doing so can prevent potential issues in the future and their associated costs. However, we understand crawl space maintenance can be challenging as it takes more than routine cleaning. This article outlines what you must check regularly to help keep your crawl space in excellent condition.
Openings and Damage to the Building Structure
Check and address any issue or damage on your home’s foundation, such as improper joist notches or cuts, staggered floors, and wood rot. More importantly, it’s advisable to seal all cracks and holes immediately, whether big or small. Otherwise, they can expand over time, weaken your house’s structure, and become entry points for moisture, water, and pests.
Water Damage and Mold or Mildew Growth
Look for indicators of active water penetration in the crawl space, including accumulated water, warped sidings, soaked insulation, and water-stained walls, floors, and beams. Water can also cause discoloration and mineral deposits on walls and ceilings.
In addition, check for strong, musty odors and visible signs of mold or mildew growth in your crawl space, especially on the insulation and wood surfaces or elements. If you spot any of these, consider hiring a professional to remove the water and mold and administer the necessary actions to prevent their reoccurrence.
Pest Infestation
Check for signs of rodents, insects, and other pests in your crawl space. These include urine odor, mud tubes, droppings, nests, chew marks, and visible damage to your insulation and wood. Adopt preventive measures such as keeping food (even sealed ones) away from the area and removing foliage, like boxelder trees and sweet perennials, that attract pests. If you suspect pesky critters have infiltrated, you can set up traps inside and outside the crawl space to eliminate them.
Ventilation Issues
Your crawl space requires adequate ventilation to keep the area dry, maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, and avert mold growth and moisture buildup. So, consider installing an efficient dehumidifier unit to regulate the airflow better. Moreover, always ensure your vents are free of dirt and debris so that clean air can circulate inside.
Poorly Installed or Lacking Vapor Barriers and Insulation
Ensure your vapor barriers and insulation are durable, installed correctly, and appropriate for your location’s climate. These materials help regulate indoor air temperatures and contribute to your household’s energy consumption and bills. Homes in warm, dry places typically need only the floor joists insulated.
In contrast, homes in sub-freezing temperatures must have their crawl spaces encapsulated from floor joists to walls. These materials would also work best when accompanied by features such as sump pits, sump pumps, and drain tiles. If you have yet to apply these measures to your crawl space, choose your options carefully, avoid delaying their installation, and hire reliable contractors to do the job.
Impaired Electrical and Plumbing Components
Look for and immediately address any electrical risks within the crawl space, such as exposed, loose, or damaged wiring, defective electrical panels, and malfunctioning outlets and switches. The same applies to leaks and signs of corrosion in your pipes and plumbing fixtures in the area. Taking immediate action and preventive measures will protect your family and property from more severe issues.
Poor Landscaping and Drainage
The yard surrounding your crawl space must slope away from your home to prevent water from seeping in. Strategically placing deep-rooted plants near your crawl space would also help, as they can absorb excess water, especially during heavy rainfall.
In addition to your landscape design, you should check your gutters and downspouts regularly. These apparatus must redirect water at least 10 feet from your house to ensure no water enters and pools in your crawl space.
Have a Safe and Healthy Living Environment
Proper attention and care will ensure your crawl space serves its purpose well and lasts for years. While the task initially seems overwhelming, this in-depth inspection checklist should help you navigate crawl space maintenance more confidently and efficiently.
Most importantly, remember that it is always best to rely on specialists’ expertise when addressing any issue your crawl space suffers from. So, reach out to your local crawl space contractors for more insights on maintaining your crawl space efficiently. Their team would undoubtedly be pleased to answer your questions and assist you.
