6 Most Common Issues Affecting Your Crawlspace
Most people do not think of their crawlspace being an integral part of their home, but the truth of the matter is that it is an important feature of your home that needs to be taken care of properly. Improperly maintained crawlspaces can lead to many different issues in your home, including air quality issues and even the risk of mold and mildew. As soon as an issue is found with your crawlspace, you need to address it immediately. Here are some of the most common issues that may affect your crawlspace.
Rodent Infestation
Rodents can easily get into your crawl space and do significant damage. They can even access the inside of your home through the crawlspace. Some people do not tend to worry about rodent infestations because they have a concrete foundation. Rodents can get into the crawlspace of your home through the tiniest of cracks. Once they make it in, they will begin to make nests inside of your crawlspace. The pests you have to worry about are not limited to just rats and mice. You could deal with snakes, squirrels, skunks, possums, and even bats. This is because the crawl space creates a warm environment for them to live in. Once they have moved in, your home’s air quality will suffer, and they could damage the wood and wiring in your home. Having pest control supplies readily available and encapsulation will help you to avoid these issues.
1. Poor Air Quality
Another common issue that affects crawlspaces is poor air quality. When there is poor air quality in the crawlspace, this will make it into the home. Poor air quality can be caused by droppings from pests or a buildup of mold or mildew. Poor air quality can cause multiple health issues.
2. Foundation Issues
Another issue that can affect crawlspaces is issues with the foundation. If you have mold growing, it will slowly eat away at the floorboards and wooden beams. This can ruin the foundation of the home. While this does not pose a health risk, it can destroy the structure of the home, leading to costly repairs.
3. Radon Gas
Radon gas is found all around the country, and your crawl space can be full of it. Radon gas is the natural decay of uranium, and it is associated with a wide variety of health problems. You can have your crawlspace tested for radon to ensure that you do not have an issue.
4. Moisture
The biggest issue that crawl spaces get is moisture. This moisture can build up and cause a variety of issues for you. Constant moisture will allow mold and mildew to grow throughout the crawlspace. This mold and mildew can get into the ductwork of your home, causing mold to be spread throughout your home. In addition to the smell, mold may put people at risk for significant health risks. This included breathing difficulties, rash, and more. Moisture problems can also cause wood to rot, which may damage the structure of the home.
5. Outdoor Air Seepage
You only want to have the best air entering your home that has been filtered. One issue that affects crawlspaces is that outside air can seep in, which can, in turn, come into your home. This can lead to pollutants in your home.
6. How To Deal With These Crawlspace Issues
The best way to prevent all of the above issues is to have your crawl space encapsulated. Crawlspace encapsulation will create a seal where no moisture, rodents, or anything else can get in. This will ensure that your home is safe and that you are only breathing in clean air.
Taking care of your crawl space by having it insulated and encapsulated will help to protect your home and your overall health.
