Is Your Crawlspace Sick?
Original Content by Carl Johnson
The crawlspace… that creepy dark underground of your house that you were afraid of as a kid. Where you left the baseball if it rolled too close or where you ran from because you thought you heard a scratching noise coming from behind its entrance. As an adult the crawlspace doesn’t strike you with the same fear of monsters lurking under the house, but it is an area to be wary of. Best homeowner practice is to make sure your crawlspace is properly cared for before it turns into something that is bad for your house and unhealthy for you.
Designed to be the support for your home’s living area, the crawlspace is a narrow area between the ground and first floor of your home which gives easy access to electrical and plumbing. This space is typically unfinished and can be a dirt floor, which may cause issues if not cared for properly. You should not store items in the crawlspace that will be affected by moisture and air quality, as this area can result in the perfect combination for mold and other bacterial growth. Below are two of the most common dangers the occur in unhealthy crawlspaces:
Mold and Fungus grow easily in the dark, moist environment of the crawlspace. The mold spores are the source of many common allergies, and when airborne, can result in cold-like symptoms to those in the house. Molds and Fungi may also cause issues during the sale of a house, and it can be costly to find remediation options.
Pests also find the crawlspace to be the perfect habitat. Since the crawlspace is supporting the foundation of your home, any wood consuming pests (such as termites and ants) can pose a major threat to the home’s structure. Luckily, these pests are noticeable and remediation options are readily available. Checking your crawlspace on a regular basis will ensure that any damage that is done by pests is noticed before it becomes a costly problem.
One of the key repeating factors that leads to these dangers of an unhealthy crawlspace is moisture. Management of moisture levels in your crawlspace will save you both money and future health issues. Any time there is moisture present, you are welcoming any number of molds, pests, and other dangers. The natural environment of a crawlspace is dirt and moisture which is why a vapor barrier is the number one recommendation to controlling any moisture issues.
Vapor Barriers are plastic liners that are laid on the floor of the crawlspace to damp proof the area and keep moisture from getting into the space. The vapor barrier helps control moisture entering the area as well as pests, allergens, and it even provides a layer of insulation to help temperature control the living area in the rooms above. It is important to have a vapor barrier that is of high quality, and the material itself should have the recommended thickness of 20-mil to do its job properly.
Depending on the design of the crawlspace, the walls can also be covered in the vapor barrier, or a seal can be applied if it is exposed foundation. This will help ensure that your wall foundation remains strong and keeps out wood rotting pests and molds.
Installing a vapor barrier, keeping an eye on the crawlspace by periodically checking in on its condition, and taking corrective action as soon as an issue arises are key factors that keep your crawlspace healthy. In the long run, doing so will help you yourself stay healthy and away from mold exposure as well as keep your house strong. A strong crawlspace will save you financial burdens over time and help with any future sale of your house. Don’t be afraid of your crawlspace anymore! Keep it healthy and enjoy the benefits of a strong healthy home!
It is my hope that this article will give you some guidance to have a healthy and happy home! Should you find any of these issues in your home please give me a call. I can provide recommendations on who to contact and what your next steps should be.
Click here to learn about giving your home a refresh in the new year!
© 4RE Marketing - all rights reserved 2022
Designed to be the support for your home’s living area, the crawlspace is a narrow area between the ground and first floor of your home which gives easy access to electrical and plumbing. This space is typically unfinished and can be a dirt floor, which may cause issues if not cared for properly. You should not store items in the crawlspace that will be affected by moisture and air quality, as this area can result in the perfect combination for mold and other bacterial growth. Below are two of the most common dangers the occur in unhealthy crawlspaces:
Mold and Fungus grow easily in the dark, moist environment of the crawlspace. The mold spores are the source of many common allergies, and when airborne, can result in cold-like symptoms to those in the house. Molds and Fungi may also cause issues during the sale of a house, and it can be costly to find remediation options.
Pests also find the crawlspace to be the perfect habitat. Since the crawlspace is supporting the foundation of your home, any wood consuming pests (such as termites and ants) can pose a major threat to the home’s structure. Luckily, these pests are noticeable and remediation options are readily available. Checking your crawlspace on a regular basis will ensure that any damage that is done by pests is noticed before it becomes a costly problem.
One of the key repeating factors that leads to these dangers of an unhealthy crawlspace is moisture. Management of moisture levels in your crawlspace will save you both money and future health issues. Any time there is moisture present, you are welcoming any number of molds, pests, and other dangers. The natural environment of a crawlspace is dirt and moisture which is why a vapor barrier is the number one recommendation to controlling any moisture issues.
Vapor Barriers are plastic liners that are laid on the floor of the crawlspace to damp proof the area and keep moisture from getting into the space. The vapor barrier helps control moisture entering the area as well as pests, allergens, and it even provides a layer of insulation to help temperature control the living area in the rooms above. It is important to have a vapor barrier that is of high quality, and the material itself should have the recommended thickness of 20-mil to do its job properly.
Depending on the design of the crawlspace, the walls can also be covered in the vapor barrier, or a seal can be applied if it is exposed foundation. This will help ensure that your wall foundation remains strong and keeps out wood rotting pests and molds.
Installing a vapor barrier, keeping an eye on the crawlspace by periodically checking in on its condition, and taking corrective action as soon as an issue arises are key factors that keep your crawlspace healthy. In the long run, doing so will help you yourself stay healthy and away from mold exposure as well as keep your house strong. A strong crawlspace will save you financial burdens over time and help with any future sale of your house. Don’t be afraid of your crawlspace anymore! Keep it healthy and enjoy the benefits of a strong healthy home!
It is my hope that this article will give you some guidance to have a healthy and happy home! Should you find any of these issues in your home please give me a call. I can provide recommendations on who to contact and what your next steps should be.
Click here to learn about giving your home a refresh in the new year!
© 4RE Marketing - all rights reserved 2022
