Reasons To Take Care of Your Crawlspace
The crawlspace is one of the most overlooked parts of a house, but it calls for proper maintenance and attention. No matter how much you want to avoid this dark, confined and damp space of your home, you may want to read on and find out why it’s vital that you conduct regular checks and cleanings.
Why It’s Important to Look After Your Crawlspace
Failure to inspect and clean your crawlspace will result in moisture and mold build-up which will not only affect the air quality of your home but put you and your family at a health risk.
Crawlspaces have crucial electrical and structural components and it makes them easily accessible if repair or replacement is required. These components include electrical lines, plumbing ventilation, gas hookups, etc. If your crawlspace becomes dirty, flooded or damaged, problems are likely to arise in other sections of your house.
Insulation found in the crawlspace can experience wear and tear over time, leading to wasted energy. If your gas or electricity bill has recently spiked, chances are it’s due to the insulation in the crawlspace.
Due to the damp and dark nature of the crawlspace and the fact that it’s located outdoors, it becomes an appealing habitat for pests and small animals. As a homeowner, the last thing you want is a rodent problem or even worse, exposure to the pathogens that these creatures harbor.
Crawlspaces can ideally develop standing water or get sewage from leaky and old pipes. This can result in structural damage if the issue is overlooked. If raw sewage makes its way into your crawlspace, it can be a harbor for harmful pathogens and viruses. If you notice this during an inspection, it is vital that you have the space assessed by a licensed professional as soon as possible.
When conducting a crawlspace inspection, you may want to look for the following:
- Insulation that requires replacing
- Pesky pests
- Faulty/leaky piping, sewage buildup, and standing water
- Air leaks
- Mold buildup
If you are not certain about what to look for or don’t know where to start when it comes to fixing a crawlspace, do not fret as you can always avail of the services of a professional.
