Common Crawl Space Problems
- Moisture and condensation
If your crawl space has no vapor barrier or has poor ventilation, ground moisture will seep into it. This leads to the formation of mold or mildew which are common allergens and give off a musty odor. If these contaminants get mixed in the air you breathe, they can cause serious respiratory problems for your entire family.
A mold can also cause serious damage to your home’s structural elements especially those made up of wood. Moreover, moisture causes condensation on walls and windows that cause damage to your wallpapers and window sills and creates a musty indoor environment within your home.
- Infestation of insects and rodents
Insects and rodents such as bugs and mice love cold, wet, and dark places like your crawl space. They usually get access to this area through any holes in the foundation. These pests will not only rest in this area of your home, they will surely find their way up and make your entire home theirs. These parasites are known to cause serious health problems to humans, so it’s best to keep them away.
- Uneven floors
If there’s too much moisture or flooding in your crawl space, it causes your floor to get sloppy or uneven. If this happens, it can cause serious damage to the structure of your home which will result in deterioration of its real estate value.
- An increase in energy cost
Insulation plays a big role in minimizing the bills in your home. If the insulation in your crawl space has fallen or no longer provides proper insulation to your subfloor, you’ll experience a significant increase in your bill. This is because you’ll have colder floors during winter and warmer floors during summer. Both cause an increase in the energy consumption of your thermostat or AC.