Maintaining Your Crawl Space

If your home has a crawl space versus a concrete slab foundation, then there are some maintenance tips you need to know. A crawl space is the space between the house and the ground. There are many positives to this type of foundation, such as access to pipes, but there are also some things you need to look out for such as organic growth (mold), moisture, and animals.  

When unattended, your crawl space can easily attract fungi, pests, mold, and mildew. In particular, when your insulation traps water vapor, this means an excess of moisture. Then, the resulting growth of mold and fungus can spread and wreak havoc through your entire house.

Crawl space vapor barriers help reduce moisture under your home and reduce the need for expensive repairs in the future.

Periodically check your vents on the side of your home to make sure they are secure and not bent or dislodged. If they are, this can allow unwanted wildlife to become new roommates. No one wants to deal with a family of racoons or rabbits.

As you look at your home maintenance list, don’t disregard your crawl space. At least twice a year, make sure you are keeping moisture out, it is clean, and there are not any unwelcomed guests and you will be on the right track to keeping your home away from those expensive repairs.