Are you guilty of ignoring your crawl space? If so, you’re not alone. Many homeowners have an “out of sight, out of mind” approach to their crawl space, until, that is, an issue arises.
Fortunately, being proactive about protecting your crawl space can help prevent serious issues. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know to make sure your crawl space doesn’t become a future source of headaches.
Dangers of Ignoring Your Crawl Space
Although easy to ignore, your crawl space plays an important role in your home’s overall structural integrity. If you don’t properly maintain the area, it will start to develop mold and mildew.
Beyond that, rodents and pests in your crawl space can cause damage to its structural integrity and water runoff also poses a serious threat. If you leave these issues unfixed for too long, you’ll risk damage to your home and need to start budgeting for expensive repairs.
Common Signs of Issues in Your Crawl Space
So, how do you know if your crawl space needs some TLC? Here at Green Frog Waterproofing, these are some of the most common signs of issues we see in neglected crawl spaces.
- Insulation that is wet, damaged, or hanging in the crawl space
- High levels of humidity
- Mold and mildew growth
- Rotting wood
- Cracks in the home’s foundation
- Poor air quality and odors in the home
- Sagging or buckled hardwood floors
- Pest infestations
Some homeowners also report respiratory issues like allergies and asthma symptoms as a result of crawl space issues.
The Best Solutions for Crawl Space Problems
Now that you know why you should pay attention to your crawl space and what to look for, it’s time to start thinking about solutions. Here are a few ways our team can repair any issues and prevent new ones from developing.
Encapsulation
When you hire our team for a crawl space encapsulation, we’ll create a barrier designed to keep mold, mildew, and pets out of your crawl space. Encapsulation can also help improve the air quality in your home and lower your energy bills by making your home more energy efficient.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing your crawl space is another effective solution. If the area already has existing water, we’ll start by removing that and cleaning up the crawl space. From there, we’ll install a waterproofing system that helps to lower humidity levels, improve air quality, and keep your home’s foundation structurally sound.
Insulation
Another option to consider is replacing the insulation in your crawl space. During this process, we’ll remove any old and damaged insulation, seal the crawl space, and then add new insulation to the walls rather than the subfloor. This improves your home’s energy efficiency and keeps mold out of your crawl space.
Dehumidifier
Finally, if you’ve noticed high levels of humidity in your home, consider installing a crawl space dehumidifier. This system will draw moisture out of the air, preventing the growth of mold and mildew. This not only helps protect your home’s drywall, but it can also help your family literally breathe easier.
Don’t Ignore Your Crawl Space Any Longer
After reading through this guide, it’s time to give your crawl space the care and attention it deserves. The best option is to call the Green Frog Waterproofing team for assistance. We’d be happy to come out to your home, inspect the current state of your crawl space, and come up with a repair plan to get it back in good shape.
Contact us today for a free comprehensive evaluation!
