Here's Why You Need To Keep Your Crawl Space Clean

It isn't often that house owners think about the crawl space - until something goes wrong! Of course, when something does go wrong, crawl space contractors are our go to to help fix it. But ideally, some good old fashioned crawl space maintenance is a key factor for avoiding a ton of concerns. Here are some of the bigger ones.

Air Quality

It can be quite surprising to learn that up to 60% of the air we breathe inside the home is circulated from the crawl space. And honestly, that statistic alone is enough of a reason to make sure the crawl space is clean at all times. 

Residents of a home that has a dusty or dirty crawlspace are more likely to have allergies, and for those with existing things like asthma, an unchecked crawl space can be the one of the first factors to cause extra issues. 

Infestations

Pests love a dark, warm, and spacious place to live and breed. The crawl space below our homes offers an exceptional place to live. And pest problems can be a homeowner's biggest nightmare - we all know that pests can multiply at speed. 

Having the crawl space regularly cleaned, can help with quickly spotting signs of an infestation. Most insects and small rodents can squeeze into the smallest of spaces, which means they can get access to the crawl space pretty quickly. 

Structural damage

There can be many reasons for structural damage to occur in the crawlspace of a home; it could be dampness, mold, pests, or standing water. But since many people don't go into the crawl space often, it is not uncommon to find dangerously damaged supporting beams. 

This type of hidden damage can cause a myriad of issues if not found early. 

Mold

Remember air quality? Well, add mold to that and we’ve got the perfect reason to make sure the crawl space is regularly cleaned. Many different types of mold can cause issues for people who live in the home. Something to be mindful of is that mold can grow rapidly, and this makes it even more important that the crawlspace has regular cleaning and checks for dampness. 

Originally the crawl space was designed with the idea that it would help fresh air circulate around the house due to the open-vented design. However, since the crawl space is usually cooler than the rest of the home, it also means it is a prime location for damp and damp brings mold. 

Add dead insects and any other pest into the mix, and we have the perfect place for mold to spread. 

Insulation

It is often the case that the crawlspace will have some insulation in it. Usually, it is installed directly underneath the flooring to help the rooms retain their temperatures. And speaking of, are there are patches on the floor that don't offer the same warmth as others? This can be an indicator that the underfloor insulation isn't in the right place. 

In the summer months, it’s more difficult to notice, so ensuring to check the crawl space even during the summer months is essential. 

Recently purchased a home? Add getting the crawl space checked to this to to-do list: You Bought A Home! Do These Things Next