Breathing what is in your crawl space…

We bet your crawl space is the last place you like to visit in your home.  For many reasons (they can be a bit creepy!!).  But there are several concerns when a crawlspace

damp, moldy crawlspaces create additional problems iNSIDE your home isn’t dry or functioning properly. In homes with crawlspaces, approximately 40-60 percent of the home’s make-up air, and thus the air we breathe, comes from the crawlspace. If it gets wet, a number of issues arise.  So regularly checking the area UNDER your home is very important.

 

Here are some issues to look for:

  • Cracks in the foundation
  • Damp, wet, or stained masonry
  • Visible mold or mildew (musty smell?)
  • Wetness either above or below the plastic sheeting (if you have it)
  • Discolored or stained wood beams
  • Wet or damp insulation
  • Any rusted metal (I-beams, pipes, insulation hangars, etc.)
  • Signs of insect or vermin activity
  • Rotting wood (gently poke with a screwdriver)

Other than mold, what are the negative effects of a damp crawlspace? The increased humidity causes:

  • Sticking doors and windows
  • Smelly damp carpets
  • Buckling hardwood floors
  • Aggravated asthma or allergies (more humidity, more dust mites, etc.)
  • Condensation in upper floors or in the attic
  • Condensation on your windows
  • Increased pest activity (termites love moisture)
If you notice any of the issues above or like many of us – just refuse to go under your house, give us a call and we can help out.