You clean your home on a regular basis, but have you ever thought of cleaning your crawl space? Most people give little thought to this dark, dank area of the home. However, like your living spaces, the crawl space should also be cleaned out on a regular basis.
Let’s face it; the crawl space is kind of gross, to begin with. It’s dark, there’s dirt, and probably some creepy crawlies making their homes. For most of us, it is not the ideal place we want to spend an afternoon.
However, keeping your crawl space cleanout is crucial to the overall well-being of your home. The crawl space plays a huge role in your home’s air quality and insulation of the home. If you want to keep the air in your home clean, you need to keep your crawl space clean.
Crawl Space Cleanout: Some Issues You May Encounter
- Mold, moisture, and/or mildew
- Animals and other pests
- Standing water
- Poor insulation
- Damaged wiring
- Damaged insulation
Because cleaning your crawl space can be messy, you might want to consult a pro to do the job. Not only can it be an unpleasant experience for most people, but things like damaged wiring, mold, and mildew can be downright dangerous.
Common Issues and Damages You May Find When Doing Your Crawl Space Clean Up
During your crawl space cleanout, you will want to give your crawl space a good inspection so that you can identify any issues that may need attention. Knowing how to handle each issue is important, and we recommend you leave the repairs to the professionals. The wrong repair can create more damage and promote the growth of mold.
Insulation in Your Crawl Space
If you see damaged or missing insulation while doing your crawl space cleanout, do not use spray foam as insulation. Spray foam is fine for inside the home, but it doesn’t work well in damp, moist places. Spray foam can lead to more mold and mildew in a crawl space, and this can lead to more health hazards for you and your family.
Fiberglass insulation should also not be used in the crawl space. It isn’t designed for moist environments and can also lead to additional mold growth. If your crawl space needs more insulation, foam board, and polystyrene insulation are your best bets.
Vents in Your Crawl Space
You may find vents in your crawl space. They are there for a reason – to promote airflow and to release moisture. Most times, these vents have screens on them to prevent pests from getting underneath your house.
If you notice rips or holes in those screens, it is a good idea to replace them. It is recommended that you do not install additional vents into your crawl space. Excess vents can draw in humidity and increase mold growth.
Water in Your Crawl Space
When cleaning your crawl space, if you notice standing water, you should remove it. Standing water can draw in insects and other pests as well as decrease the quality of air in your home. If you notice standing water often in your crawl space, you may want to consult with a crawl space specialist. You may need additional drainage to help with the water. Standing water is a sign of improper drainage.
Pests in Your Crawl Space
Rodents and other critters love a crawl space. If you start to clean your crawl space and notice an infestation, you should immediately call in a professional. Waste from rodents and other pests can be very harmful if inhaled. A professional can find where these animals are entering your crawl space, block those entrances, and remove the animals from the space.
Call Attic Projects to Talk About an Appointment for Your Crawl Space Clean Up
If cleaning the crawl space seems like a daunting task, don’t despair! Our professionals are equipped and trained to give your crawl space a thorough cleaning. Call us today for a free consultation and a no-obligation quote. We guarantee our services 100%, and we can get your crawl space cleaned in no time!
Plus, if we encounter any issues while cleaning your crawl space, we can repair them so the air quality of your home remains safe for you and your family.
