It is generally a top priority for every homeowner to have the safest, cleanest, healthiest home possible. A part of this process that is often overlooked is ensuring that your crawl spaces are clean and in good condition. Crawl space maintenance should be a part of your routine, and having it checked by a crawl space expert is critical in making sure that your home is in top condition.
Several studies have shown that crawl spaces that have become infested with harmful pests and rodents or even mold allow for the circulation of toxic air throughout your home. This air can cause serious health problems for you and your family. Also, the growth of mold and water damage in your crawl space can weaken your foundation and support beams’ structural integrity. If the insulation in your crawl space has deteriorated, you could have significantly increased energy costs.
Your crawl space plays a critical role in your home’s ability to keep warm or cold. It provides a barrier between your living space and the outside world, so while it is often overlooked, it’s essential to keep in mind the effect it has on your home’s overall well-being.
It is recommended that you give your crawl space a good look at least twice a year, while at the same time keeping an eye out for tell-tale signs of trouble that include musty or bad odors, water damage, moist air, increased energy bills, and sounds of invading pests.
What do I need to look for when checking my crawl space?
The most obvious sign of trouble is the presence of unpleasant smells. If you’ve noticed unpleasant or strange odors that you can’t identify, it’s wise to check your crawl space. Since one of its primary functions is circulating air through your home, it’s a good bet that it’s the source of the bad smell.
Another common problem to keep tabs on is the presence of pests and rodents. If you find evidence that pests like spiders, rats, mice, squirrels, or other critters have made a home in your crawl space, you’ll want to have a professional come in and take care of them. They could be causing significant structural damage, and their droppings and other waste could be causing the air in your home to be unhealthy. It’s best to get them taken care of as quickly as possible.
Lastly, a sign of trouble in your crawl space is if your home has trouble maintaining a constant temperature. If your HVAC is working overtime and your energy bills increase, there is a good chance that you need to replace the insulation in your crawl space.
What regular maintenance should I perform on my crawl space?
The best thing you can do to protect your home and crawl space is to have a crawl space attic services professional come out and take a look. Contact us today so we can perform a thorough inspection of your crawl space and see if any trouble spots need to be addressed. We’ll recommend a regular cleaning and maintenance program that fits your needs and budget.
There are many things that you have to pay attention to as a homeowner. Our goal is to take crawl space maintenance off that list so that you and your family have time to enjoy your home properly.
