In 2018, the average repair cost for US households was approximately $2,920. This statistic emphasizes the importance of home maintenance since every dollar spent on it can save you up to $100 in repair expenses.
Crawl spaces are often overlooked in homes, primarily because they are hidden from view. However, neglecting proper crawl space cleaning can make this crucial part of your house vulnerable to issues such as moisture, pests, and more. These problems can lead to structural damage to your home's foundation, impact indoor air quality, and raise energy bills.
That's why we've created this comprehensive guide on crawl space cleaning. By the time you finish reading, we hope you'll have all the knowledge necessary to maintain your crawl space effectively.
What is a crawl space?
A crawl space is typically found between a house's bottom floor and the ground, with a height ranging from one to three feet. The primary function of a crawl space is to offer additional room for plumbing components, electrical wiring, and HVAC equipment.
Why is a crawl space necessary?
Crawl spaces serve multiple functions. In regions with frequent ground moisture, they help keep moisture away from the house. Building a basement in such wet climates is often not feasible, so homes are raised off the ground.
Additionally, crawl spaces are a more cost-effective alternative to building a basement, making them a practical choice for homeowners on a budget.
Common crawl space issues
Proper crawl space maintenance involves addressing various potential problems, including:
Plumbing issues
Electrical wiring problems
Moisture control
Pest infestations (bugs, rats, termites, mice)
Mold and mildew growth
Ventilation challenges
Tips for Maintaining a Crawl Space Cleaning and Drying
Investing in proper and regular crawl space cleaning can bring many benefits, both in the short term and over the long run. Here, are seven valuable tips for taking care of your home's crawl space:
1.Consider Sump Pump Installation
If your crawl area is moist or has standing water, consider a sump pump. These pumps move crawl space water into your main sewer line. This prevents standing water and humidity. Sump pumps require a liner, pump, alarm system, pump stand, check valve, and floor drain. To keep your sump pump running during storms or flooding, get a battery backup system. Flood-prone or rainy areas benefit from sump pumps. They also prevent water damage from interior plumbing leaks, making them useful regardless of location.
2.Install a Vapour Barrier
Vapor barriers line the inside of foundation walls and slabs to prevent water vapor from entering the crawl space. The right vapor barrier for your crawl space's dimensions provides reliable encapsulation and waterproofing when professionally installed. It lowers moisture for a long time. Crawl space encapsulation costs $5,500 but is worth it. Vapor barriers prevent insects and pests from entering your crawl space and reduce the stack effect, which raises indoor humidity. Thus, a vapor barrier improves interior air quality, lowers electrical bills (since homeowners use less HVAC to combat humidity), and protects against wood-destroying insects that cause structural damage.
3.Seal Vents and Weak Points
Moving humidity into your crawl room and blocking outside air will minimize humidity and avoid rot. Moisture can enter through vents, sill plate voids, pipe and wire apertures, rusted access doors, unsecured doors, and foundation faults. Sealing seepage points using caulk or spray foam is customary. Leaky pipes or major foundation cracks can cause crawl space wetness. Fix any "weakest links" too. Finding and sealing openings to keep damp air out is the key goal. Crawl space sealing's benefits are debatable, and some building departments don't allow it. A basement waterproofing company must charge more to seal without a dehumidifier because it retains moisture and increases humidity.
4.Employ a Dehumidifying System
Mold can grow in a crawl space without water, contrary to popular assumptions. Mold growth in a crawl area only requires high humidity, which a dehumidifier may reduce. Crawl areas require high-capacity, high-efficiency dehumidification systems with air filtering due to moisture buildup. Self-draining dehumidifiers and sump pumps are recommended. This setup successfully captures air moisture and sends it to the sump pump for easy removal from your home.
5.Ensure Proper Gutter and Downspout Placement
Checking your gutters, downspouts, and gutter extenders is a simple but efficient way to reduce crawl space moisture. These components direct roof runoff away from your foundation, reducing soil saturation and concrete wicking. Check your gutters and downspouts to ensure rainwater flows away from your home's foundation if you notice wetness in your crawl space after rainfall.
6.Consider Crawl Space Insulation
In addition to the vapor barrier, specific insulation can help keep crawl spaces dry. Insulating your crawl space with mold- and moisture-resistant materials is essential. Fibreglass batts aren't crawl-space-friendly. Instead, hire an expert to install rigid foam boards or spray foam insulation. Insulating your crawl space prevents moisture from entering your living space, protecting your joists and beams. The correct insulation can reduce interior humidity, mold, and electricity expenditures.
7.Maintain Clean Gutters
Your roof may cause crawl space moisture. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and collect near your foundation. Water penetrates the soil and stays moist against the concrete foundation walls. Concrete is porous, so water evaporates beneath your home. It may also seep through foundation wall fractures, causing crawl space wetness. Cleaning the gutters of leaves and debris should be part of regular house maintenance. Professional gutter cleaning costs $120–$225.
These recommendations will assist you in maintaining a clean and dry crawl space, safeguarding your home's integrity, enhancing indoor air quality, and conserving energy. Consistent upkeep serves as an economical means of averting significant issues and fostering a healthy living environment.
No one desires to invest in something rarely visible. However, delaying crawl space cleaning isn't the solution. Postponing it will only result in higher expenses down the road. Is now the right moment for your crawl space to receive some care? If so, don't hesitate to reach out to us for a complimentary service cleaning estimate.
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