A crawl space is a vital area of your home that is typically located in the recesses. Crawl spaces have a modest entrance near the foundation of your home. They’re gloomy, cave-like regions with a lot of dirt and garbage in them. To avoid problems that could harm your property, it’s critical to keep up with crawl space cleaning.
WHY DO CRAWL SPACES MATTER?
It’s important to remember that not every home has a crawl area. They’re most common in houses that don’t have a firm cement foundation or basement. These enclosed compartments raise your home off the ground, reducing the risk of floods. It also holds and provides access to important components including electrical conduits, ducting, plumbing, and gas hook-ups. Finally, crawl spaces play an important function in air circulation, affecting the air quality and overall insulation of your home.
CLEANING CRAWL SPACE IS IMPORTANT
Many homeowners do not give subterranean spaces the attention and maintenance they deserve. Poor crawl space management and cleaning techniques frequently lead to far more serious issues that could have been avoided. If pests or rodents are present in your crawl space, they will most likely enter your living environment and carry diseases like hantavirus.
In addition, bug infestations can wreak havoc on electricity and plumbing. If mold grows on your ductwork, it can affect the air quality in your home and your family’s health. Mold can also have a substantial impact on your home’s structural stability. Cleaning and maintenance on a regular basis might save you time and money in the long run.
- Removal of dirt, trash, and mold
- Getting rid of pests and eradicating ancient insect colonies
- Vapor barriers must be installed and maintained.
- Sewage or standing water removal
- Old insulating pieces must be replaced.
- Detection of leaks
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR CRAWL SPACE PROPERLY
You’ll need a headlight, respirator, gloves, a disposable crawl suit, and plastic wrap to collect additional debris if you decide to clean your crawl space yourself. When cleaning a crawl space, there are a few things to avoid.
FOAM INSULATION SHOULD NOT BE USED.
Spray foam is not recommended for crawl space insulation since it easily dampens the space. Foam insulation traps moisture between the foam and the wall it is bonded to, encouraging mold growth and wood rot, which can cause structural damage to your home.
DO NOT INSTALL AN EXCESS OF VENTS.
Installing too many vents in your crawl area is not a good idea since it contributes to high humidity, which encourages mold growth. Furthermore, having too many vents allows critters and pests to enter your crawl space through gaps. Make sure you stick to the rule of one vent per 10 feet and within 3 feet of every corner.
FIBERGLASS INSULATION SHOULD NOT BE USED.
Fiberglass insulation, like foam insulation, is not advised for use in damp areas. Fiberglass insulation absorbs moisture quickly, giving it an ideal environment for mold to thrive. Instead, foam board or polystyrene insulation is recommended.
REMEMBER NOT TO FORGET ABOUT YOUR DRAINAGE SYSTEM.
Rain or groundwater can easily seep into your crawlspace. If you have standing water in your crawl space, make sure to drain it as soon as possible. To make your job easier, consider investing in a robust drainage system.
CRAWL SPACE MAKEOVER CAN ASSIST YOU.
Crawl Space Makeover provides basement and crawl space waterproofing services to customers in the Nashville area. To provide you with the best solutions, we have years of expertise and a staff of well-trained professionals. If you’re having issues with your crawl space or need to schedule crawl space maintenance, give us a call now.
