If you have been following the last few blogs, we have been providing you with useful tips on avoiding problems associated with weather changes. However, in this blog we are taking a break and shifting gears to another important topic: the crawlspace. The hidden, often forgotten, and for many, useless crawlspace is actually a significant part of the home. If your home is not sitting on a slab or basement it will most likely have a crawlspace. The crawlspace, although useful in that it offers easy plumbing and electrical access, can become a nuisance if it is not properly maintained. Problems such as moisture, mildew, rotting floors, bad odors, and abnormal increases in heating and cooling bills are all problems that are associated with a poorly maintained crawlspace.
Signs that indicate crawl space problems include:
- Open crawl space vents
- Dirty, damp crawl space insulation
- Fiberglass insulation on crawlspace floor
- Standing water or wet areas on crawl space floors
- Insect or rodent pests in crawlspace
- Rusty metal surfaces
- Cold floors above crawl space in winter
- Visible mold or mold smell in crawl space or rotted wood
These problems not only affect the crawl space but also end up affecting the entire home if they are not addressed in time. So, then how can a homeowner ensure that these problems do not affect their home?
The market is filled with products that will “fix” your crawlspace. However, homeowners should be cautious when it comes to choosing what products they install in their crawl space. Many products will actually do more damage than good in the long run. The best solution is one that not only prevents these problems from happening, but also if the problems already exist, the solution should stop them.
One of the most effective products available to homeowners is the CrawlSeal™ system for crawl space encapsulation. CrawlSeal™ has revolutionized the way we look at a crawlspace. The system includes a drainage system, insulation, crawl space doors, moisture barrier, flood vents, and support posts. These products work to eliminate all your crawlspace problems and prevent any future occurrences as well.
