We understand why a lot of people put off their crawl space maintenance. Crawl spaces are never anyone's favorite part of their house (And if it were, we'd raise our eyebrows too). It's dark, dingy, and you can feel your back and knees aching just by thinking about crawling in there.

But that doesn't mean that you should completely neglect it. After all, it's an important part of your home, providing extra space for your wiring, HVAC equipment, and plumbing.

Check out our easy guide to help you get started!

 

Before crawling in:

We know you just want to "get it over with," but going into a crawl space without proper safety precautions can be dangerous.

If you have protective clothing you can wear, please do. Bring a light source with you, even during the day, and be wary of hazards, such as broken glass, nails, standing water, or even animal nests. And always let someone else know whenever you go into your crawl space, preferably have them outside and ready to help you too.

 

How to maintain your crawlspace:

Okay, now you're ready. Here are some tips to help you maintain your crawl space.

 

Keep it clean.

A clean crawl space is a safe crawl space. The first step to cleaning this part of your house is always to wear protective gear, especially for your hands, eyes, nose and mouth.

Clear visible hazards like broken glass, rocks, nails, etc. Seal dirt floors with moisture retardant. Keep pests and critters away from your crawl space, if you can. But if younotice severe problems, like uncontrollable pests and mold, don't hesitate to call professionals for help.

 

Keep moisture out.

The lower parts of your house tend to suffer from moisture problems. With a crawlspace, it's important to keep the area dry and moisture-free. When there's lots of moisture, you can be sure that mold and mildew will grow and affect your air quality.

• Here are a few suggestions for dealing with moisture:
• Use a dehumidifier or a fan to air out your crawl space.
• Make sure you have proper drainage that keeps water away from your house (and your foundation too).
• Try covering the floor with crawl space vapor barriers.
•   

Insulate your crawl space.

Proper insulation not only helps you manage the moisture in your crawl space. It can also address your high energy bills because it helps to regulate the temperature inside your home.

When installing insulation, make sure to use proper materials and take into account the general climate in your area. For example, in dry & warm places, insulating between the floor joists can be enough. But for places with colder climates, it may be best to seal the crawl space and insulate the walls.

 

Regular crawl space maintenance and inspection can help prevent severe problems, not only for that area, but also for your whole house. If you start noticing problems with temperature regulation, air quality, or even squeaky or noisy floors, it can be good to check your crawl space for signs or the source of damage too.

Still not sure what to do with your crawl space or have quick questions? Get thorough and professional inspection and advice from our experts! Call 980-250-2711 now.