The crawl space is an area of the home that is easily forgotten, but it's one of the most important areas in the home. Many homeowners don't make the crawl space a top priority, and by doing so, they force their crawlspace to transform into a money pit. The good news is that crawlspace maintenance is much easier than you would think.
One of the main purposes of a crawlspace is to elevate your home, so it doesn't touch the ground. By elevating your home, the crawlspace helps to prevent structural damage that can be caused by pests or moisture.
However, the crawlspace also plays the role of a container for all of your home's duct work and plumbing, which are systems needed for comfortable living. When compared with a basement, a crawlspace is almost always less expensive, so it's a popular choice among homeowners.
Maintenance for your crawlspace doesn't have to be complicated. There are several tips that you can use to properly care for your crawlspace.
An important aspect of any maintenance plan is moisture control. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to eliminate all of the moisture in a crawlspace, but with the right care, you can dramatically reduce it. Excess moisture is known to cause mold growth and structural damage, which can make your home dangerous to live in.
A great way to prevent moisture from entering your crawlspace is to invest in quality gutters. In most cases, the gutters are the first line of defense against excess moisture. You can also have your crawlspace waterproofed.
Another aspect of maintaining your crawlspace involves checking the insulation. If the space is properly insulated, it will ensure your home stays warm. Over time, the insulation in your crawlspace can break down, and when this happens, you'll need to have it replaced.
What Is Really In Your Crawlspace?
When you finally start venturing into your home's crawlspace, you'll find a number of things that you never knew were there. Dirt is something that you're likely to find, and it can be handled with the installation of a vapor barrier.
You'll also find some ductwork, which is required for a comfortable home. It's a good idea to check your ductwork and make sure it's not damaged or poorly insulated. You should always let professionals handle exposed ductwork. The crawlspace is also home to your home's plumbing pipes.
Check to make sure the pipes aren't leaking and have proper insulation. On your journey into the crawlspace, you'll also find some electrical wiring. Make sure the wiring stays attached to the walls and do a quick check for split or exposed wires.
Depending on where you live, there might even be snakes, squirrels, rats or other pests living in the space. Keeping your crawlspace properly maintained will help you avoid costly repairs in the future and will make your home a safer place to live.