Things That Could Go Wrong in Crawl Spaces and Warrant Professional Help

Things That Could Go Wrong in Crawl Spaces and Warrant Professional Help

In a house, the crawl space is considered to be the foundation. It supports the entire structure and can be used as an emergency escape route. The crawl space is usually located under your home's floorboards but can also be found under the ground. And that's why any problem with the crawl space can eventually hurt the integrity of your building. 

Most Common Problems with Crawl Spaces

A crawl space is usually built underground to store items that are not permanently affixed in place. There are many different holes and vents in a crawl space's floor, walls, and ceiling that need to be sealed or covered. These openings can allow water or other unwanted substances to enter the crawl space, which can lead to all sorts of problems.

Uneven Floors

One of the most important things to keep in mind is the potential threat to your home's structural integrity. Yes, crawl spaces are convenient, but they can weaken the structure beneath your floors if not properly maintained.

So, how do you know if your house is losing its stability? Uneven flooring is one of the earliest indicators of a problem.

Don't presume the floors have always been lopsided, and you've just never noticed. A sloping floor may be your house's way of telling you something isn't quite right. This is probably the time to call a reliable foundation repair contractor to inspect your property and suggest the best way out.

Flooded Crawl Space

The presence of standing water is a major threat to the structural integrity of your crawl space, and it's certainly a situation warranting prompt attention from a repairman.

The main problem is that not enough people understand that a crawl space can become flooded. As a result, it may be weeks, months, or even years before a professional discovers the water that has been collected in the crawlspace.

The vapor barrier may be to blame for the stagnant water because it prevents water from evaporating. Because it can't get anywhere else, the water will evaporate as much as it can into the atmosphere. Even if it doesn't cause structural issues, it will certainly lead to moisture problems. 

Moisture Problems

The presence of excess moisture in the crawl space is a common problem for many homes. It can lead to many irritating problems, such as rotted supports, water damage or stains, and mildew. 

The overgrowth of mold and mildew is an extremely dangerous issue, as it pollutes the air and lowers its quality. Since you generally don't spend too much time in your crawl space, this might not seem a major concern. 

However, many people don't realize that the air quality in your home depends heavily on the air quality in the basement or crawl area. You and your loved ones could inhale the mold-infested air from your crawl area. You should always look at any possible signs of moisture problems, such as:

  • Mold in the crawl space
  • Musty odors in your living room
  • Rotten wooden structures
  • Condensation on insulation or duct work
  • Insects or pests in the crawl space
  • High humidity in your home
  • Rusty metal surfaces 
  • Buckled hardwood floor

If you notice any of these problems, know it's time to contact a specialist and have your crawl space inspected and repaired if needed.



Original post here: Things That Could Go Wrong in Crawl Spaces and Warrant Professional Help

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