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What Are the Signs of a Harmful Crawl Space

crawl space

A crawl space is an area of a home that is usually below ground level. When a crawl space is not ventilated correctly or not well taken care of, it can create an attractive environment for insects, rodents, and other critters. These animals can then start to make the crawl space their home. This can create problems for the homeowners, as the crawl space may contain mold spores which can cause health issues like allergies and asthma. In addition, an unventilated crawl space can also cause the home’s heating and cooling costs to increase.

Here are the signs to watch out for:

1. Cracks in the Foundation

Moisture can easily permeate a crawlspace’s dirt floor if it does not have an encapsulation system or vapor barrier. This can cause serious moisture problems, widening cracks over time and letting in more water. With more water entering the crawl space, the damage will begin to snowball out of control. Utility components in your wet crawlspace may show corrosion on pipes, fittings, valves, and other metal parts.

2. Drooping or Sloping Floors

Sagging floors is never a good sign and can indicate a larger problem. If your floors are drooping, it is essential to determine the root cause of the issue and take steps to fix it. Many things can cause sagging floors, but one common culprit is a damaged crawl space. If your home has a crawl space and the floors are sagging, the problem is likely stemming from there.

3. Moisture Condensation

A crawl space is an area underneath a home that can be accessed through a small opening. Crawl spaces usually have dirt floors and are not intended for living space.

Moisture in a crawl space can come from water seeping through the foundation walls, condensation from the air, or leaking pipes. Lots of moisture in a crawl space can allow fungi, insects, and termites to thrive. This can lead to the deterioration of the wood that supports the house.

If you see no physical problems with the wood in your crawl space but still have problems, dry rot may be the issue. Dry rot is not visible on the wood outside but on the inside of the floor joists. Dry rot can also promote the formation of mold and mildew, which can cause poor indoor air quality.

4. Water or Flooding

Water in your crawl space indicates that you must get rid of it as soon as possible. Not only can it lead to mold problems, but it can also cause your home’s sub-flooring to warp and buckle. If left untreated, mold will develop and your home’s structure will become unsafe.

Conclusion

Several signs may indicate a harmful crawl space, such as water damage, rot, mold, pests, and structural damage. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to have the crawl space inspected by a professional to determine the extent of the damage and to develop a plan for repairs.

AAA Restoration Utah provides mold removal, home cleaning, and flood damage repair services in Utah. We keep your best interests in mind, and we understand the immediacy of home and property damage. That’s why we’re available 24/7! When you call us, we will rush over and be ready to get to work immediately restoring your property. For more information, please feel free to contact us at (801) 263-9990.