reduce the cost of water damage restoration

As a homeowner, maintenance is most likely overwhelming at times. From washing windows and shampooing carpet to replacing roofing shingles, the tasks can become challenging and tiresome. Because it is beneath the home and out of sight in most cases, the crawl space may not be a high priority when it comes to maintenance. Unfortunately, without proper maintenance, the crawl space can put your home and family at risk of health problems and energy waste. With this guide, you will learn a few signs your crawl space is in distress and needs repair or maintenance.

Allergy Symptoms

If you and/or other members of your household are experiencing allergy symptoms, your crawl space may be to blame.

Dirt and dust are the other types of allergens that can seep in and build up inside the crawl space below your home. Urine and fecal matter from pests and moisture that causes mold and mildew may seep up from the crawl space and into your home's indoor air.

Exposure to dirt, dust, pests, and mold or mildew can cause numerous types of allergy symptoms. You and your family members may experience itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, runny noses, chronic coughs, skin irritations, and even breathing difficulty. As a matter of fact, exposure to mold is a common trigger of asthma, which can negatively affect your health. In addition, asthma can also be life-threatening.

Encapsulating your crawl space will reduce the risk of allergens in not only the crawl space but also your home's interior, reducing allergy symptoms and keeping your family healthier.

Increased Energy Bills

If you are noticing an unexplained increase in your energy bills, the problem could stem from a variety of causes. From an issue with your heating and cooling system to old, outdated windows and doors, the possibilities are endless. A sudden increase in your energy bills may stem from an improperly insulated and unsealed crawl space.

Without proper insulation, air that enters the crawl space will affect the temperature of the floors inside your home. In the winter, the floors and air will feel cooler even though you are running the heat. In the summer, warm air may seep into the crawl space and into your home, increasing the amount of energy you use to run the air conditioner.

Sealing your crawl space will prevent allergens, but it can also help improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system while reducing your energy bills.

Exterior Cracks/Fissures

The interior of your crawl space is a concern, but you should also focus on the exterior of the crawl space.

Cracks and fissures or broken pieces of concrete/brick could indicate a crawl space and foundation problem. The cracks may stem from basic settling over time, which is normal. Or, the cracks may be due to excess moisture in the foundation and crawl space. In many cases, drainage problems around your home can damage the foundation and crawl space.

If left unrepaired, the cracks and fissures will expand, causing even more air, dirt, dust, pests, and moisture to seep into the space, affecting your health and home. Sealing these cracks and addressing the cause of the cracks is crucial before encapsulating your crawl space to seal up the space.

Foul Odors

A musty, wet smell around or in your home that you cannot pinpoint may stem from your crawl space, as well.

Moisture that lingers will cause mold and mildew to grow, quickly causing a foul odor that affects the appeal of your home. Also, if there is any debris or decaying matter, such as trash, plants, urine/fecal matter from animals, or dead wildlife, there may be an unpleasant odor.

Cleaning, dehumidifying, and insulating the crawl space is imperative if you are noticing these foul odors. Contact a company like Central Penn Waterproofing for more information.