If you own a home, it’s important to check your crawl space regularly for signs of damage or disrepair. A poorly maintained crawl space can lead to higher energy bills, serious pest infestations, and even structural damage.
There are some crawl space-related issues that can be easily fixed, and others that may take a bigger project to properly repair. Ensuring that you have your crawl space inspected regularly, will keep your mind at ease that your home is the safest, healthy, and efficient as it can be.
Now, if your crawl space is having issues, you may be able to see signs in the main part of your home as well. If you’re not sure whether or not you need professional crawl space repair, here are a few signs to look for:
1. Unpleasant Smells
If you’ve noticed a musty or damp smell in your home, it’s likely that the source is your crawl space. This could be a sign of a moisture problem like a leak, or even mold and mildew. If you’ve noticed an unpleasant smell coming from your crawl space, it’s time to call a professional for help.
2. Visible Damage
If you can see damage in your crawl space, then it’s time to call a professional. This could include water damage, cracks in the walls or floor, or even pests like termites. Try looking for discoloration of the walls or floor that could be a sign of mold or water damage. No matter the issue, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible.
3. Warped Floors
If you’ve noticed that your floor is warping or sagging, it’s likely due to water damage in your crawl space. The floor that sits right above your crawl space will be the main area you will start to notice issues if your crawl space is having problems. This can look like cracks in the floor or even separation. Cupping is also a major indicator that something could be wrong in your crawl space. Warped floors can be a major hazard and should be addressed as soon as possible.
4. High Humidity Levels
If your crawl space is damp and humid, it’s a sign that there’s a moisture problem that needs to be addressed. High humidity levels can lead to mold and mildew, which can cause serious health problems. If you start to experience humidity levels going up within your home, you might benefit from having your crawl space inspected. Anywhere from 50-60% of the air you breathe in your home comes from your crawl space, so if your crawl space has high humidity, you will likely start to feel this in your home as well.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s time to call a professional for help. Crawl spaces can be difficult to access, and even unsafe, so it’s important to make sure that the job is done right the first time. A professional will be able to identify and fix any issues and ensure that your crawl space is in good condition.
If you are curious about the health of your crawl space, our experts would be happy to inspect it for free and give you options on how to help.
