Common Issues that Plague Crawl Spaces

5 Common Issues in Crawl Spaces

1. Poor Drainage: Most crawl spaces feature a drain running around its perimeter to prevent standing water. However, if this drain is blocked it can result in water back-ups, the development of mold, and foundation issues. Sometimes it can also lead to pipe cracks because water will saturate the ground and cause the surrounding pipes to expand.
2. Excessive Moisture: Moisture is a very common problem in crawl spaces because of their dark, humid atmosphere. If your crawl space has a dirt floor, moisture from the ground will rise up and get trapped in it. Excessive moisture can also invite mold to grow which can sneak into your home’s air.
3. Bad Insulation: Insulation in crawl space is designed to seal your home from fluctuating temperatures and improve its air quality. However, if this insulation isn’t installed properly or monitored, it can start to fall apart. Because it often contains wool or fiberglass, the insulation can be a haven for mold spores.
4. Pests: One of the biggest issues that crawl spaces deal with is pests. Rodents, termites, ants, cockroaches, and a variety of other insects will often make their home in it thanks to its desirable environment. Besides being a nuisance, pests can also cause foundational damage because they’ll build their homes beneath it or chew away at the foundation.
5. Foundational Cracks: Crawl spaces also tend to have foundational cracks, especially if they are packed with dirt, moisture, and uncontrolled hot or cold temperatures. Vertical cracks are somewhat common and tend to be due to water damage. However, horizontal cracks can be very dangerous as they are a sign of intense soil pressure or a wearing down of foundational anchors. Fixing foundational cracks can sometimes be done by applying a mixture of epoxy ports and concrete. This will help to fill in the cracks while providing extra stability. However, to ensure that there isn’t a dangerous underlying condition, it might be best to have a professional take a look at them.

Crawl spaces can suffer from a variety of different issues if they aren’t maintained. RCS can help prevent these common problems by doing intricate crawl space inspections while cleaning them up. Call today for more information.