Crawl spaces are areas of a home that are similar to a basement, but usually smaller. They are unfinished areas located below the ground floor of the home and are typically vented to the outside of the home. The two main benefits of a crawl space are cost effectiveness and convenience. Building a crawl space is not as expensive as a full basement. It can be more expensive than a slab foundation, but it negates the need for grading for a slab on a sloped property. They’re also very convenient places for plumbing, electric, and HVAC access. Unfortunately, crawl spaces are very susceptible to water and mold damage.
Water Damage
Standing water can easily accumulate in a crawl space from multiple sources including:
When water damage occurs in a crawl space, it’s important to have the area professionally cleaned as soon as the damage is discovered. Unfortunately, damage in crawl spaces often goes undiscovered for a long time because people don’t enter their crawl spaces often. Even water that was initially clean can grow stagnant when left alone and cause structural damage and health risks over time. When the source of the water was sewage, the water contains bacteria and other contaminants that will eventually make their way into the home above, posing serious health risks.
Mold Growth
In addition to being susceptible to water damage, crawl spaces are also very prone to mold growth due to being common locations for water damages as well as having high levels of moisture and humidity. Mold growth in the crawl space, like water damage, can cause structural problems and pose a risk to your family’s health. Although a professional remediation company can solve your mold problems and get your crawlspace cleaned up, it’s best to always try to prevent mold growth in the first place.
Crawl spaces come with a wide variety of pros and cons. If your home is on a crawlspace, make sure that you’re taking care of it properly and doing regular checks for damage or issues. Damage in these areas often goes unnoticed and can easily cause damage to the living areas of your home if not addressed.