When your home has a crawl space underneath can take some getting used to. This is not because you have an added space that other homes do not have, but because you have a responsibility to look after this space. Of course, not everyone maintains the property’s crawl space – in fact, some people pay no attention to it at all. However, this may cause a lot of issues over the long run and can have a serious damaging impact on your property as well as your living environment.
While you may not use or even see this area under your home, you do need to remember that it is the heart of your property. This means that whatever goes on down there can have a direct impact on what goes on in your main home. As such, it is important to keep this space clean and well maintained. If any damage or problems arise, you should get in touch with a crawl space repair expert to get it sorted out. In this article, we will look at some of the dangers of neglecting the property’s crawl space.
Why Crawl Space Maintenance and Repair Is Vital
The ideal crawl space humidity level for your home is 50 to 55%. This level allows your air to be healthy and decreases the side effects of a high humidity level. It may change slightly depending on where you live. A vapor barrier is a thin layer of impermeable polyethylene sheeting that prevents moisture diffusion through the basement wall. It can lower crawl space humidity to an ideal level.
There are many reasons why you need to maintain and repair this space, and many dangers that can arise if you neglect this part of your home. Some of the potential dangers include:
Spread of Damp and Mold
One of the problems that can occur if you neglect the crawl space is that you could find dampness and mold spreading through your home. This might cause all sorts of issues from exacerbating respiratory problems and allergies to weakening your wall structures and making rooms look unsightly. In addition, it can make it very difficult to keep your home warm and comfortable. If your crawl space falls into a bad state, it could mean lots of issues with dampness and mold.
Poor Air Quality
Another major problem that you may face if you neglect this space is poor air quality at home, and this can have a serious impact on your living environment and life quality. In addition, poor health quality can have an effect on your health and that of other people living there. The odors around the home that stem from a damp and neglected crawl space can also make your home environment very unpleasant, and this is another reason you need to look after this area under your home.
Infestations and Pest Problems
If you fail to look after the area under your home, you could find that it becomes the ideal setting for pests to breed. Once this happens, you could find the inside and outside of your home overrun by all sorts of pests. They can damage your home, spread disease, and cause serious hygiene issues around your home. They can also cause a lot of distress and a great deal of expense to eliminate.
This an example of the many dangers that can arise if you fail to look after your crawl space.
