People don’t normally think about their crawl spaces in the best light. This area beneath the home is usually dark, dirty, and home to potential pests you don’t want to get inside. While it’s true that crawl spaces can bring lots of potential hazards, they’re not so bad with a little upkeep. Here are a few common mistakes people make with their crawl spaces that can lead to bigger problems. Knowing how to avoid these mishaps can make your crawl space cleaner, safer, and more accessible.
Improper Venting
Venting is a vital part of keeping a well-maintained and clean crawl space. However, the number of vents that you should have can vary depending on your client. Many homeowners assume that more vents always mean more airflow, which is good for their crawl space. However, having too many vents can lead to too much moisture getting inside. The development of mold and mildew is one of the many negative ways that your crawl space can affect your health, so you want to avoid that as much as possible. A general rule of thumb is to place a vent about every 10 feet and have one within 3 feet of all corners.
Spray Insulation
Insulation is important and serves a vital function in our homes, and that includes your crawl space. Regardless of how great spray foam insulation works inside your home, it’s not a good option when you want to insulate your crawl space. Spray foam makes it much easier for moisture to get between the foam and the walls, which is another leading cause of mold and wood rot, both of which can make their way into your foundation.
Faulty Drainage
One of the most common mistakes people make with their crawl space is that they don’t have proper drainage systems. It’s always a good idea to aim your gutters and other water-collecting systems away from your crawl space and ensure that any natural water that makes it in has somewhere to go. Standing water attracts bugs and wildlife that can reside in your crawl space and lead to a plethora of future problems.
