How To Solve 3 Common Crawl Space Issues
A leaky, musty, mildew-ridden crawl space is not healthy to have underneath or on top of your house. Since the space is unfinished, it is vulnerable to decay. Decay is unhealthy and bad for the materials of the home.
To keep your crawl space from looking like it’s straight out of a 1972 horror film, there are some ways to solve the common issues. Managing this area of your home is vital. Here are some common crawl space problems and what you can do about them.
Moisture Problems In The Attic
Attic ventilation is used to keep the air flowing through an attic. This protects the crawl space from damaging moisture. If conditions get wet enough, the problem can lead to sagging crawl space floors and ceilings in the house. Additionally, mold and mildew can take hold.
To solve the moisture problem in the attic consider removing and replacing the old insulation, mold remediation, crawl space ventilation, wood repair, and waterproofing. Install attic ventilation to force the air out of the space.
Energy Wastage Through The Attic
The unfinished crawl space of an attic can waste a lot of energy because hot air rises and the attic is directly exposed to the heat of the sun. You can get a thermal imaging test to be sure that the attic is a problem.
To better insulate your crawl space, install closed-cell or open-cell spray foam for the ceiling and walls of the attic. There are many options including fiberglass insulation, eco-friendly denim insulation, or cellulose insulation to improve your home’s overall energy efficiency.
Moisture Problems In Crawl Spaces Underneath Homes
It is not uncommon for crawl spaces to lack insulation. If your crawl space is underneath the home, it’s also directly exposed to insects and critters. You may not just have mold and rotting going on, but there could be feces and rodents to add to the unhealthy mix.
- Encapsulating the crawl space with a vapor barrier and taking care of some other things will solve the problem.
- Any wet insulation in the floor joists should be replaced and some should be added if it’s insufficient.
- If the area gets flooded when it rains, you need to install a drainage system around the base of the house to solve the problem before it reaches the crawl space.
- Repair any sagging or damaged joists.
- Install a crawl space dehumidifier in addition to the vapor barrier.
- Treat the mold.
- Fix plumbing leaks.
- Install crawl space vent fans to force the air out.
For more information on crawl space insulation please call Southeastern Crawlspaces today!
If you are looking for an Atlanta and North Georgia crawl space insulation specialist then please call 404-821-2711 or complete our online request form.
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