WHY SHOULD I REPAIR MY CRAWL SPACE?
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IGNORING A CRAWL SPACE Ignoring a crawl space is a measure that brings severe problems in the long term. Taking into account the characteristics of a reduced space exposed to dirt, pests, and moisture, the best solution an urgent home improvement project before this area becomes a severe house issue. If your crawl space is experiencing mold and water damage, fixing and remedying them help ensure a safe structural foundation and healthy indoor air quality. Optimal crawl spaces not only prevent your house from damage, but they protect your family from diseases, allergies, and respiratory conditions.
Most homeowners decide to install vapor barriers for insulating the home from the ground below the house’s structure. However, a vapor barrier can be damaged because of the action of damp and the passage of time. Therefore, it is essential to identify when your vapor barrier is showing signs of damage.
SIGNS OF A DAMAGED VAPOR BARRIER Avoiding regular inspections in a crawl space does not prevent the effects of a damaged vapor barrier or insulation in the rest of the home. Therefore, regardless a crawl space is out of sight, there will be some warning signs that indicate a moisture problem beneath your home.
BAD ODOR In the first instance, bad odor is a sure thing of problems associated with damaged vapor barriers and degrading insulation. Bad odors in the home reach all living spaces because they penetrate all the house rooms and corners. Hence, smelling bad can be a symptom of moisture and/or standing water in your crawl space.
PEELING PAINT AND ROTTEN WOOD Other issues related to crawling space dampness are noticeable in mold growth, rotten wood, and peeling exterior paint. It is important to note that the “stack effect” created within a crawl space (when hot air leaves the home through and upper levels), causes your paint to peel and wooden structures and furniture to rot.
Finally, damaged and ineffective vapor barriers can be harmful to your home. Proper insulation and encapsulation is the best solution for your home when experiencing water-related damage.
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