Why Do Homes Have a Crawl Space?
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A CRAWLSPACE IS A TYPE OF FOUNDATION THAT SEPARATES THE HOME FROM THE GROUND. HAVING A CRAWLSPACE HAS MANY ADVANTAGES. FIRST, THESE AREAS ARE POPULAR AMONG AMERICAN HOMEOWNERS BECAUSE THEY ARE COST-FRIENDLY. HOWEVER, CRAWLSPACES ARE MORE VULNERABLE TO MOISTURE THAN OTHER STRUCTURES SUCH AS CONCRETE SLABS.
Cost and Soil Settlement
However, while building a crawl space is not cheaper than a slab, there are other reasons for these preferences. Indeed, a slab is built on the top of the soil; it means that when the last one settles, foundations are at risk of cracking. On the other hand, crawl spaces are a lot less expensive than a basement.
HOUSEHOLD INSTALLATIONS Another advantage of crawlspaces is the accessibility to electric, HVAC, and plumbing installations. This advantage over other types of foundations arises when it comes to making inspections and repairs. Indeed, when issues like pipe leaks occur, crawl spaces allow solve them easily. Otherwise, in the case of concrete slabs, excavation is required.
Some Disadvantages of Crawl Spaces When you have a crawl space foundation, you have
another
area
in
your
home
that
needs
maintenance. Many homeowners tend to neglect crawl spaces, and this issue can cause moisture excess and other humidity related problems.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU NEGLECT A CRAWL SPACE? Neglected crawl spaces can lead to multiple problems like mold symptoms inside your house. For example, you can notice an increase in dampness or humidity. It implies that moisture is the primary cause of mold growth and the deterioration of organic materials such as wood, plaster, and paper. In the same way, dampness or humidity impairs your wooden floors, making them squishy when you walk on them.
THE BEST WAY TO AVOID ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR CRAWL SPACE IS BY PERFORMING SPACE INSULATION. OF COURSE, GROUNDWATER CAN INFILTRATE YOUR CRAWL SPACE, BUT THERE ARE OTHER WAYS FOR MOISTURE TO GET IN. ON THE OTHER HAND, WHEN YOU DO NOT INSULATE THIS AREA, ENERGY BILLS INCREASE WHEN EXTREME TEMPERATURES ARRIVE, AND YOUR HVAC IS OVERLOADED.
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