Out of sight, out of mind….the crawlspace is often a forgotten area of our homes but one we should not neglect. The crawlspace offers some advantages as a foundation type, primarily allowing accessibility to plumbing and HVAC components. Too often homeowners use this “extra space” for storage which isn’t always the best idea. Ideally a crawl space should be accessible and not used for storage. Over the years remodeling and home inspections gave me the opportunity to observe a lot of crawlspaces and almost all of them were used as a storage area. Extra building materials, firewood and lawn equipment were the usual culprits I would find. Combustion engines, gasoline and other flammable liquids pose an obvious fire risk and should be stored in a safer place. Building materials and firewood introduce moisture and potentially creatures we don’t want living with us into our homes. Bags of clothing, cardboard boxes and other materials can also trap and retain unwanted moisture which provides a potential breeding ground for mold growth.
Crawl spaces vary greatly in terms of height, ventilation and construction which affect their ability to function. Regardless of how a crawlspace is build I recommend keeping it clear of anything obstructing accessibility and air flow. If emergencies arise professionals can access plumbing or HVAC systems in a more timely manner and have the visibility necessary to inspect the areas around them. We can not fix what we can not see and most service professionals are not likely to move personal items if they do not have to. Having a clean crawl space will provide a higher return on investment for each trade entering your crawl space. Many homeowners have annual termite/pest inspections where a professional crawls the area inspecting for evidence of wood destroying insects. Obviously a clean area allows the inspector to have increased visibility and opportunity to perform a thorough investigation. These annual inspections also bring awareness to other issues like leaks, humidity and moisture problems. I highly recommend annual pest inspections as another layer of protection to insure potentially threatening issues are identified and addressed in a timely manner.
Inspecting the Perimeter
Naturally I’m an advocate for safety and proactive home maintenance and encourage homeowners to be aware of the potential threats facing crawlspaces. Leaving the belly crawls to the professionals is probably to best decision for most homeowners but walking the perimeter of a home’s foundation may reveal issues that need to be addressed. A few things homeowners can easily do are:
- Look for cracks and holes in the foundation: potential entry for insects, vermin, pets.
- Check for missing/broken ventilation vents.
- Check for missing/broken caulking at penetrations exiting the crawlspace.
- Are gutters and downspouts attached properly/clogged?
- Check for standing water, water marks around foundation
- Does grading carry surface water away from foundation?
- Is landscaping overgrown?
- Is vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) present and in good condition?
- Is insulation sagging or falling?
- Are musty, unpleasant odors emitting from the crawlspace?
These are a few visual inspection categories homeowners can easily perform in a few minutes that may warrant further investigation or repairs. Keep in mind crawl spaces can have conditions that may pose health risks. Insulation can break down and produce airborne particles that you do not want to inhale or have physical contact with. Chemicals used to treat termites/wood destroying insects may also be present and harmful to your health. As a parent I understand now important it is to continually watch for hazards facing our children. A CRAWL SPACE IS NOT A PLACE FOR CHILDREN OR PETS. It may look like a great “fort” or “clubhouse” to a young mind but nothing could be further from the truth. Chemical residue, electrical components, entrapment, insulation and mold are only a few of the reasons playing in a crawlspace is a bad idea. I never enter a crawlspace without a respirator and body suit and always enter cautiously. I have seen mice, crickets, spiders, snakes, squirrels and remnants (bones) of unidentifiable animals!
If conditions in the crawlspace are right, mold can grow and go unnoticed for a long time. As seasons and humidity change mold can exist in a dormant stage and reappear as conditions change. If HVAC ductwork in the crawlspace is damaged or opened up to the crawl space environment the air quality of the crawlspace can enter the habitable areas of your home and rapidly become indoor air quality problems. If unpleasant, musty odors are emitting from your air supply vents have them checked immediately by a professional.
