Menu
5 WARNING SIGNS YOUR CRAWL SPACE NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED
Crawl spaces in Boise are an essential feature. These narrow areas make it possible to access crucial parts of the home quickly. However, just like everything else in a house, crawl spaces need regular maintenance.
If you’ve been struggling with air quality issues, you may want to take a look at your crawl space. Unusual muggy air within your home that doesn’t go away, even with the windows open, indicates that the problem is inside. Since your crawl space is dark and narrow, it’s likely filled with moisture and humid air. If you find mold in your crawl space, this will create a health hazard for you and your family.
Here are five warning signs that you need to repair your crawl space:
1. There’s Moisture (include mold)
If you’ve recently experienced a storm, you’ll want to inspect your crawl space, especially if it’s open. You might find standing water in there, which is indicated by a higher humidity within your home.
There are many causes of standing water. Aside from storms, they can also result from plumbing leaks and hydrostatic pressure. If you notice any stagnant water in your crawl space, it’s time to ask a professional to repair it. Moisture will lead to mold growth, which will compromise your home’s air quality. It can also lead to health problems, so you’ll want to eliminate this as soon as possible.
2. You Have High Indoor Humidity
If you have water in your crawl space, there’s a high possibility that you also have high humidity in your house. Humidity causes damage in numerous ways, as it can cause mold, weaken floor joists, and harm your foundation. High humidity also makes it expensive for you to regulate your home’s air temperature and quality, making it uncomfortable.
High humidity also leads to condensation, as too much moisture starts to collect onto surfaces as water droplets. When these surfaces are your foundations, floors, and joists, this can compromise your home’s safety.
If you notice that your indoor air is more humid than outside air, it’s a sign that you need to call a professional to inspect your crawl space.
3. Your Floors Feel Uneven
Extended exposure to water can damage wood, as it’s prone to fungal infestation and rot. Once wooden floors are damaged, it will lose its structure, which makes it dangerous to use. If your floors start to feel uneven or bouncy, it may be a sign that it is rotting.
If you think the problem is in the floor joists, you’ll probably see signs of wood-rotting as well. Watch out for any signs of floor sloping, sagging areas, or bouncy areas. If you spot any of these issues, be sure to call a professional.
4. There are Cracks in Your Foundation
Foundations must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its safety and structural integrity. Otherwise, this can be dangerous for you and your family. Although hairline cracks may not be an issue, cracks bigger than an eighth of an inch qualify as structural damage.
If you see these cracks, call a technician immediately. While it indicates a problem in your crawl space, it’s also essential to resolve the gaps as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely the issue will worsen.
5. You Can Hear Animals
Another sign that your crawl space needs repair is hearing or smelling animals in your home, even if you don’t have any pets. As crawl spaces usually have poor insulation, these present accessible ways for animals like rats and snakes to enter them. If you hear any noises or scratches, call a professional right away.
CONCLUSION
Crawl spaces are necessary for any home, as they grant access to difficult places to reach. However, given their size and nature, they can attract many problems. Now that you know the warning signs to watch out for, you’ll ensure that your crawl space is clean and mold-free.
If you’re looking for a mold remediation company in Boise, you’ve come to the right place! Master Restoration Idaho is your complete disaster cleanup solution for water, fire, and mold. With our 24-hour disaster cleanup services, we are always ready to help you out! Make your home safer again by getting in touch with us today.