The Purpose of a Clean Crawl Space
Cleaning out your crawl space probably isn’t on the top of your list of things to do; dirt, cobwebs, dust, bugs, and other creatures lurking in the darkness just doesn’t seem appealing. You’d rather pay someone else to clean it out so you don’t have to deal with the unknown and extra work but aren’t really sure how much it will set you back. Or maybe you’ll just leave it be; you don’t know anyone who has ever cleaned out their crawl space...what could go wrong? Well...a lot could go wrong. And hiring a professional to clean out your crawl space could potentially cost between $500 and $4,500 and upwards of $15,000 at the high end if you are needing extensive repairs and cleaning. Waiting until something disastrous or costly happens is definitely not recommended and basic cleanings and maintenance to avoid that from happening is recommended.
So Why Should You Keep Your Crawl Space Clean?
The crawl space of a home is not just a dark tunnel of nothingness or insignificant to the quality of the home. It actually serves an important purpose. Here are a few reasons why that deep, dark void needs to stay in tip-top shape:- Air quality: Any dampness down in your crawl space can cause mold or mildew to develop and because the air from your home circulates into your crawl space and attic and back into the home, you may smell a musty odor. If there is a rodent or pest infestation down there, the droppings left behind can cause an unpleasant odor as well, negatively affecting your home’s air quality.
- Energy efficiency: Old crawl spaces and ones that have not been maintained throughout the years can start to develop wear and tear. Cracks, holes, and poor insulation can cause your energy bill to increase. Having an inspection done or going down there yourself every once in a while will save you money and a huge headache in the end.
- Pests: Rats, mice, and bugs love a warm, dark space away from humans to live. The droppings from these pests as well as their dead and decaying little bodies can not only cause a nasty odor to seep into your home but also can get out of control—AKA an infestation, which will be more nasty and costly later on to get rid of. Making sure cracks, holes, and gaps are repaired and checking to see if any rodents are nibbling on your insulation are beneficial things to do regularly.
- Mold: Dampness and leaks can lead to rot, mildew, and mold, and if left unchecked, can be expensive to remove and very harmful to your health, as mold spores can easily spread.
