Crawl spaces are a part of a home that most homeowners would rather forget about. It seems like a necessary evil at best to have an open space underneath the main floor, to keep the house on a sturdy foundation while protecting it from floods and other disasters. It’s often left bare and empty, just dirt and wood enclosing a still pocket of air.
Crawl spaces have grown to earn a rather dubious reputation as a dark and damp haven for all manner of undesirable creatures, the stuff of horror flicks.
That kind of space has an outsize potential to foster some serious health hazards. Crawl spaces like that are prone to developing issues with mold and mildew, not to mention the insects, spiders, rodents, and even larger animals that would love to make such a place their cozy home.
It doesn’t have to be like this.
It’s now an increasingly common practice to have a house’s crawlspace professionally sealed against these elements and intruders. Only a professional team can handle this kind of job, but it’s absolutely worthwhile in light of the home improvement benefits.
Sealed crawl spaces invariably include a type of vapor barrier, a specially-treated plastic sheath placed over all surfaces and structures within the crawl space, isolating it from the outside elements. These barriers are mold-resistant, can last for decades without being torn, and generally prevent pests and moisture of any sort from entering beneath a home. The barriers are even strong enough to impede the passage of radioactive and deadly radon gas.
Vapor barriers also improve the energy efficiency of the structure by keeping the crawl space insulated from outside temperature changes. They also convert the crawl space into a truly useable storage space, many times more likely to remain dry and pest-free than before.
Having a crawl space sealed by a professional is also an opportune moment to improve its drainage. Drains can be placed around the inner edges of the foundation walls, and a sump pump installed at the foundation’s lowest point. These elements will ensure that in the unlikely event that water does penetrate the vapor barriers in a storm, or because of a damaged pipe, the crawl space can be quickly and thoroughly dehumidified.
The advantages of sealing a home’s crawl space are more cost-effective than almost any other kind of home improvement. Contact us today to begin reaping those benefits!
