Is It Really Necessary To Waterproof Your Crawl Space?
The crawl space under your house may not seem like an important part of the home. You hardly ever go there and no guests ever see it. Surely there are other parts of the home you would rather spend your money on than the crawl space. However, this area of the home should not be overlooked. If left unattended and untreated it can easily fill with water and cause problems down the road. There are four main reasons why you should waterproof your crawl space.
1. You Breathe the Air From the Crawl Space
The same air that is in your crawl space enters and circulates throughout your home. Warm air rises and as it leaves your home through the chimney or attic, it creates a suction, pulling cool air up from the crawl space and into your home. Due to this system of air circulation, you will breathe in any mold that is in your crawl space.
2. A Wet Crawl Space Attracts Insects
Any area high in humidity will attract insects. Your crawl space only has to have 50% humidity to bring the critters in, including rodents. If the humidity rises to 60-80%, you will have a definite problem on your hands. It goes without saying that insects and rodents in your crawl space can eventually lead to pests in your home.
3. Water Compromises Structural Stability
A wet foundation can compromise the stability of the house. At least part of your house, if not the entire home, is built over this crawl space. Wetness could lead to the deterioration and cracking of structural materials. For this reason, waterproofing your crawl space can protect the structure of your entire home.
4. A Wet Crawl Space Lowers Property Value
Due to the growth of mold and mildew, the presence of rodents and insects, and the deterioration water can cause, water in your crawl space can lower the value of your home. To save you money in the future, either on repairs or a home sale, waterproof your crawl space now.
If you are already experiencing problems with water in your crawl space, do not hesitate to call a crawl space waterproofing service (such as Safe-Guard Waterproofing). Experts can help you properly seal this area of your home to keep out insects and mold. It is better to act now before this becomes a problem and ends up costing more than you bargained for. This may be an area that is out of sight in your home, but be careful not to let it be out of your mind.
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