5 Easy Ways to Protect Your Crawl Space

At Smith & Smith Home Inspections of Murfreesboro, TN, we strive to inspect every square foot of your home’s crawl space. Your home’s crawl space might be out of sight, but it’s definitely not out of mind when it comes to protecting your property. Often overlooked, crawl spaces can be susceptible to various issues like moisture, pests, and structural damage if not properly maintained. Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take to safeguard this crucial area of your home. In this post, we’ll explore five easy ways to protect your crawl space and keep your home safe and sound.

• Seal Off Entry Points: One of the primary concerns for crawl spaces is unwanted guests like rodents and insects. These critters can wreak havoc on your home’s foundation and insulation. To prevent them from making themselves at home, start by sealing off entry points. Inspect the perimeter of your crawl space for any cracks, gaps, or openings and seal them using caulk or foam insulation. Pay special attention to areas where pipes, cables, or vents enter your home, as these are common entry points for pests.

• Install a Vapor Barrier: Moisture is another major issue in crawl spaces, leading to mold growth, wood rot, and even structural damage over time. Installing a vapor barrier is an effective way to combat excess moisture. A vapor barrier is a thick plastic sheeting that is laid across the floor of the crawl space to prevent moisture from seeping through the ground and into your home. It also helps to create a barrier against pests and radon gas. Installing a vapor barrier is a relatively simple DIY project that can have a big impact on the health and longevity of your crawl space.
• Improve Ventilation: Proper ventilation is key to maintaining a healthy crawl space environment. Without adequate airflow, moisture can become trapped, leading to a host of problems. To improve ventilation, consider installing vents or a crawl space fan. Vents allow fresh air to circulate through the crawl space, helping to reduce moisture levels and prevent mold growth. A crawl space fan can also help to expel stale air and moisture, keeping the space dry and well-ventilated. Be sure to keep vents clear of debris and vegetation to ensure optimal airflow.
• Monitor Humidity Levels: Monitoring humidity levels in your crawl space is essential for preventing moisture-related issues. Ideally, humidity levels should be kept below 60% to inhibit mold growth and protect wooden structures from rot. You can easily monitor humidity levels using a hygrometer, which is a small device that measures relative humidity. Place a hygrometer in your crawl space and check it regularly to ensure humidity levels are within the recommended range. If humidity levels are consistently high, you may need to take additional steps such as installing a dehumidifier to keep moisture in check.

• Maintain Proper Drainage: Poor drainage around your home can lead to water pooling around the foundation and seeping into the crawl space. To prevent water intrusion, ensure that your home’s exterior is properly graded away from the foundation and that gutters and downspouts are directing water away from the house. Additionally, consider installing a French drain or a sump pump system to help divert excess water away from the crawl space. By maintaining proper drainage, you can reduce the risk of water damage and moisture-related issues in your crawl space.

Protecting your crawl space doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By following these five easy steps, you can help safeguard your home against moisture, pests, and other common crawl space problems. Taking the time to properly maintain your crawl space can save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs and ensuring the health and longevity of your home’s foundation. So don’t wait until problems arise, take proactive steps today to protect your crawl space and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home is well-protected.

Smith & Smith Home Inspections will document the condition of your crawl space, including defects, areas of neglect and needed upgrades. We provide complete home inspections for home buyer inspections and home seller inspections throughout Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Lebanon, Shelbyville, Manchester, McMinnville, La Vergne, Winchester, Woodbury, Columbia, Nashville & The Greater Middle Tennessee Area. Contact us today to schedule your home inspection, radon test, and/or air quality test with mold analysis report! Our prices are the best around, with superior customer service and same day home inspection reports.