Crawl Space Doors: A Safe Access Portal or Nightmare in the Making?

If your home has a crawl space, that means it has a crawl space door – the access point to all the joys and wonders that lie and function under your home. Sadly, the crawl space door is often one of the overlooked unsung heroes of your home’s construction and operation – and that can mean trouble, especially for older homes.

When’s the last time you took a good look at your crawl space door? Now is an excellent time to check it out.

Crawl space door inspections should be a regular part of your home’s maintenance and upkeep. Keep an eye out for hinges that are rusted, loose, or falling off. Is there wood rot on the door or the door framework? Sometimes the door can come loose from the foundation or can become warped, causing it to stop closing correctly or at all. Open crawl space doors are an invitation for critters and animals that can cause major damage under your home. 

You may need a crawl space door evaluation and replacement if your crawl space door is beyond its prime and needs some TLC. If you decide to repair or install your door on your own, there is a proper way to do so. Be prepared to do some masonry work and use the correct tools – electric screwdriver, hammer, saw, sealant, tape measure, safety glasses, and gloves. If you don’t use a crawl space door kit, it is important to get the proper supplies. Pressure-treated No. 2 pine lumber and framing materials help ensure quality and prevent wood rot and other problems. And heavy-duty hinges and a latch with a solid lock are also important as a safety and security precaution. Be sure to follow building code requirements for the size and location of your door. When using a kit with an unfinished door or building a door from scratch, you can use some creativity to paint any color or finish you want.

While a crawl space door DIY project may sound like an easy fix, many people are not doing it correctly and causing more damage. When you don't have the proper tools or experience necessary to properly repair or replace a crawl space door, it can result in water intrusion. This could lead to mold issues and unwanted pests, rodents, reptiles, or insects having easier access to the crawlspace. 

We are here to help if installing a crawl space door kit or repairing or building a door doesn’t appeal to you. Our experienced technicians will custom-build and fit a new crawl space door specifically for your home, and that meets the style of your house. If you aren’t in the Charlotte area, we are happy to help recommend what to look for in a local construction company to help with your crawl space door needs.

Having a properly fitted and working crawl space door can help keep your crawl space healthy and critter-free, prevent home damage, and even help save you money.