Crawl Space or Health Hazard Horror Show?
Remember that classic scary movie “The Amityville Horror?” What about “The People Under the Stairs?” Okay, maybe it’s not quite as bad as all that – but in all seriousness, failing to care for your home’s foundation and crawl space properly can become quite the horror show for your family – resulting in costly repairs and genuine health hazards. Did you know that 50 percent of the air you breathe comes from your crawl space? That’s why it’s so important to make sure it is well maintained and problem-free.
As with most structural issues, water and moisture is the enemy. Crawl spaces that are improperly sealed allow for high moisture levels, which can lead to mold. Mold spores then enter your home, which can cause myriad health problems, including excessive headaches, eye irritation, skin rash, excessive sneezing, nose bleeds, breathing disorders, and more. In rare extreme cases, mold exposure has even led to hospitalization. Symptoms from mold exposure can take months or even years to appear depending on the extent and type of fungal growth, while allergic reactions to mold tend to be more instant. Allergic reactions can also occur from pollen and unwanted critters that have entered your crawl space – again, the result of improper sealing.
It’s a good idea to have your crawl space checked annually for improper moisture levels, mold growth and water intrusion, which can lead to fungal growth. If you’re a DIYer, follow these steps to check your crawl space:
Look around the perimeter of your home to ensure it is sealed correctly.
Examine your crawl space vents and make sure they are installed correctly and in good working order. If not, purchase new vents and install them per the manufacturer’s specifications.
Make sure you have a good quality crawl space door, which should remain closed and latched when not in use to prevent pets or any other unwanted guests from entering your crawl space.
Install a vapor barrier and a dehumidifier to prevent mold issues.
Another option to improve air quality in your home is the addition of an HVAC air purifier/filtration system. These can be especially helpful for allergy and asthma sufferers and those with chronic respiratory problems. An HVAC air purifier helps trap bacteria and viruses to prevent the spread of germs. It can also trap pet dander, block dust mites and other allergens, remove dangerous, volatile organic compounds from the air, and even help eliminate unpleasant odors like dad’s gas. The cost of a whole-house air cleaner typically ranges between $500-$3,600, depending on the size of your home.
Unfortunately (or fortunately), your crawl space won’t start whispering “Get out!” if there’s a mold issue or home health hazard. It’s up to you to check regularly and take the proper steps and precautions to keep your crawl space and foundation dry, clean, and healthy. As always, we’re here to help whenever you need it.