Insects, Dead Animals, Odors

These three things are often noticed in homes that do not have a sealed crawl space environment. Typically, all that is needed in accordance with local building codes is to have 1 or more vents on the crawl space. Over time, this proves to be ineffective at keeping the home energy efficient, and the crawl space dry and healthy.

Crawl Space Moisture

Rotten Crawl Space Floor Joists
Rotten Crawl Space Floor Joists

Moisture is able to freely enter a crawl space which hasn’t been sealed off properly. When this happens, the water will come in contact with wooden materials, including floor joists and support beams. Over time, this will cause the wood to warp, rot, and deteriorate. This can endanger the structural integrity of a home, and the rotting wood is very attractive to unwanted bugs, including termites, roaches, and mosquitoes.

Additionally, this dark, moisture-filled area can be an attractive hide-out or home for other types of critters, including: snakes, spiders, rats, mice, skunks, and raccoons. These animals go through their entire life cycle below the home, and when they die, their bodies are left to rot. Needles to say, the odors are going to eventually creep up and into the home.

Crawl Space Mold

Also, an un-sealed crawl space can lead to the formation of dangerous mold. Mold is a dark green or black fungus which needs three things to survive, which are moisture, excessive humidity levels, and organic materials to feed off of. Once it starts growing, it releases spores into the air.

These spores eventually get into the air in the living quarters of the home. Once breathed in, they can cause many different serious health problems, including the following: respiratory problems, skin rashes, allergies, headaches, severe fatigue, asthma attacks, eye irritation, and cold/flu-like symptoms. This mold will also make a home smell very musty, similar to dirty and sweaty gym socks.

Preventing or Getting Rid of the Problem

To prevent or put a stop to the problem, the crawl space is going to need to be sealed off from the outside world. This process is known as encapsulation. Most contractors will make use of some or all of the following products during the process: vapor barriers, floor liners, sump pumps, drainage systems, insulation, vents and vent doors, and insulation.

All of these materials will be able to seal the space off so that unwanted critters can’t get inside, as well as moisture or excessive humidity.

Ready to schedule
a free consultation with a Pro?

Finda local contractor

Invalid Input
Brave enough to tackle
the project yourself?

How The Process Works

We have a network of certified, licensed and insured contractors that specialize in Crawl Space Repair, Waterproofing, and Encapsulation. Once you enter and search your ZIP code, the nearest Expert will be available for you to complete a contact form to schedule a FREE estimate or ask any questions you might have. You do not have to register with us and we do not charge any fees.

If You've Got Crawl Space Questions, We've Got Crawl Space Answers!

At Crawl Space Maintenance, we get a lot of questions from people concerning their crawl spaces. In this section we answer the most commonly asked questions. If we do not have the answer you are looking for, you can submit your question to an Expert in our Network.