6 Reasons You Should Insulate Your Crawl Space

Crawl spaces are common throughout the country, especially in areas with high water tables. However, those spaces are often nothing more than dank, musty areas where pests thrive. In addition, crawl spaces rarely benefit a home’s comfort. Here are six reasons to update a home’s crawl space.

1 – Keep Pests Out

Most property owners rarely inspect their homes’ crawl spaces. As a rule, access is limited, and property owners see little value in crawling around in a dirty, dark area. That’s a mistake, as routine inspections make it easier to spot problems, especially rodent infestations.

Rodents of all kinds routinely move into crawl spaces because those spaces provide protection from the weather and predators. Contractors specializing in crawl space cleaning and repairs know what it takes to eliminate rodent infestations and prevent future problems.

2 – Control Moisture

Since most crawl spaces tend to be moist, there is also a potential for mold and mildew to form. That’s never healthy for residents, and excessive moisture also leads to health issues.

People already suffering from respiratory issues are likely to see their conditions worsen. Updating the crawl space insulation and dealing with missing vents or damaged access panels will always be recommended by contractors. In some instances, the contractors will recommend installing a sump pump if a crawl space is too wet.

3 – Reduce Structural Damage

One of the issues commonly seen in crawl spaces is structural damage. The high moisture so commonly seen leads to structural components rotting. Floor joists, support beams, and framing around vents and access panels routinely rot and need replacing. It’s always a good idea to have it cleaning and repair experts evaluate a home’s crawl space for damage and recommend updates or repairs.

4 – Keep a Home Comfortable

In the past, home builders installed insulation between the floor joists to reduce heat loss or to retain conditioned air during warmer months. However, the moisture that’s routinely seen in crawl spaces destroys that insulation.

There are newer insulating strategies for maintaining the comfort level in a home with a crawl space. Discuss the options with a contractor to determine which option would be best for your home.

5 – Minimize Heating and Cooling Costs

In addition to being comfortable, it’s always important to keep heating and cooling costs as low as possible. A properly insulated crawl space makes it far easier to reduce utility bills throughout the year. The experts also take the time to properly seal and insulate ducts to minimize the loss of conditioned air.

6 – Add Quality Storage Space

Finally, a properly insulated and sealed crawl space also provides safe storage. In a typical crawl space, just about anything placed in the crawl space will be ruined by moisture damage within a short time. Once that space is properly improved, it will be possible to store seasonal items without fearing they will be destroyed.

Final Thoughts

If your home’s crawl space is wet and drafty, now is the time to talk with an expert to determine what steps are needed to resolve the issues. The professionals will evaluate the space and provide recommendations. They’ll carefully explain the problems and how those issues should be addressed. Take the time now to protect your home from rodents and water damage.

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