A crawl space is an area beneath your home that's between the ground and your first floor. Crawl spaces can be vented or unvented, and they're often used for storage or as a passageway for plumbing and wiring. Because they're not regularly occupied, crawl spaces can be easy to forget about—but that doesn't mean they don't require regular maintenance. 

One of the most important maintenance tasks for a crawl space is to have it cleaned out on a regular basis. In this blog post, we'll outline some of the most common reasons why you should make crawl space cleaning a priority.

Why is it important to keep your crawl space clean?

There are several reasons why you should make sure your crawl space is clean and free of debris. First, a dirty crawl space can lead to flooding. When water enters your crawl space, it can damage insulation, encourage mold growth, and negatively impact indoor air quality. Second, a cluttered or dirty crawl space is a prime location for insects and other pests to hide. These pests can cause damage to your home and spread disease. Finally, a neglected crawl space can lead to wood rot, which weakens the structural integrity of your home. 

What are the signs you need to have your crawl space cleaned

Your crawl space is one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of your home. It's out of sight and out of mind, so it's easy to forget that it needs to be cleaned and maintained just like any other part of your home. But a dirty, cluttered crawl space can lead to all sorts of problems, from musty odors to pest infestations. 

So how do you know if your crawl space needs a good cleaning? Check for these seven signs:

1. 
   An unpleasant odor comes from your crawl space or vents. If you notice a musty smell when you're in your basement or near your air vents, it's a good indication that your crawl space needs to be cleaned. 
2. Evidence of rodent or insect activity. If you see droppings, gnawed wires, or nests in your crawl space, chances are you have an infestation that needs to be taken care of ASAP. 
3. Pooling water or excessive moisture. If there's water in your crawl space, it means that there's also high humidity—which can lead to mold and mildew growth. 
4. Sagging floors above the crawl space. If you notice that your floors are sagging or starting to crumble, it could be a sign that there's too much weight on the beams supporting them—which is often caused by excess moisture and clutter in the crawl space. 
5. Cracks in the foundation walls or floors. If you see cracks in your foundation, it means that there's settlement happening—which can lead to even more serious problems down the road if left unaddressed. 
6. Warped wood or metal framing members. If the wood or metal framing members in your crawl space are warped or bent, it could be a sign of weakened structural integrity—again, often caused by excessive moisture and weight.
7. Poor indoor air quality. If you've noticed that the air quality in your home has deteriorated recently—you might be surprised to learn that it could be due to a dirty, cluttered crawl space! Allergens and pollutants can easily make their way into your living spaces through ductwork and vents, so it's important to keep them clean and free of clutter.

How do I clean my crawl space myself? 

Cleaning your crawl space isn't as difficult as it might seem. Here are some tips on how to do it yourself: 

• Start by removing any debris from the area. This includes leaves, twigs, and trash. 
• Next, use a shop vac or another type of vacuum to remove dust and dirt from the floors and walls of the crawlspace. 
• If there is standing water in the area, use a sump pump to remove it. 
• Once the area is cleared of debris and standing water, use a dehumidifier to remove any remaining moisture from the air. 
• Finally, seal any cracks or holes in the foundation with caulk or expanding foam so that pests cannot enter the area. 

How often should you have your crawl space cleaned?

Ideally, you should inspect your crawl space at least once a year to check for signs of damage or pest activity. If you live in an area with high humidity or frequent storms, you may need to inspect your crawl space more frequently. If you notice any signs of water damage or pest activity, it's important to take action immediately to prevent further damage. 

What are the consequences of not having your crawl space cleaned?

It's easy to forget about the crawl space. After all, it's not like you ever go down there. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Wrong. Failing to clean your crawl space can have some serious consequences for your home—consequences that range from musty odors to dangerous mold growth.

Moisture and Humidity Problems

One of the most common problems associated with neglected crawl spaces is moisture and humidity buildup. When your crawl space isn't properly ventilated, humid air from outside can seep in, leading to condensation on the floors, walls, and supports. This condensation creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow—and once mold takes hold, it can be very difficult (and expensive) to remove. What's more, the musty odors that result from mold and mildew can permeate your entire home, making it unpleasant for you and your family to live in.

Pest Infestations

Another consequence of an unclean crawl space is an increased risk of pest infestations. Rodents, insects, and other pests are attracted to damp, dark places—places like your crawl space! If left unchecked, a pest infestation in your crawl space can quickly spread to the rest of your home. Not only are pests a nuisance, but they can also carry diseases that put you and your family at risk. 

Structural Issues

When moisture and humidity are allowed to build up in your crawl space, they can lead to serious structural issues. Wood rot is a major problem in damp crawl spaces—it weakens floor joists and support beams, making them more likely to collapse under the weight of your home. In extreme cases, collapsed floors and beams can cause a total collapse of your home!

What are some tips for keeping your crawl space clean?

Inspect the space regularly

At least once a year, you should go into your crawl space to check for any signs of water damage or mold growth. If you notice any water stains on the walls or floor, that is an indication that there is a moisture problem. You will also want to look for any wood rot, which can be caused by high levels of humidity. If you see any of these problems, you will need to take steps to correct them right away.

Keep the space well-ventilated

To prevent excessive moisture buildup, you should make sure that the crawl space is well-ventilated. This can be accomplished by installing vents in the foundation or by using a dehumidifier. By keeping the air circulating, you will help to keep mold and mildew from growing.

Keep the area clean and free of debris

Any organic material that is left in the crawl space can decompose and lead to mold growth. Be sure to remove any leaves, twigs, or other organic debris that may have blown into the space. You should also sweep up any dust or dirt that has accumulated on the floor.

Store items off the ground

If you need to store anything in your crawl space, be sure to put it up on racks or shelves so that it is not sitting directly on the ground. This will help to prevent moisture and pests from damaging your belongings.

How can you prevent crawl space problems?

Install a vapor barrier. 

The first step in preventing crawl space problems is to install a vapor barrier. This will help keep moisture out of the crawl space and reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth. There are two types of vapor barriers: sheeting and spray-on. Sheeting is typically made of 6-mil polyethylene and is installed on the floor of the crawl space. Spray-on vapor barriers are applied to the walls of the crawl space with a special coating that dries to form a watertight barrier. 

Keep gutters and downspouts clean

Another way to prevent crawl space problems is to keep gutters and downspouts clean. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and seep into the crawl space, so it’s important to remove leaves and other debris regularly. Downspouts should also be directed away from the foundation of your home to ensure that water doesn’t pool around the foundation and leak into the crawl space. 

Control humidity levels

The final way to prevent crawl space problems is to control humidity levels in the crawl space. Humidity control can be achieved through proper ventilation or by installing a dehumidifier in the crawlspace. Ventilation systems typically consist of one or more fans that draw air from outside and circulate it through the crawlspace. This helps to remove excess moisture from the air and keep humidity levels in check. Dehumidifiers work by removing moisture from the air in the form of water vapor and storing it in a reservoir until it can be drained away safely. 

Conclusion

A clean crawl space is essential for the health and safety of your home—but knowing when it's time to have yours cleaned can be tricky. Luckily, four main signs indicate it's time for professional cleaning: water pooling in the space, sagging or uneven floors, strange noises coming from the space, and unusually high energy bills. If you notice any of these signs, don't hesitate to give us a call! We'll send one of our experienced technicians out to inspect and clean your crawl space as soon as possible.