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Have You Seen Your Crawlspaces? |
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By Aaron Douglas
 It seems that not everybody has been to their crawlspaces. Some may even don't know what they are. If it's that insignificant to many people, why do home owners have to see to their crawlspaces?
What Are Crawlspaces?
Crawlspaces are a type of a basement. However, unlike real basements wherein people really stay in or at least visit regularly many crawlspaces are abandoned and forgotten. Crawlspaces are too small and too low for people to even stand up in. So these spaces are mainly used for storage most of the time. Other people never use them at all. However, people should mind their crawlspaces to ensure a safe home.
Why Should You Bother with Your Crawlspaces?
The first issue is safety. Since crawlspaces are located under the main house, it is a good place for molds to form. When this happens in the crawlspaces, chances are molds would creep up to the main house. If one is not mindful of the entire house, then posts and floors could be ruined. This will present a hazard in the house. The house will not be a safe to live in.
Crawlspaces should also be dry and clean. This will keep dust particles and other dirt from accumulating and save the family against diseases and infections like asthma.
How to Keep Crawlspaces Safe for Everybody
The basic part of making crawlspaces safe is to clean it up. Simply pick up all debris and garbage that is inside there. It would be good to clear the area so any mold formation and dusty areas can be cleaned. Some debris could also have some sharp edges that can injure people. So it is best to get them out before anyone gets hurt.
One can also install an encapsulation system to seal the area from the main house. This would keep moisture from penetrate upwards. It would also prevent insect infiltration and spread of ground odors. As a result, the house will be safe from rotting from under. This will also seal house from outside ventilation. So, the house will be energy efficient.
Dehumidifying the area would also be needed. This will finally remove all the extra moisture found in the crawlspaces. By doing so, one will be able to free the house from mildew and molds.
Again, cleaning the crawlspaces is important to keep everyone safe from injury and diseases. While it is not the easiest or the most enjoyable chore, one must do it to keep the house safe.
About the Author: Aaron Douglas is President of Deep Ripples, Inc., an Organic Search Marketing firm and owns a home in a historic neighborhood with adequate crawlspace ventilation .
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