The Importance of Crawl Space Inspections

When it comes to crawl spaces, the default prevailing sentiment seems to be “out of sight, out of mind.” However, there are significant risks to neglecting maintenance of this hidden-away area. Although it goes largely unseen and unsung, your crawl space is an important part of your home. Regular inspection is critical to ensure proper upkeep and prevent any costly, time-consuming problems from arising.

Reasons Your Crawl Space Needs Inspections and Maintenance

In addition to normal wear and tear, crawl spaces are subject to any number of threats and vulnerabilities that necessitate routine inspection and maintenance. For example:

• Water: Moisture naturally tends to gather in this area, and in excess amounts often lead to trouble. Mildew/mold development can weaken or damage your property and even present health hazards. Leaking pipes may go unnoticed as they gradually wear at support beams and compromise insulation—a great reason to look into the latest offerings in basement waterproofing and drainage systems.
• Infestations: -Termites, roaches, rats, raccoons… Every pesky critter seems to love making themselves at home in your crawl space. Some will be content to feast away on your wood, wiring, and plumbing; others may proceed boldly into the house itself as unwelcome, disruptive guests.

 

• Household systems: When seemingly mysterious problems arise with your electricity, heating or cooling, plumbing and drainage systems, etc., the answer often lies below. During a routine crawl space inspection, you might notice a problem in the making—and take preventative action to spare yourself the future hassle. 

 

What to Look for When Performing an Inspection

Though you’ll have to do some moving around on all fours, crawl space inspections aren’t especially complex or difficult. Just keep an eye out for things like:

• Water damage: Discoloration is a give-away visual cue. Feel such spots for dampness.
• Pooling: Standing water can weaken your home’s structural integrity. If you do notice any pooling, this indicates a draining issue that should warrant looking into available drainage system options.
• Damaged insulation: Anything torn or sagging will need to be repaired or replaced.
• Irregularities with piping and wiring: Make sure all ducts are intact and secure. Look out for leaky cracks in plumbing or exposed wires, and contact the appropriate specialist as needed.
• Gaps: Anywhere you see light coming through the perimeter of your crawl space (excluding vents) is a gap in need of mending.

Problems in your crawl space can easily lead to problems in your home. Making inspection habitual will allow you to head these off at the pass. Moisture may be the most common and insidious foe lurking beneath your floorboards, but it’s no match for professional waterproofing and state-of-the-art drainage systems.  

Contact All Aspects Waterproofing Today for Basement Waterproofing!

When it comes to finding the best solution for your crawl space encapsulation and waterproofing needs, contact All Aspect Waterproofing, a Better Business Bureau A+ rated company with over 30 years of experience in the Washington, DC./Maryland/Virginia area. We have a great deal of experience in waterproofing, mold testing, and mold remediation, and we want to make you feel at home again. Contact us online or by calling 1-866-999-3110 or 301-766-4420.  To see what we’re up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Houzz.