The Importance of Maintenance for Basements and Crawl Spaces

If you own a home with a crawl space, you must learn to take care of it properly. Moisture remains a common problem for homeowners with basements and crawl spaces. A professional can help you prepare the space when you first build the home. Proper maintenance of your crawl space can help preserve the integrity of your entire home. Complications with your crawl space can cause problems with the flooring, drywall, and insulation in your home.

Moisture

You must keep moisture out of your basement or crawl space. One moisture penetrates your basement, the rest of your home may suffer. Moisture that affects the low parts of your home comes from many sources. You may need a foundation repair company to repair the home if moisture has already become a problem. Be sure to have cracks in the walls and flooring repaired immediately when you notice them. If you notice leaks or high humidity in your home, schedule an inspection and repairs, immediately.

Your Health

When moisture stays in the home for too long, it can produce mold and mildew. This can become an unhealthy environment for your entire family. Many people have respiratory issues and skin problems when they get exposed to mold. You may also feel very uncomfortable in a humid home.

Flooring

The flooring becomes an issue when houses settle and move. You may see cracks in your hard floors, for example. The concrete slab under your home can crack, as well. You must have the foundation repaired, as well as the cracks. Call for help when you see a small crack to avoid large, expensive repairs.

Drywall

The drywall in your home may not respond well to moisture. If it gets wet, you can usually tell fairly soon. You may notice wet spots or mildew on the walls or ceiling. If you have a shower or dryer in the basement, pay close attention to the walls and ceiling. An air conditioning vent or dehumidifier can prevent these problems.

Insulation

If the insulation in your home becomes wet, it can breed mold growth. It can also begin to move from its original position. If you notice sagging insulation, you may have moisture problems. Wet insulation also does not help protect your home properly. You may begin to notice problems with the temperature of your home, as well as humidity issues. High electric bills can also happen when you have moisture damage in your home.

The best way to keep your home healthy and safe is to properly maintain the property. You can get some great help from foundation and landscape experts. Make sure your land drains properly and keep the gutters clean. You can also have your basement or crawl space sealed before you move in. Many people place an air conditioning vent, fans, or dehumidifier in their basement to help control moisture. When you build your home, make sure the pipes get insulated, as well. With routine repairs, you can avoid some large foundation problems.