Properly maintaining your crawlspace, the area beneath your home that provides structural support and access to wiring and plumbing, is essential for protecting your home from mold, wood rot, and other types of damage. However, maintenance should only be performed by skilled professionals, and any updates or solutions you are considering for your crawlspace should be discussed with an expert as well.
A crawlspace specialist can help you take the proper steps for your specific circumstances, and they can offer the information you need to make confident decisions about your home. Here are just a few top pieces of advice that every crawlspace specialist wants you to know:
- Schedule an annual inspection. Odds are that you don’t venture into your crawlspace very often, so it’s out of sight and out of mind most of the time. Scheduling an annual inspection with a crawlspace specialist will alert you of any potential issues with this area before they have the chance to worsen and cause more widespread damage to your home.
- Invest in a drainage system. Encapsulating your crawlspace is not enough to defend your home against moisture damage. You need to invest in an effective drainage system to keep water out of your space, so make sure your gutters, downspouts, sump pump, and other components are professionally installed and carefully maintained.
- Install a dehumidifier. To remove moisture from the air in your crawlspace, have a crawlspace specialist install a dehumidifier and inspect and maintain it periodically to ensure it continues doing its job. A dehumidifier will help to regulate the humidity and prevent mold, wood rot, and other issues.