One of the areas of a home that is given the least consideration in most cases is the crawl space – many people seem to think that it’s merely there to keep the building off the ground or to house items that don’t belong inside the house. However, there are some good reasons why many homes have this dedicated space underneath them.
Two Main Reasons
Two of the most important reasons why homes have crawl spaces include:
- They are cost effective – it’s far cheaper to build a crawl space than a basement
- They provide a convenient area for having HVAC units, piping, water and even electrical wiring installed and concealed
When having a crawl space built, it’s essential that a good quality vapor barrier and dehumidifier be installed in the area afterward. This will reduce the possibility of the following scenarios from occurring over time:
- Structural damage
- Wood rot
- Mold
- Dust mites
- Accumulation of allergens
- Odors
- Higher cooling and heating bills
- Decreased insulation values
Install a Vapor Barrier
It’s essential to install a vapor barrier when a crawl space is being built, as this prevents ground moisture from entering your home through its floors. Over time, this will prevent mold, moisture, and water from getting into the crawl space and causing structural issues down the line.
Having the correct vapor barrier installed in your home’s crawl space will not only prevent your home from becoming damp over time; it can also slow the movement of harmful gases such as Radon from being transferred into the soil on your property – while also preventing it from entering your home.
Preventing Other Crawl Space Issues
A common problem that is experienced in crawl spaces is a lack of rain gutters and incorrect grading. Over time, this allows moisture to accumulate in this part of your home – providing the ideal area for mold to grow. It’s also essential that sufficient ventilation is installed in your home’s crawl space.
If you would like to learn more about the advantages of crawl spaces or you need to have one built, it’s recommended that you contact a qualified builder and/or engineer beforehand.
