Did you know that crawl spaces were built to provide a safeguard between the house and the soggy ground? Crawl spaces have remained a bit of mystery, but today we peel back the curtain and learn just how important a crawl space is to a home’s foundation. From its purpose to foundation effects, you can learn all about crawl spaces today.
Now, are you ready to get started? Here’s a quick look at facts about crawl spaces:
What’s the Purpose of a Crawl Space?
Crawl spaces are similar to a basement, in which it has easy accessibility to utilities and outlets. However, these spaces are usually vented with outside air. Some spaces are of full height, while others are only two feet tall, causing you to crawl on your stomach to get around.
However, these spaces are generally one of the most misunderstood components of a home. In fact, they surround various important building components of the foundation. If it were to be damaged or compromised, your home would face serious structural integrity problems starting with the foundation system.
How Does it Affect Foundation Shifts?
Crawl spaces can harbor moisture, which can make houses damp and lead to problems down the line. In fact, damages may happen when the environment is too moist, at low temperatures, or decreasing in water vapor levels.
Structural wood components may start to rot from mildew, mold, and fungus. When this starts to occur, components may start shifting and moving at a foundational level.
You may see cracking, deterioration, or smell harsh odors. These are symptoms of foundation shifting. However, it may not be apparent right away; instead, you may notice when there is movement somewhere else in the house.
If you see these following signs, then the foundation is likely to be greatly affected:
- Stress cracking
- Gapping of subfloors around the perimeter
- Sagging floors
- Ill-fitting windows and doors that won’t shut correctly
When mixed with compromised air quality, the following signs display a wet crawl space problem: foul odors, nasal problems, increased allergies, and much more. If you see such signs, make an appointment with a foundation repair specialist to understand the problem’s source and seek a solution.
Repair Solutions
Repair options differ depending on the home and the construction used throughout. However, some common solutions include foundation repair, crawl space sealing, vapor barrier, and foundation insulation.
These repairs are likely to take time and money to complete. Although, if you hire a trusted foundation repair specialist, your problems will be solved sooner than you think.
Find a Repairman Today
Crawl spaces are crucial when it comes to supporting the foundation of one’s home. If a space begins to become too moist, it’s susceptible to rotting from mold and mildew.
Such corrosion can lead to foundational shifting, which can cause sagging floors and ill-fitting windows. If you notice such signs, contact us today. We’ll help you find a trusted professional who can determine the cause and recommend the best solution in no time!