What Is a Crawl Space?
It’s important to note that not all homes have a crawl space. Typically, they are found in homes that lack a basement or a solid cement foundation. Located beneath the floor of your home, access to these enclosed areas is typically found on the outside of your home, near the base. These entrances are small, hence the use of the word “crawl” in the name of Crawl Space Cleaning Aptos.
Once inside, you’ll find quite a bit inside, including plumbing, ventilation, electrical components, and gas hookups. Your crawl space makes these important home elements accessible in case they need to be repaired or replaced.
They also help with the circulation of air in your home as long as they’re well-maintained. The problem is that many homeowners don’t think to care for their crawl space until something goes wrong.
Common problems of a poorly maintained crawl space include:
- Growing fungus and mold
- Housing animals and other pests
- Housing hantavirus (a pathogen carried by rodents)
- Developing standing water or sewage
- Wasting energy due to poor insulation
- Poor or damaged wiring
- Structural collapse due to wear and tear or damage
- Asbestos from old insulation