(Newswire.net — August 8, 2021) –Crawlspaces may be overlooked or ignored by homeowners until they notice that they have problems. Although crawlspaces are not often accessed or used, it’s indeed a prudent and important idea for homeowners who have them to keep them well-maintained. There are many reasons for regular crawlspace maintenance. Here are six.
1. Water
Due to their location, crawlspaces can collect water. The water may come from leaking pipes, melting snow, or heavy rain/flooding. No matter the cause, water in this area may lead to the growth of mold and mildew and possible damage to the house’s wooden supports. This is both dangerous and unhealthy. Regular maintenance can prevent water and moisture from becoming a problem.
2. Plumbing, HVAC, And Electrical
Important parts of the house’s inner workings such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems are accessible via the crawlspace. It is prudent to maintain the area to ensure the safety, longevity, and protection of these systems. Maintaining an area that’s sheltered from the elements and environmental hazards is a way for homeowners to take care of numerous important systems at once. Knowing the home is protected from the bottom up gives a lot of peace of mind.
3. Insects
Various unwanted insect pests love to congregate in crawlspaces if given the chance. Once this happens, they can spread and infest the interior of the home as well. Regular crawlspace maintenance will ensure they don’t get a foothold and renders the area unattractive and inaccessible to these problematic pests. No need to worry about roaches in the kitchen or termites trying to eat all the beams in the house.
4. Rodents
Creatures such as mice, rats, and even squirrels love to find small, dark, enclosed places to reproduce. This is not ideal for the home. These rodents can chew wires and PVC pipes. They often destroy or disturb insulation which can leave systems unprotected and open to the elements. Maintaining the home’s crawlspace at regular intervals, especially during peak breeding or nesting season can make sure that no rodents decide to take up residence in the home.
5. Insulation Issues
Insulation is important. It keeps homes cool in summer and warm in winter. It protects pipes from cold so they don’t freeze and burst during the winter months. Having the crawlspace checked regularly will let homeowners keep on top of replacing any damaged or fallen insulation there might be. If the house and the floors won’t maintain the proper temperature, insulation issues could be the culprit. Regular maintenance can help keep each resident of the home comfortable all year round.
6. Saving Money
An important reason to begin scheduling routine crawlspace maintenance is to save money. During routine checks and maintenance of the crawlspace, things like leaky plumbing or frayed wires will often be detected early enough to be easily repaired and avoid huge issues later. These discoveries prevent homeowners from having to pay untold sums to fully replace broken systems. A second way crawlspace maintenance saves money is by lowering utility bills. Having proper insulation and protection helps the various systems work longer and more efficiently. This means they cost less to run. Crawlspace maintenance is an investment, but it will pay for itself many times over in the end.