10 Simple Reasons to Clean Your Crawl Space

Benefits of a Clean Crawl Space

A clean, well-maintained crawl space benefits your home and family in many ways, including:

1. Eliminates Dampness

Your crawl space is prone to moisture and water damage. Whenever it rains, water can enter this space and stagnate, causing dampness and high moisture levels. You know too well the destructive nature of water in the crawl space. After cleaning, you can keep moisture and water out by using an encapsulation system, which uses a vapor barrier to seal out moisture and water.

2. Discourages Pests and Insects

Other than causing mold, a damp and dark crawl space makes the perfect home for pests, rodents, and insects. They can breed quickly and infest the crawl space because they have water and no one to bother them. The problem is that pests and insects are not just a nuisance; they’re a health hazard too. Besides entering your home and chewing your clothing and furniture, they can leave droppings that may contaminate your food and water. Routine cleaning helps you remove debris (their nesting ground) and damp conditions that attract them to your crawl space.

3. Improves Indoor Air Quality

Up to 50% of the air that circulates in your home originates from the crawl space, so it’s important to keep your crawl space clean to boost the quality of indoor air. Cleaning removes dust, insect and pest droppings, mold, damaged drain lines, and other factors that reduce the quality of the air you breathe. This means fewer allergic reactions and respiratory problems for your loved ones.

4. Minimizes Musty Odors

No matter how many air fresheners you use in a week, your home will still smell awful if the source of odors is the crawl space beneath your home. Cleaning is the only lasting remedy for this problem. A clean crawl space means no musty, strange, and unpleasant smell to irritate your nostrils.

5. Increases Your Energy Savings

Cleaning and waterproofing your crawl space will make your home more energy-efficient. Sealing locks out untreated cold air from entering your home, keeping your air dry in summer and floors warmer in winter. You won’t have to run your heater for long hours to warm your home or keep it cool. This can translate into 15-25% energy savings in a month.

6. Makes Repairs Easy

Depending on the structure and layout of your home, your crawl space may have plumbing, wiring, and ducts running through it. Any of these fixtures can develop problems, meaning your technician will have to go down and fix them. If they have trouble accessing this space because it’s dirty or debris-filled, repairs will go on at a snail’s pace. Cleaning your crawl space will make it easy for the repair crew to inspect your installation, troubleshoot the problem, and fix it.

7. Fewer Maintenance Costs

Since there’s no mold to contaminate your home, termites to munch your beams, or moisture to corrode your plumbing after encapsulation, you can expect fewer repairs and, in turn, little to no repair expense. Your fixtures and installation will remain in good condition for many years to come.

8. Clean Storage Space

Another benefit of cleaning your crawl space is you create extra storage space. Depending on the size of the crawl space, this can be a big advantage.

9. Peace Of Mind

Crawl space cleaning gives you total peace of mind, which is priceless. After all, there’s no moisture to trigger mold growth, mold spores to cause allergies, gnawing pests to trouble you, or moisture to erode your ducts and plumbing. Since your underlying structures will remain strong, you’re also going to worry less about whether beams and joists can support your home.

10. Protects Structural Integrity

Stagnant water and high moisture levels not only cause mold issues in the crawl space but also threaten the structural integrity of your home. Mold can trigger wood rot, usually the main material that forms the support beams in your crawl space, making it easier for termites to complete the destruction. Termites love chewing deteriorating wood as it supplies them with water and allows them to burrow easily and lay eggs. Water can cause cracks in the foundation walls and plumbing to rust too. By cleaning your crawl space, you can preserve the strength of the underlying structures.

JES Cleans and Encapsulates Crawl Spaces

Phillip Mazzotta

Crawl Space Repair FAQs

What are signs my energy bills are caused by crawl space issues?

Sudden increases in utility costs without changes in usage, cold floors, high indoor humidity, and musty odors may signal crawl space problems. JES Foundation Repair determines the root of the issue and proposes customized repair solutions during a free inspection.

What’s the cost of fixing crawl space moisture? 

The cost varies based on your crawl space’s size, condition, and the solutions required. JES Foundation Repair offers a precise quote after a comprehensive, free inspection. We provide transparent pricing and various financing options to fit your needs.

Is addressing crawl space moisture a sound investment?  

Absolutely. Addressing crawl space moisture protects your home’s structural integrity and ensures a healthier living environment, providing long-term benefits. Delaying action can lead to more severe issues like structural damage and health hazards. Reach out to JES Foundation Repair for a detailed, free inspection and quote. 

Related Resources

Crawl Space Vapor Barriers: What You Need to Know

A vapor barrier in your crawl space is one of the most important elements of encapsulation. Learn what it does and how it transforms the space.

How to Clean Your Crawl Space

A clean crawl space is essential for a healthy home. Learn what you can do and what you should leave to the pros.

Why Does Your Crawl Space Smell? 

Smelly crawl space? This unpleasant odor may be dangerous for your health.