An unhealthy crawl space can cause several problems throughout one's home. Excess moisture, for example, can lead to mold and mildew growth, which then poses problems for not only one's home, but also one's health. Frequent flooding in a crawl space can cause serous problems and compromise a home's foundation. And energy loss can result in massively high utility bills.
So what can you do to make sure your crawl space doesn't have problems that carry over into other parts of your home? It's simple! You can hire a trained professional to complete the necessary crawl space repairs. Continue reading to learn some of the most common crawl space problems and their remedies.
It's no secret that a crawl space -- located beneath your home's living area -- is a vital part of a home's structure. So if you notice that your crawl space's supports are beginning to sag, you should take immediate action to repair the problem. After all, a sagging crawl space can result in far more expensive issues such as cracked walls and sagging floors in the home's upper levels.
Professionals often treat a sagging crawl space by stabilizing floor beams or joists and by implementing a crawl space support system that can support tens of thousands of pounds, thus helping to restore the structure's integrity. When it comes to a sagging crawl space, the sooner you act, the better.
There are two ways to reduce moisture in a crawl space. First, you can install a reliable dehumidifier that will remove moisture from the air. Of course, you must first seal your crawl space from outside air; otherwise, the poor dehumidifier will run nonstop, removing moisture from both indoor and outdoor air. It's also a good idea to install a dehumidifier with a self-draining system, that way you can set it up and then forget about it. After all, no one wants to empty a crawl space dehumidifier's collection tray every day.
Another way to reduce moisture in a crawl space is with a vapor barrier system. Even if your crawl space has a dehumidifier and a sump pump, water vapor can enter a crawl space through the concrete and floor. A vapor barrier system prevents water vapor and excess humidity from entering a crawl space. It acts as a seal, protecting your home from possible mildew, rot, and those creepy crawlies that flock to warm, moist areas of a home.
Most of us are trying desperately to keep our electricity and natural gas bills affordable. But did you know that an inefficient crawl space is often a major cause of expensive utility bills? It's true. Without proper crawl space insulation, the cool air naturally emitted by the Earth's surface will seep into your crawl space and directly impact your heating bill. And if your crawl space is home to your hot water heater or furnace, this cold air affects those appliances too. To make your crawl space as energy efficient as possible, many professionals recommend installing durable crawl space insulation or a radiant barrier. And don't forget that you can also insulate your hot water heater to maximize its efficiency.
Contact the experts at Philadelphia Basement Systems today for more ways to keep your home efficient, safe and healthy by implementing the appropriate crawl space repairs in Philadelphia.
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