Crawl spaces are basically the spaces that are usually associated with the basement. As the name suggests, they are usually less than 4 feet high in which one can only crawl. It is used for the storage of different items.
A well-built and ventilated crawl space is very useful but poorly built crawl spaces can have serious repercussions on the stability of your building. The main disadvantages of a crawl space are given below:
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Standing Water
The standing water is the main issue with the crawl space. The water enters the crawl space due to different reasons, like intense rain or any plumbing issue. The standing water seeps in the foundation of the building which can do serious damages to the building. Moreover, the standing water also produces a bad odor.
Mold and Rodents
The long wet conditions in the crawl space lead to the formation of mold. It also attracts mice. The combination of mold and mice in the crawl space produces a stinging smell. It may also lead towards unlivable conditions.
Cost
The crawl space also increases the overall cost of your house. It also requires quarterly or annual maintenance.
Moisture
Humidity is a genuine issue in any home but it is a bigger issue in homes with a crawl space. The crawl space can trap moisture and provides a platform for the breeding of mold.
It is very expensive and difficult to avoid moisture in the crawl space. The wood in the crawl space absorbs moisture which weakens the stability of your foundation. It could be a serious situation if you have any allergies or asthma patients living in the house. It can also cause difficulty in breathing for them.
Decrease Energy Efficiency
If you have unsealed crawl space, your HVAC system has to fight hard to keep the building according to the given temperature.
If you don’t have any crawl space then it is much easier to warm you in winter and cool in the summer. The leakage of cool or warm air through the crawl space will increase your power bills. If you have crawl space in your house then you can seal it to avoid this energy loss.
Pests
The crawl space is an open door for insects to enter your house. It also includes dangerous insects like snakes and scorpions. It also endangers your life. To reduce the chances of pests entering your house, you need to do anti-pest sprays on a monthly basis. The small pests present in the crawl space give invitations to the snakes and scorpions. The solution to this issue is a sealed crawl space.
The other disadvantages of the crawl space are:
Wood rot
Floor Failure
Insects
Conclusion
The crawl space has its own pros and cons. It all depends upon your priorities and location that you either want a crawl space or not. If you hire experts they will deal with all issues and offer you the best solutions. Seek help from crawl space repair business in Atlanta.