Is your crawl space making you sick?

Crawl spaces are a popular feature in South Florida homes as they provide easier access to the plumbing and electrical systems. But when was the last time you looked inside your home’s dark crawl space filled with cobwebs? Probably not in a while if you’re like most homeowners!

A problem in your crawl space, like flooding, moisture or pests, could go unnoticed for a long time but have a major impact on your family’s health.

Moisture problems in the crawl space

According to Home Energy Magazine, up to 40% of your home’s indoor air comes in through the crawl space which means that moisture (a breeding ground for mold!), dust, allergens and other pollutants can find their way into your home and cause asthma or allergy symptoms for your loved ones. 

Mold and other humidity problems

Moisture, which is usually already higher in our flooding-prone, tropically humid climate, is the main source for most of the problems. It can lead to mold, high humidity or musty odors in your living space, damage to the structural integrity like rotting wooden framing members and more. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 30-50% of all structures suffer from damp conditions that encourage these problems. If humidity or odor are not on your mind, mold growth should definitely worry you. Mold can be toxic and spread rather fast into the floors, walls and even furniture of your living space.

Rodents and pests

Moisture in the crawl space also attracts spiders, mice, rats and other rodents and pests. The quiet, warm, humid space underneath your house offers a perfect, cozy home for them. Not only will these unwanted visitors at some point enter your living space, but they are also not the cleanest roommates and the pathogens from their droppings and urine could lead to health risks for your family. 

Radon

According to the Florida Department of Health, Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for nonsmokers and one out five Florida homes has elevated radon levels. Radon (the results of the radioactive breakdown of naturally occurring radium) is a gas you cannot smell, taste or see but it is found in most soils and enters buildings through small openings in the foundation. If left unnoticed, the carcinogen can make its way into your home and increase your family’s risk for cancer.  

Insulating your crawl space can help!

Insulation and air sealing can encapsulate your crawl space and add a layer of separation between it and your home’s living space. The project can yield substantial benefits for your home and family if done correctly but, due to the low and dark nature of most crawl spaces, is a rather difficult process that is best left to the professionals. 

Energy efficiency 

Encapsulating your attic with insulation and air sealing can lower your energy bill as hot, damp outside air won’t be able to enter your home through the crawl space anymore. Moreover, humid air is less efficient at cooling a home so your A/C will have to work very hard on making that air feel cool if your crawl space is not properly insulated. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, insulating your crawl space can save you on average 15% on your energy bill! Additionally, any ductwork that’s running through your attic will also be protected from losing heat.

Reduce moisture

As mentioned earlier, moisture in the crawl space can lead to many health risks (for both your house’s structures and your family!). Insulating the crawl space will keep moisture from entering and keep your home from rotting, condensating, and other problems which means that insulation can support the structural integrity of your home.

No more pest infestations

Insulation will not only make your crawl space a very uncomfortable home for any unwanted visitors but also keep them out from the beginning as there’s no more moisture inviting them in. Especially insulation materials like spray foam or fiberglass are very efficient against rodents and pests as they cannot be used for food and also cover the wood of the house that would otherwise be eaten.

Increased Home Value

Insulation, in general, is a great way to increase your home’s value as potential homebuyers see it as a selling point. Energy efficiency is becoming more and more important (especially with the rising energy prices!) and any features related to it add extra benefits for the homebuyer. Finally, it also shows that you have been taking good care of the house which is always a plus for worried buyers.

A healthier living environment

Not only does insulation improve your home’s air quality overall, it limits the possibility of mold growth and prevents radon gas from seeping into your home through the cracks in your foundation. As explained above, there are many health risks related to a non-insulated crawl space - everything from allergies to cancer. Of course insulation is never a guarantee for perfect health of your family members but it is a very good measure of precaution and can help limiting risks.

Extend the lifespan of your A/C

With insulated crawl space, your A/C unit won’t have to work as hard anymore. Less hot, humid air will be entering your home and manipulating the temperature of your living space which means that the A/C unit has less fluctuations to level out and can run less. 

Contact us today for a free in-home insulation evaluation and make your home a more energy-efficient, healthy and comfortable space.