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Crawlspaces and basements are usually the out of sight-out of mind, forgotten, or ignored parts of the house because to most people it's the dark, dingy, cramped, smelly, dirty, critter infested place under the floor that gives everyone the heebie jeebies, and in most cases it's true...but it doesn't have to be, and it shouldn't. The fact of the matter is that the crawlspace and basement are extremely important, perhaps the most important, parts of the house. We call the crawlspace/basement the nerve center and bones of the home, and this is why.
Think of everything that keeps your home running...
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The water that supplies the faucets, toilets, and showers, and that removes waste
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The electricity that powers the lights, appliances, TV's, AC system, and other devices
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The gas that runs stoves, furnaces, water heaters, and such
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The ducts and systems that heat and cool it through the seasons
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And all of the other components that are necessary for a house to fully function
Now also think of what is keeping the structure standing...
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The footing and foundation
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The support columns
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The base framework - support beams and joists.
Most, if not all of these components are typically located underneath the living area..in the crawlspace or basement! Therefore, keeping it dry, clean, and protected from the elements (treating it as an indoor space rather than an outdoor space) will help preserve this entire system and the home as an entirety, keep it safe, keep it efficient, and allow you to save lots of money on energy bills and potentially major costly repairs.
Also consider the fact that an average of approximately 50-60% of the air inside the living area of the home comes from below. This is due to the stack effect, which is the term used to describe the natural flow of air through the home from bottom to top. During this process, air enters through the foundation and follows its natural path upwards, entering the living space from below, then finally making its way out of the house through the roof. With this in mind, it is easy to see how the conditions of the crawlspace or basement can have a powerful impact on the overall air quality inside the home and the health of everyone in it. Guess we can consider these areas as the lungs of the home too!
Unfavorable conditions in these areas including excessive water, humidity, and moisture; clutter; and vulnerability to extreme conditions can lead to many of a homes worst problems. Water and moisture promote mold and fungal growth, and damp cluttered spaces attract pests of all kinds - termites and other insects, mice, rats, squirrels, raccoons, skunks and other rodents, amphibians such as frogs and salamanders, snakes and other reptiles, feral cats, and more... Such circumstances can cause problems associated with:
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Mold, mildew, and fungi
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Wood rot
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Structural damage and decay
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Damage to finish materials and furniture in finished basements
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Corroded pipes, wires, cables, and ducts
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Wood-destroying pests
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Feces, urine, and carcasses left by animals
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Dust mites (number one allergenic cause of asthma in children)
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Bacteria, viruses, and other airborne allergens and irritants
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Potential toxic gases (radon - second leading cause of lung cancer)
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And more
With our knowledge and experience, dedication, attention to every detail, and top priority to provide the most effective possible services, your crawlspace or basement can be transformed to a safe, dry, clean, and energy efficient part of your whole home, and enjoy benefits such as:
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Cleaner air and reduced allergy and respiratory symptoms caused by mold, dust mites, bacteria, and other irritants
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Cleaner, safer home with strong structural support
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Greater, greener energy efficiency (common averages between 15-20%)
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Avoiding costly repairs for damage to pipes, wires, ducts, framework, and foundation
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Getting rid of musty and unpleasant odors from moldy, wet, rotting material making its way up into the living space
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Reduced likelihood for pest infestation
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Increased property value
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And more...
Contact us for an inspection, consultation, and estimate if you are experiencing any problems with your basement or crawlspace!