Table of Contents
Simple Tricks for Keeping Your Crawl Space Dry and Clean Keep Moisture Out. Moisture control is one of the first steps towards having a safe and clean crawl space. Inspect and Clean the Interior of Your Crawl Space. Block Out Rodents and Ventilate. Insulate the Crawl Space.
Do you have to maintain a crawl space?
Lots of reasons. Most of the air in your home comes in through your crawlspace, so having a moist, dirty, and moldy crawlspace will result in lessened air quality in your home. Not only will maintaining your crawlspace help keep your air healthy but properly treating it can also save you money on your electric bill.
How often do you clean crawl space?
Most people will inspect the area at least once a year. Some people only have the area cleaned out every 10-20 years while others have it done more often.
Is it worth it to encapsulate crawl space?
Moisture in your crawl space will only lead to structural damage over time. The vapor within the crawl space can rot your home’s wooden frames and flooring. Encapsulating the crawl space keeps away moisture. In addition, encapsulation helps keep dangerous pests like termites out.
Should a crawl space be vented?
Building codes generally require working vents in the crawlspace to allow outside air to circulate under the floor in the summer to prevent moisture buildup that, among mildew and mold, encourages wood rot.
Can I spray bleach in my crawl space?
Bleach is a strong chemical solution that will kill mold in your crawlspace. Because it can irritate your lungs, skin and eyes, put on gloves, goggles and a dust mask whenever you use it. Mix 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon water.
How do I clean the air in my crawl space?
Basically, your options are to do one of the following: The tried and false method of venting the crawl space to the outdoors. Putting a little bit of supply air from the HVAC system into the crawl space. Using an exhaust fan to move air from the crawl space to outside. Installing a dehumidifier.
How do I clean my crawl space after rats?
Spray the dead rodent or nest and the surrounding area with a disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water. Soak rodent, nesting materials or droppings in solution for 5 minutes before wiping up with a paper towel or rag. Place the dead rodent or nesting materials in a plastic bag and seal tightly.
How can I cover my crawl space dirt?
Crawl space encapsulation. And the best way of doing this is by encapsulating the crawl space. It involves laying down a 20-mil polyethylene plastic vapor barrier over the crawl space floor and walls. They will overlap the seals by 12 inches, then secure the barrier with double-sided tape.
Can I encapsulate my own crawl space?
A humid crawl space also significantly reduces the efficiency of your HVAC, but you can solve all this with a simple encapsulation. A handy individual doesn’t even need professionals; crawl space encapsulation DIY is difficult but anyone with the right tools and supplies can do it.
Should I put a dehumidifier in my crawl space?
You may be wondering, “Can I put a regular dehumidifier in my crawl space?” The answer is ‘No’. Small, portable dehumidifiers are a great, temporary solution for problematic areas of your home, such as rooms with poor ventilation.
Is a vapor barrier necessary in a crawl space?
Yes. You need a vapor barrier in your crawl space. What’s more, a moisture barrier is the minimum amount of protection that you should have in your crawl space. A vapor barrier helps you to avoid expensive repairs.
Can I put a box fan in my crawl space?
For years, humidity- or time-controlled fans placed under a vented house have been the recommended way to help dry a too-wet crawl space. A simple box fan can be purchased economically to stimulate air circulation under a crawl space, but make sure its electrical source is suitable for that application.
Should I keep my crawl space vents open or closed?
Your crawl space vents should always be closed and sealed off from the outside elements. First and foremost, open vents allow moisture to enter your crawl space. This creates the perfect environment for mold growth and mildew.
How do you seal a crawl space yourself?
To make that happen, you’ve got to do all of the following: Add a plastic vapor barrier to the crawlspace floor and attach it to the foundation walls, piers, and equipment. Seal off all vents and openings to the outdoors. Add a thermal barrier to the crawlspace walls. Air seal all the gaps and cracks.
How do you remove mold from wood under a house?
Wash every surface under the house with a bleach solution made of 1 part bleach to 4 parts cold water. Use a spray bottle to saturate wood and other porous surfaces, then rinse. Allow to dry thoroughly before replacing insulation.
How much air do you breathe from your crawl space?
In homes with crawlspaces, approximately 40-60 percent of the home’s make-up air, and thus the air we breathe, comes from the crawlspace.
Can a crawl space make you sick?
It’s usually the result of increased humidity and moisture in the crawl space, typically from the ground in the basement, a leak, or inadequate ventilation. Mold can be toxic, creating various health hazards including difficulty breathing, upper respiratory infections and other.
Can you smell rat urine?
The thick, brown, slimy substances on the attic floor or walls can help you track down rodent urine easily. Rodent urine has a strong, musky, and unmistakable smell. Like common household pets, rat urine is made of urea and water.
