Crawl space maintenance isn’t anyone’s idea of fun. These spaces are cramped and dusty, and there’s a good chance you’ll run into cobwebs—or worse. But skipping it during your housekeeping routine won’t make the problems go away. Putting it off can lead to issues you can’t see until it’s too late, such as hidden moisture damage or mold buildup.
Let’s break down five maintenance tips for a clean, dry crawl space that are manageable, affordable, and worth doing, even if it means facing a few spiders.
If you’ve ever stuck your head into a crawl space after a rainstorm, you know it doesn’t take much for puddles to form. Unfortunately, even small amounts of standing water can attract pests or lead to rot in your floor joists.
Grab a flashlight and do a quick sweep once a month, especially after heavy rain. Check for standing water due to poor grading, a leaky pipe, or blocked gutters.
Sometimes, the culprit is as simple as a disconnected downspout aimed too close to the foundation.
A crawl space with exposed soil is basically a moisture trap. Groundwater evaporates up and sits there, turning your crawl space into a humid holding cell for mold and mildew.
Rolling out 6-mil polyethylene sheeting might not be glamorous, but it works. Tape the seams and run it a few inches up the walls. Suddenly, everything’s a little drier and less gross to crawl through next time.
Leaving vents open through the winter is like inviting cold, damp air to hang out under your home all season. Not great for your pipes, and not great for your energy bill.
Pick up some foam vent covers by the beginning of October and seal your vents until late March. Just don’t forget to remove the covers once the weather warms, or you’ll end up trading frozen pipes for stale, musty air.
Exposed plumbing in a crawl space is asking for trouble, especially when temperatures drop. A little insulation can prevent condensation, pipe bursts, and wasted heat.
Wrap exposed pipes with foam sleeves and check on them every six months. The same goes for any ductwork. If it’s bare metal, it’s probably losing heat. Give your ductwork a quick wrap and move on.
Bad things happen when crawl spaces can’t breathe. The air turns heavy, wood starts to soften, and before long, you’re smelling mildew somewhere in the house.
Ventilation is particularly important for preventing mold growth underneath a manufactured home, where airflow is often tighter due to skirting. Consider adding a vent fan or installing more passive vents to keep air moving if the space feels stale.
A crawl space may not be attractive, but it’s yours—and it deserves a little attention. These five maintenance tips for a clean, dry crawl space make those once-dreaded checkups faster, cleaner, and far less stressful in the long run.
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