Preparing Your Home for the Season: Expert Tips for a Healthy Living Space

Ready for a healthier home this season?

Seasonal preparation of your home usually includes everything above the foundation. Windows get cleaned, gutters cleared, and filters replaced.

But there's one issue most homeowners ignore.

The space beneath your floors can drastically impact your indoor air quality. Yet many homeowners overlook it entirely, not knowing the damage it could be doing to their families.

Here's what you'll learn:

• How Your Crawl Space Could Be Affecting Your Indoor Air Quality

• Telltale Signs You Have Issues in Your Home

• Potential Health Risks of Ignoring Your Crawlspace

• Taking Action: Easy Steps Towards a Healthier Home

How Your Crawl Space Could Be Affecting Your Indoor Air Quality

That creepy space under your house isn't just housing your HVAC components.

Did you know it also affects the air you breathe inside every day? The EPA estimates the average person spends 90% of their time indoors. So everything beneath your floors matters.

Hold on….

Studies have found as much as 40% of indoor air can originate from your crawl space. That means every breath you take could be filtered through your crawl space.

Crawl space cleaning is essential for any homeowner looking to improve their living environment. Not only does it prevent moisture buildup and pest infiltration, but it also improves your air quality almost instantly. When homeowners hire a professional for crawl space cleaning, they see immediate results.

Think about it.

No one would drink dirty water straight from a contaminated source. But families across the country breathe dirty air circulating from their crawl spaces every day.

Telltale Signs You Have Issues in Your Home

How will you know when it's time to take care of your crawl space?

Let's start with some signs to look out for as a homeowner. Most of these can creep up over time and end up costing you more to fix if not taken care of sooner.

Look out for:

• Persistent odors like musty or mold smells

• Family members developing allergy symptoms

• Active mold growth inside or outside of your home

• Sagging, uneven flooring

• Increased energy costs

• Pests in your home

You could be telling yourself anything crawl space issues are causing these problems. But until you take care of your crawl space, they will only continue to get worse.

BUT, did you know...

Sometimes there aren't any obvious signs that something is wrong. That's why crawl space inspections are crucial and should be done at least twice a year. We recommend homeowners inspect their crawl space before and after seasons with higher precipitation.

Potential Health Risks of Ignoring Your Crawlspace

If left untreated, crawl space issues can lead to health problems for you and your family.

When there is mold in your crawl space, it can transfer to the inside of your home. Remember how we told you 40% of the air you breathe comes from your crawl space? Yup. It happens that way.

Here's what mold can do to you and your family.

A stuffy nose, increased allergies, and asthma attacks are just a few of the symptoms of mold. If there is a constant buildup of mold in your home, your family members can experience these symptoms daily. Some even develop a chronic cough or congestion.

But mold isn't the only offender when it comes to crawl spaces.

Roaches, rats, mice… you name it. These pests love to make their homes in dirty crawl spaces and return the favor to you by making their home in yours. Not only does this cause unsanitary conditions for you and your family, but the droppings they leave behind can make you sick.

Children and elderly family members are most at risk.

When air quality is poor, these family members will experience more severe symptoms. Don't let your little ones or grandparents suffer.

Taking Action: Easy Steps Towards a Healthy Home

You can start creating a healthier home by taking care of your crawl space.

Preparing your home for each season should include taking a look underneath. We aren't talking about just peeking through your crawl space access door. Take time to do a full crawl space inspection.

Here are some things you should look for:

• Moisture or standing water

• Signs of pests or insects

• Insulation

• Floor joists & support beams

• Overall ventilation

Truth is most homeowners don't have the proper equipment to look for all of these things. That's why we're here! We come prepared with specialized tools and equipment to remove any contaminants and find what you may be missing.

Typically, a professional cleanup will include:

• Removing any debris or damaged material

• Treating areas affected by mold/mildew

• Installing a vapor barrier

• Sealing openings that allow pests inside

This kind of process can change the game for your indoor air quality and your entire home. Not only will your air feel fresher but keeping your crawl space cleaned will help you save on energy costs as well.

Moisture & How to Combat It

Dry is how you want your crawl space to be.

Any amount of moisture can lead to mold and wood rot in your crawl space. Here are some things you can do to prevent excess moisture!

• Make sure your home has proper grading (sloping) around the foundation

• Install a vapor barrier if there is none or repair any holes in existing ones

• Consider installing a dehumidifier

• Repair any leaks right away

If you live in an area that is prone to high humidity, you'll have to take extra precautions. Seasonal rain can compound your moisture issues. Always be sure to take care of your crawl space before wet seasons occur.

An Ounce of Prevention…

It's true! Don't wait for the problems to occur. Regularly cleaning your crawl space prevents the environments that make for dirty crawl spaces. It's always cheaper to take care of something before it becomes a problem.

Not only will you save money by regularly maintaining your crawl space, but you save on energy bills with properly maintained insulation, avoid pest issues that can cause damage to your home, have healthier family members, and give your home higher property value.

When you look at it that way, what's the better option?

Wrap Up

Preparing for each season shouldn't stop at your basement or attic.

That space underneath your floors plays a significant role in your families health and wellness. Don't let it go unnoticed.

Cleaning your crawl space can improve the air your family breathes each day. Not only will you prevent future moisture problems but pests will no longer see your home as a inviting place to live. You'll also be protecting the structure of your home by regular checkups.

Schedule your annual inspection today and start protecting your families health today.