You may experience some structural problems with your home if there is excessive moisture in the air. The question is, why should you seal your crawl space before winter?

• Insulation damage

The purpose of insulation is to fill in small cracks and spaces in your home, like crawl spaces. In order to reduce heat loss or gain, insulation is used. The temperature in your home is controlled by this system during the summer and winter. A crawl space that is uncovered or humid will not allow insulation to do its job because it needs to stay dry and moist.

As soon as water and moisture enter the crawl space, they destroy the insulation. The result of poor insulation is a colder home during the winter and floors that are freezing.

Additionally, homeowners will need to turn their furnaces all the way up, causing their heating bills to skyrocket.

• Warm, moist environments are ideal for pests

Your crawl space is the perfect place for bugs to hide away from the blistering cold, just like you. A crawl space without a vent provides a home for insects such as roaches, spiders, and termites.

Your crawl space should be covered ASAP if you don't want a few crawling critters joining you for Christmas dinner!

• An unhealthy air environment

It is even possible for crawl spaces to make your family sick if they are not sealed. Is that so? In humid air, moisture from outside combines with heat from the furnace as it passes through the vents. It is the perfect breeding environment for mold when the air is humid.

Those with compromised immune systems, young children, and the elderly could be at risk of exposure to airborne mold spores.

Crawl Space Winterization

Here are three tips for ensuring that your crawl space remains safe for the winter. Here are some simple ways to winterize your crawl space.

• Install a dehumidifier

A dehumidifier will further protect your home from moisture. By using a dehumidifier, you can maintain a relative humidity level of 50-60 percent. They're also energy-efficient, making them an excellent choice for crawl spaces.

• Seal Vents

Sealing the vents is another way to winterize your crawl space. Encapsulating a crawl space is also known as crawl space encapsulation. To prevent the infiltration of outdoor air, the walls and floors are lined with thermal sheets.

• Gutter and downspout repair

Lack of or improper installation of rain gutters is another reason for crawl space moisture during the winter. During the melting process of snow, it's critical to prevent unwanted water from entering the crawl space. Ensure that your rain gutters are functioning properly by hiring a professional to inspect them.

• Check the sump pump and waterproofing three times

Waterproofing problems must be fixed before winter's first snowfall. Ensure that your sump pump is working properly if you have one. At least once a year, sump pumps and waterproofing should be checked.

• Vapor Barriers

Ground moisture evaporation is prevented from entering crawl spaces by vapor barriers. It restricts airflow. Because there is less airflow in the crawl space, there is less moisture entering it. In the winter, this barrier helps keep living areas and floors warm.

Is Your Crawl Space in Need of Some TLC?

Crawl spaces can be winterized for many reasons. Your family stays warm in the winter, you save money on electricity bills, and you keep them healthy.

A professional can provide you with advice on the condition of your crawl space if you're unsure. Don't let your crawl space fall victim to the elements. It should be protected as soon as possible.

We have trained inspectors who can secure your crawl space against wet winter weather. Do you live in Oklahoma, NW Arkansas or Dallas, TX? Get in touch with us today!