When was the last time you took a careful look at your crawlspace? If you plan to sell your home in Albuquerque soon, this is one of the areas of your home that should be inspected. Little problems can turn into major repairs if they’re not caught early.
Here are a few signs to look for to tell if you crawlspace needs attention:
Moisture
Crawlspaces by nature are dark and moist. This is a great environment for mold.
Mold growing in your crawlspace is never a good thing. It’s not only bad for the structure of your home, but the mold spores can get into your home because of the way air currents work.
It’s no secret that mold spores are harmful to people, especially those of your family that suffer from asthma or allergies in general, especially children.
Keep an eye out for moisture in your crawlspace, especially after it rains. You can detect it in the air if you have a good nose, you can also touch the ground and the walls looking for wet spots.
Rats, insects, and other pests
Rats and other pests may find your crawl space a great place to live. They may be getting in through a gap underneath the foundation of your home. If left unchecked they can become an infestation down there.
The same goes for spiders, cockroaches, and even raccoons. They are all liable to make your home into their home if left unattended. Keep an eye out for those plagues, as well as signs of their presence, such as animal feces, holes on the ground or walls of the crawlspace, etc.
Wood rot
Rot can end up costing a lot to repair. Rot grows from inside the wood and weakens it as it spreads. If you catch it in time, you can get rid of it with chemical products.
If the rot damage is too extensive, chemicals won’t be enough. You may have to replace parts of your home’s foundation if you don’t catch the rot in time.
There are two types of rot that may affect your crawlspace: wet rot and dry hot. Signs of wet rot include the wood becoming darker, feeling soft or spongy when pressed, and the appearance of cracks in the affected area, as well as localized fungus growth, which may lead to the appearance of a mushroom-looking body.
Dry rot will also cause wood to feel weak and spongy. This tends to be a more destructive variety of rot, but it’s also easier to spot due to the growth of the mycelium — a white substance that looks a bit like cotton or wool and clings to the affected wood. If you spot that, or any other sort of fungal growth, get a professional involved.
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