We love providing checklists to help our clients maintain their home. Here's one to help you look for signs of water or mold in your crawlspace. Finding and repairing any problems quickly will save you time and money in the long run!
- Check the plastic vapor barrier on the ground for rips or tears which prevent it from doing its job of keeping natural condensation from the soil from entering the crawlspace and causing
excess humidity and potentially mold or other issues - Look for mineral stains on the vapor barrier which could indicate previous moisture that has evaporated but may occur again
- Ensure there is no standing water under the vapor barrier — some moisture is normal and shows the barrier is working, standing water is not
- Look for staining from plumbing leaks or condensation on the crawl space decking (the ceiling) of the crawlspace
- Look for rust on nails, black gas-line pipe, and other metal items which would indicate a too-humid environment
- Seal any plumbing and electrical penetrations with spray foam to limit airflow into the home from the crawlspace
- Check for water staining on paper-backed insulation
- Look for evidence of microbial growth — spots, stains, etc — on decking, floor joists, and under insulation
- Make sure your crawlspace vents are open year-round, not covered by insulation, and are above-ground to ensure proper ventilation. Temporarily close vents when the temperature is below 20ºF
- Ensure the air conditioner condensate line discharges to the exterior of the home and not into the crawlspace
Don’t forget to call us at (208) 327-2127 with any questions or if you need a recommendation for a terrific vendor we trust to do a great job for you!
Good vs Great! Choosing a Listing Agent — Part II
