A crawlspace is an area of limited height placed under a floor. In other words, it is like a basement that you can’t stand up in. You may be wondering why you have a crawlspace instead of slabs or a basement. Read on to discover a number of reasons why this may be the case.
- Less expensive – One of the main reasons why properties have crawlspaces rather than basements is because they are a lot less expensive.
- It gets the house up off the ground – Another benefit associated with crawlspaces is the fact that they get properties up off the ground. This is especially important in areas that are prone to termites, as well as those that are susceptible to damp. This can protect the longevity of your home.
- Easier servicing – Plumbing and ductwork can run in a crawl space. This means that they are easier to move and service throughout your house’s lifespan. If you were to opt for slabs instead, you could end up excavating your living room floor.
- Aesthetics – This point is a matter of personal opinion, of course. Nonetheless, there are some people that simply prefer houses that appear to be raised and not directly resting on the ground. It can also make the property look a bit bigger as well.
- Frost – Frost can be a real issue in some locations, which can prevent the use of slab foundations. This means that either basements or crawlspaces must be used because thaw cycles can cause havoc with slabs in the winter months. Since crawlspaces are the cheaper of both options, it’s no surprise that they are popular.
As you can see, there are a number of reasons why you have a crawlspace in your home. It’s important to maintain your crawlspace properly. This includes waterproofing your crawlspace, as well as insulating it. The most common method for insulation is fiberglass batts. Some homeowners also opt to combine this with spray foam insulation. Needless to say, this will cost you a bit more money, however, spray foam insulation will provide a tight seal against air movement and heat transfer.
It is also important to block out any entry points for rodents and to ventilate your crawlspace. Aside from this, cleaning the space and inspecting it on a fairly regular basis are both advised. You can experience humidity problems if your crawlspace is dirty, as well as issues with bugs. By keeping your crawlspace dry and moisture-free, you can reduce the possibility of any issues occurring.
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding regarding why you have a crawlspace in your home. It is important to maintain your crawlspace correctly. Use the tips that have been mentioned in this post to do so. It doesn’t take a lot of effort on your behalf – just inspecting and cleaning – yet it can make a massive difference.