You’ve winterized your garden, put the summertime outdoor furniture away, and pulled out the fall décor. It’s almost time to heat some apple cider and enjoy the changing leaves and colder temperatures. Almost.
There’s one thing on the fall prep to-do list that many homeowners overlook—the crawl space.
Ensuring your crawl space is ready for colder temperatures is important. A neglected crawl space can lead to moisture issues, pest infestations, and higher energy bills in the colder months.
Luckily, you’re in the right place.
We’ve helped hundreds of Roanoke home and business owners maintain healthy crawl spaces over the long term. Continue reading for our expert-approved checklist to ensure your crawl space is ready for Fall and Winter.
Why Is Fall Crawl Space Maintenance So Important?
Fall is a crucial time for crawl space maintenance because these months bring:
- Increased rain
- Cooler temperatures
- More pests looking for shelter
Plus, your crawl space could be leaking energy or developing expensive damage, and you might not even know it.
“Having a properly insulated crawl space keeps your fall and winter heating costs down,” say our crawl space experts. “Doing proactive maintenance in the fall saves you money by preventing damage and lowering energy costs.”
Fall Crawl Space Preparation Checklist
Are you ready to ensure your crawl space can withstand the fall and winter? Our fall crawl space checklist will keep your crawl space well-maintained throughout the colder months.
1. Inspect for Moisture or Standing Water: Pull out a flashlight, open the crawl space door, and look for signs of moisture, leaks, or puddles. If you see unwanted water, call a professional to assess the issue and address any problems.
2. Check the Vapor Barrier: If you have a vapor barrier, look closely to ensure it is still intact and properly sealed. Replace or repair torn sections to prevent moisture buildup.
3. Examine Insulation: Next, take a look for any sagging, moldy, or missing insulation. Replace or add crawl space insulation so your home stays energy efficient, or call a professional for help.
4. Seal Vents and Openings: Now, turn off your flashlight and look for any outside light coming through walls or vents. Do you notice any cracks, damaged vent covers, or rodent entry points? If so,install vent covers or seal gaps to improve temperature control and remove access to unwanted pests.
5. Look for Pest Activity: Check for droppings, nests, or chew marks. If you notice signs of bugs or rodents, it’s a good idea to schedule a pest inspection or preventative treatments.
6. Inspect Ductwork and Pipes: If you have pipes or ductwork in your crawl space, be sure to look for leaks, disconnections, or condensation.
Bonus Tip: Consider Encapsulation: crawl space encapsulation seals your crawl space using durable plastic liners and barriers to block out moisture, pests, and outside air. If your crawl space isn’t encapsulated, now is a great time to consider it.
When Should I Call a Crawl Space Professional?
If you notice mold, structural damage like sagging floors or trusses, or significant moisture, you should call a crawl space professional. Crawl space professionals, like the pros and CrawlSpace Care, will provide a thorough inspection that includes:
- Examining the area beneath your house to identify issues that can affect a home’s integrity and the quality of life of those inside.
- Moisture levels, pests, and structural weaknesses.
- A detailed report with a plan for addressing issues.
Getting ahead of the fall rains and cold weather is a great idea, and a crawl space inspection can help. And at CrawlSpace Care, our experienced professionals offer free crawl space inspections so you can rest assured that you’re prepared for whatever the fall and winter bring.
Maintain Your Crawl Space and Peace of Mind with CrawlSpace Care
Protect your home from the ground up. Book a crawl space inspection with CrawlSpace Care today and enjoy peace of mind all season long.