If you’re thinking about buying a home with a crawl space in Roanoke, it’s a smart idea to familiarize yourself with crawl space basics.
Crawl spaces are areas built between the ground and the first floor of a house.
Considered an economical approach to building a home foundation, crawl spaces offer both advantages and drawbacks, particularly in Roanoke’s humid climate.
Crawl space conditions can vary widely depending on how well it has been maintained. The worse the condition, the more problems you’ll encounter, so it’s important to pay attention to crawl space conditions during your hunt for a new home.
At CrawlSpace Care, we’ve seen (and fixed!) it all.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about crawl spaces.
What Is a Crawl Space?
A crawl space is a small area between the ground and the first floor of a house. Usually only a few feet high, a crawl space is a cost-effective alternative to a basement or concrete slab and prevents water from seeping into the first floor of a house.
There are two main types of crawl spaces: ventilated and encapsulated.
Ventilated crawl spaces feature vents to the outside that allow air to circulate freely. This approach is recommended for drier climates where humidity isn’t a concern.
In contrast, encapsulated crawl spaces are completely sealed off and insulated to protect it from unwanted moisture and are preferred in high-humidity areas like Roanoke.
Pros of Buying a Home with a Crawl Space
Crawl spaces do offer several advantages to prospective home buyers and home builders.
First, crawl spaces are an affordable approach to building a foundation when compared to a basement or concrete slab.
Second, they offer easy access to plumbing and wiring. This convenience could potentially lower labor costs for future repairs or home upgrades.
Last, crawl spaces offer a measure of protection in flood-prone areas by keeping the first floor of the home elevated several feet from the ground.
Common Crawl Space Red Flags
Crawl spaces offer distinct advantages to home buyers but must be cared for properly to make the most of all the benefits. If poorly maintained or neglected, particularly in humid areas like Roanoke, crawl spaces can accumulate a host of problems that can harm your health and your bottom line.
When evaluating crawl space condition, be sure to watch out for these red flags:
- Excess moisture, standing water, and wet or damaged insulation
- Signs of pests like rodent droppings, termite damage, and insects
- Structural issues like sagging floors
- Musty odors or mold
Crawl Space Tips for Roanoke Home Buyers
Knowledge is power when it comes to purchasing homes with crawl spaces. It’s very important to engage a professional crawl space inspector to look closely for any damage, mold, pest infestation, and moisture issues.
If you notice any red flags, all is not necessarily lost.
A good professional can remediate and repair even badly damaged crawl spaces, but it’s important to proceed with caution, consult the experts, and have a plan.
The humid Roanoke climate presents an increased risk of moisture issues for most homes with untreated crawl spaces.
If the home you’re considering doesn’t have a treated crawl space, a crawl space expert can be an invaluable resource in helping you thoroughly understand the condition of the crawl space and its maintenance requirements. You might even consider adding crawl space treatment into your home buying budget based on the results of a professional inspection.
Get Professional Inspections from CrawlSpace Care
Don’t overlook the crawl space during your home buying process.
If you need a professional crawl space assessment, CrawlSpace Care can help.
From free, professional inspections to moisture control and encapsulation to insulation and rehabilitation, we handle it all. Partner with CrawlSpace Care for expert inspection and advice.
Contact us today for your free inspection and estimate.