Roanoke enjoys a temperate environment. We experience all four seasons but our winters tend to be mild. The period between fall and winter is particularly distinctive. In Roanoke, it’s not uncommon to have freezing nights and mornings only to have temperatures rise to more comfortable levels by the afternoon.
While the gentle winters are great for people, they can be tough on crawl spaces. The freeze-melt cycle creates unique risks for homes with crawl spaces. Proactive crawl space maintenance is critical so you’re prepared before winter sets in. Keep reading to understand the risks and how you can be ready.
The Freeze-Thaw Cycle: Why It’s Hard on Crawl Spaces
There’s something special about waking up to a fresh blanket of snow. However, in Roanoke, that snow often turns to meltwater by afternoon. And if you have a crawl space, that could spell trouble.
The daily temperature swings in early winter can increase your vulnerability to moisture. Snow melt can easily pool around the foundation of your home and seep into vented or unsealed crawl spaces. To make matters worse, excess moisture problems can be compounded by several issues:
- Clogged gutters
- Foundation cracks
- Poor grading
When these factors work together, water can funnel straight under your home to create standing water. You’ll run the risk of wood rot, structural weakening, pest infestations, and mold.
Mold & Mildew Growth in Damp Crawl Spaces
Moisture from snow melt and higher afternoon temperatures can quickly raise humidity levels in your crawl space. These dark, damp spaces are ideal environments for mold to thrive. Unfortunately, untreated mold issues are a serious hazard to the structural integrity of your home. And thanks to the stack effect, you could also suffer from:
- Poor air quality throughout your home
- odors, compromised insulation, wood decay
- Health concerns for families with allergies or asthma
- condensation on windows and persistent dampness in your living areas
How to Protect Your Crawl Space from the Freeze/Thaw Cycle
The good news is, there are preventative measures you can take to protect your crawl space from unwanted moisture. These steps limit unwanted moisture, prevent mold growth, and protect your home’s foundation:
- Ensure grading, gutters, and downspouts are functioning optimally
- Install vapor barriers and dehumidifiers to manage moisture
- Consider encapsulation to block moisture intrusion
- Consider professional inspections during seasonal transitions
Treating your crawl space gives you peace of mind that you’ve protected your home, your family, and allows you to enjoy the winter weather worry-free.
Get Ready for Winter with Professional Crawl Space Care
Even if you’re an experienced DIYer, taking a do-it-yourself approach to crawl space maintenance isn’t recommended. Without proper training and tools, the risks outweigh the benefits, and you still may not get your desired results.
Instead, contact the crawl space professionals at Crawl Space Care. We offer free inspections so you can pinpoint exactly which interventions you need to keep your crawl space clean and dry, including:
- Vapor barriers
- Encapsulation
- Repair and Insulation
- Dehumidifiers
When you get a crawl space treated by Crawl Space Care, you’ll enjoy cleaner air, better energy efficiency, and peace of mind heading into winter. Don’t wait for the freeze/thaw cycle to cause damage.
Contact Crawl Space Care today and schedule your free inspection.