4 Ways to Clean a Crawl Space
A clean crawl space results in fresh air and a healthy family. Find out what it costs to keep your crawl space clean and safe.
The crawl space is often overlooked and neglected despite its crucial role.
It’s easy to ignore until it becomes a breeding ground for debris, moisture, rodents, insects, and dust. Unfortunately, contaminated air in the crawl space can easily affect air quality in your living spaces since air moves upwards.
This post will provide insights into the cleaning process and highlight some critical elements. We’ll also give you a general cost breakdown.
It’s essential to note that the costs mentioned here are only estimates and may vary depending on the crawl space’s size, the extent of the damage, and other factors. It’s always best to consult with professional contractors who specialize in crawl space cleaning and repair to get an accurate estimate.
What is Involved in Crawl Space Cleaning?
Your crawl space is low-lying, hidden, and unmonitored, making it easy for years of neglect to cause dirt and debris to accumulate unnoticed.
To ensure clean air and prevent potential health hazards, we recommend inspecting your crawl space at least once a year to identify any necessary maintenance or repairs.
A typical crawl space cleaning involves the following tasks:
1. Remove Debris from the Crawl Space
Debris in the crawl space may hinder accessibility.
Begin by removing all debris and junk from the crawl space, including construction waste, rusted nails, hanging insulation, damaged vapor barriers and wood, old cardboard, and broken pipes.
This is a dirty job; consider professional removal.
2. Remove Mold and Pests from Crawl Space
After removing the junk, remove any fungi and mildew growing in the crawl space, including mushrooms, white mold, and toxic black mold.
If you have ever used pesticides in this space, traces of these chemicals could need to be removed.
Remove any pest nests and droppings.
Again, professional help may be necessary,
3. Inspect Crawl Space for Leaks
Seal off all air, water, and sewage leaks. Air and water enter the crawl space through the ground, walls, open vents, and leaking pipes.
Fix any leaks and seal up the vents and cracks in the crawl space to prevent outside air and water from accessing this space.
A plumber may be needed for this job.
4. Repair Any Crawl Space Damage
Look for signs of damage on the foundation, settling floors, damaged insulation, and cracks in the wall.
Keep Your Crawl Space Clean and Protected
Now that your crawl space is clean and debris-free, it’s time to focus on keeping it that way.
To ensure long-term protection, taking proactive steps is important.
Let’s explore the best solutions to keep your crawl space dry, safe, and clean for years to come:
Waterproofing: Interior Drainage Installation
An interior drainage system is crucial for keeping your crawl space dry.
It works by collecting water that enters the space and directing it away from your home’s foundation.
This prevents water from pooling and causing mold growth, wood rot, or foundation damage. The benefits include long-term protection from water damage and maintaining the structural integrity of your home.
Remove Crawl Space Mold
Removing mold is helpful, depending on the amount of mold you have.
If more than 30 square feet of the crawl space has mold, you need a professional to help with the sanitization process. Clean and sanitize the area that is contaminated with sewage spills.
Vapor Barrier Installation
Seal off the walls and floor with a vapor barrier. Our vapor barrier is a 20-mil plastic barrier, and we tape it down with sealing tape to block moisture from entering.
This simple yet effective solution improves the overall air quality in your home.
Crawl space encapsulation could cost you from $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the area and extent of repair, as well as additional repairs needed.
Replace Damaged Crawl Space Insulation
Proper insulation is key to maintaining an energy-efficient home, and rigid foam board insulation, like ExtremeBloc™, is an ideal choice.
With an impressive R-value of 11, ExtremeBloc™ provides superior thermal resistance, helping to keep your crawl space and home at a consistent, comfortable temperature.
This process may take a few hours and incur a cost ranging from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the type of material used.
Sump Pump Installation
A sump pump is designed to actively remove water from your crawl space, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
It collects excess water and pumps it out, ensuring that moisture doesn’t accumulate and cause long-term damage. The main benefit of a sump pump is its ability to prevent flooding, which can save you from costly repairs and maintain a dry, safe crawl space.
Dehumidifier Installation
Dehumidifiers are particularly important in humid regions where moisture in the air can quickly become a problem. By controlling humidity levels, a crawl space dehumidifier helps prevent mold, mildew, and other moisture-related issues. It also improves air quality throughout your home, creating a healthier environment for you and your family.
The Dangers of Mold and Moisture in Your Crawl Space
Mold and moisture in your crawl space are serious issues, as they can lead to various health problems, especially for those who are prone to allergies.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, which are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States. Children are particularly vulnerable, as the AAFA reports that allergies affect 1 in every 5 children. Mold spores and other allergens can easily travel from the crawl space into the home, making the air quality inside the house poor.
Why Hire a Professional to Clean Your Crawl Space?
While it may seem tempting to clean your crawl space yourself, the potential risks and hazards of DIY solutions far outweigh any cost savings. Although crawl space cleaning can be expensive, you can save costs by assisting with some of the tasks. However, it is crucial to protect yourself by wearing a respirator mask, gloves, and a crawl space suit to prevent exposure to harmful mold and other allergens.
Engaging the services of a professional crawl space cleaning company may not be cheap, but it is a long-term investment that can be budgeted over time. The cost and duration of the project depend on factors such as crawl space accessibility, size, removal of debris, and repair of any damages.
A clean crawl space not only ensures the safety and health of your family but also adds value to your home and helps reduce energy bills. If you need help inspecting or repairing your crawl space, we offer a free estimate to help you plan the next steps. Trusting the expertise of the professionals at Groundworks can save you time, money, and the hassle of dealing with a potentially hazardous environment.
Crawl Space Cleaning FAQs
Costs can vary widely based on the condition of the crawl space and required services. It’s best to get a detailed quote from a professional service, but investing in cleaning can save money long-term by preventing more serious damage and health issues.
There should be minimal impact on the rest of your home during cleaning. Professionals use tools and methods to minimize dust and debris, and any significant work should be communicated to you beforehand.
The time required varies depending on the size of the crawl space and the extent of the issues. On average, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days.
