7 Signs It’s Time to Clean Your Crawl Space

Are you or your family members feeling uncomfortable in your home? Many homeowners put up with issues that could easily be solved by addressing conditions in their attic or crawl space.

If you notice any of the following issues in your home, it may be time to contact a professional to clean or insulate your crawl space.

1. Energy Bills Are Increasing

If you’ve noticed an increase in your utility bills, inadequate insulation is a likely cause. The insulation in your crawl space can be compromised by several factors, including mold, pests and decay. Cleaning your crawl space can help you identify and alleviate the issue.

2. Indoor Temperatures Are Changing

Have you noticed that your home is a little chillier than usual this winter? What about drafts on a windy day? Insulation is meant to protect your home from the elements. If the temperature in your home is noticeably different, there is most likely a problem with the crawl space insulation.

3. Signs and Smells of Animals in the Crawl Space

Animals may also be able to get into your crawl space if the insulation is poor. Squirrels, snakes, mice and bats can cause health concerns and lasting damage to your home. Look out for signs such as scratching sounds in your attic, as well as unusual smells in your crawl space caused by animal feces or decay.

4. Wet Insulation

Have you noticed that the insulation in your crawl space is wet? You should address this as soon as possible because it indicates that moisture is getting into your home from the outside. This can be caused by blocked vents, a leak in the roof or a basement flood. Once insulation becomes wet, it needs to be replaced.

Moisture in an attic or crawl space can lead to other issues, such as mold and mildew.

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5. Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew can cause problems anywhere in your home. But in your attic or crawl space, mold is likely to go unnoticed and continue to grow.

Mold and mildew can lead to allergy-like symptoms, especially for anyone in your household with asthma or existing respiratory conditions. If you experience symptoms or smell mold or mildew, it’s best to contact a professional right away to inspect your crawlspace and remove any mold — it’s unsafe to do it yourself without proper protective gear.

6. Insulation Settles and Compacts Over Time

Even in an ideal environment, the insulation in your attic or crawl space won’t last forever. Insulation can keep its shape for anywhere from several years to decades, but it will eventually begin to weaken, then settle and compact. A professional can clean your crawl space and replace the insulation to make sure it is up to the proper R-Value code.

7. Materials Are Decaying

Even modern fiberglass insulation weakens over time. In older homes, however, insulation was often made from materials like cotton and wool. Since these decay, old insulation has a shorter lifespan and should probably be replaced even if you haven’t noticed any issues — it’s most likely just a matter of time.

Keep Your Family Safe and Comfortable With Atticare

If you notice any combination of these issues in your home, or any other signs that you need to insulate your crawl space, contact Atticare to get the job done. At Atticare, we believe you deserve to be comfortable in your home or business. Our mission is to create healthier, safer and more energy-efficient homes.

Contact us today for a free inspection at one of our three locations: We operate in the Los Angeles Area, San Francisco Bay Area, and the New York and New Jersey Area.