The Complete Process & Frequency of Crawl Space Inspections

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When was the last time you scheduled a crawl space inspection for your home? Unfortunately, many homeowners put off this service, or overlook it altogether! However, a full-scale inspection can alert you to needed foundation fixes. Also, an inspector might notice risk factors for that foundation, so you can schedule needed maintenance.

Before you put off a crawl space inspection for another year, check out some details about the process. Also, you might consider how often to schedule an inspection for your home. Then, discuss any additional questions you have with a foundation inspection contractor near you as needed.

What Is the Crawl Space Inspection Process?

First, note that a crawl space inspection doesn’t typically start under your home! Second, it’s also important to realize why a contractor might access your home and property during their inspection.

• A foundation inspector contractor typically starts their check inside your home. He or she will check for wall and ceiling cracks, warped door and window frames, and uneven floors. Also, a contractor might ask about mold, insect infestation, and other signs of a poor-quality foundation.
• Many inspectors also check around a home’s exterior spaces for signs of foundation damage. These might include cracked porches or cracks along outside walls, and similar issues.
• Your inspector might also check around your property for signs of crawl space risks. For instance, they might note excess moisture in the soil or large trees growing too close to the house.
• Next, the inspector will note obvious damage in the crawl space. This might include water-damaged electrical wiring or wood framing, standing water, or loose nails.
• Inspectors might also check for mold issues and other signs of excessive moisture in the crawl space.

What Is One of the Main Problems With Any Type of Crawl Space Foundation?

Excessive moisture collecting around a home is typically the main problem for any foundation! Crawl spaces tend to trap excess humidity, allowing piers and beams to absorb that water. In turn, those materials might crack, chip, warp, or otherwise weaken.

Also, note that electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, and other features often run underneath a home. Consequently, they might also suffer damage from excess humidity in the space. This damage might include rusted pipes, damaged connectors holding wires in place, corroded wiring, and the like.

Additionally, crawl spaces often become home to unwanted pests, including insects and rodents. These critters burrow in crawl spaces as protection against the elements and when searching for a water source. Then, they might chew on or burrow through wiring, wood framing, and other materials, risking costly damage.

Why Is a Crawl Space Inspection Important?

There are a few reasons why regular crawl space inspections are vital for homeowners, including:

• Foundation damage gets worse the longer it’s ignored. Also, repairs often get more expensive the more extensive the damage! On the other hand, regular crawl space inspections alert you to damage before it becomes severe.
• Crawl space inspections might also note damage to wiring, plumbing, and other features, as said. In turn, you can schedule needed replacements or repairs before these features fail outright.
• Also, note that damaged foundations and other features might lower a home’s value. Investing in prompt fixes protects that value and equity you’ve built in the property.
• Many inspectors spot signs of potential risks such as trapped moisture or pest infestation. A homeowner might then schedule encapsulation, extermination, and other preventative maintenance.
• Even if a home’s foundation is in good condition, an inspection can alert you to its expected lifespan. Consequently, you can plan and budget for needed repairs accordingly.

How Often Should You Check Your Crawl Space?

Homeowners might schedule a crawl space inspection once a home is five years old and then every two or three years after that. Also, consider an annual inspection if you live in an area prone to excess moisture in the soil.

Moreover, homeowners might schedule annual inspections for homes more than twenty years old, as older materials break down more readily. It’s also good to schedule an inspection after flooding, a fire, or other severe property damage.

Above all, schedule an inspection if you notice signs of foundation damage around your property. These include wall cracks, damaged ceilings, warped floors, and doors that hang open on their own. Doors and windows that suddenly stick, dampness on concrete floors, and infestations might also mean foundation damage.

Lastly, have the crawl space inspected before putting your home on the market. Remember that mortgage lenders typically require this inspection during the closing process! Knowing the foundation’s condition before selling your home allows you to make repairs as needed.

How Often Should You Replace Insulation In a Crawl Space?

In optimal conditions, crawl space insulation might last up to 40 years or more. However, excessive dampness often breaks down insulation materials. In turn, insulation in a damp crawl space might need replacing after just 10 years. A high-quality dehumidifier can help protect crawl space insulation and building materials in that space.

Also, consider that low-quality insulation rarely lasts as long as name-brand competitors! Do-it-yourself installation can also risk premature failure. Insects and rodents also tend to burrow into insulation, risking damage. Consequently, have the insulation inspected every year if you installed it yourself or had to address an infestation.

Additionally, never hesitate to ask a foundation repair contractor about crawl space insulation and its overall condition. He or she can note premature damage or if it’s time to replace that material. They can also advise on how to protect the insulation and crawl space itself. This might include installing a dehumidifier or vapor barrier.

Fort Wayne Foundation Repair Experts is happy to provide this information about crawl space inspections to our readers. We hope you found it helpful and informative! If you’re ready for a full-scale crawl space inspection, call our Fort Wayne foundation repair contractors. We offer FREE inspections and repair price quotes. Above all, we guarantee all our work to last! If you’re ready to get your property started, use our contact form or just give us a call.