Shopping for crawl space waterproofing measures doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Something as universal as insulation can double-up to provide your crawl space with the temperature control and waterproofing protection it needs. With the right materials in place, you can retain your home’s value and preserve your quality of life.
That said, you do need to check on your crawl space insulation regularly. If you rely on the material without question, it may transform from a protective measure into a host for mold, mildew, and moisture.
Why Insulate Your Crawl Space?
Thermal insulation helps you better control the temperature inside of your home and limit the amount of outdoor noise you have to deal with on a regular basis. There’s more to the material than that, though. When appropriately installed in your crawl space, insulation can pull double duty as a waterproofing measure as well.
Thermal insulation can create a physical barrier between groundwater or rain runoff and your sensitive crawl space. It can also protect your pipes from sudden changes in temperature, preventing leaks from breaking out in the colder months of the year.
Why Does Your Crawl Space Need This Much Attention?
Your crawl space controls a significant percentage of your home’s health and value. If you let the care of this space fall to the wayside, you may find yourself losing money when you try and sell your home. You may also notice a sharp decline in your overall quality of life.
How to Inspect Your Crawl Space for Insulation Damage
Unfortunately, some types of insulation don’t always serve as a long-term or permanent waterproofing measure. You’re going to have to keep an eye on the materials you invest in if you want to keep your home as moisture-free as possible.
Signs that your crawl space insulation may no longer be doing its job include:
- Inconsistent temperatures throughout your home
- Increasing electric or heat bills
- Signs of seepage throughout your home
- Mildew or mold
- Standing water
These signs don’t just indicate that something may be amiss in your crawl space. They can also indicate foundation damage. To determine what kind of conditions you’re dealing with, you can reach out to a Fargo, ND, foundation and crawl space repair professional for a home inspection and a free quote on services you may need to restore your quality of life.
You don’t have to wait for a professional to start examining the insulation in your crawl space, though. If you want to take a look at what you’ve got on your own, the process typically involves the following steps:
- Find your insulation – If you didn’t install your insulation yourself, you may not know where to start looking for it. Insulation can be installed inside or outside your crawl space. If you don’t know where to begin your search, you can reach out to a builder in your area or speak with the person who previously owned your home.
- Classify your insulation – Once you’ve found your insulation, you’ll want to get a better idea of what kind of materials you’re working with. The most common types of insulation to find in your crawl space include foam board and traditional fiberglass. These types of insulation show signs of damage differently, and in identifying them, you’ll have a better idea of what to look for.
- Start looking for signs of dampness – While you should never touch your insulation without the proper protective gear on hand, you can still explore your insulation for signs of dampness.
- Use your nose – You can also follow damp, musty, or moldy smells toward spots that have seen a significant amount of water damage throughout the insulation’s use.
- Look for damage outside of your home as well as throughout the rest of the building – Finally, be sure to keep an eye out for signs of damage throughout the rest of your home. As mentioned, your crawl space has more to do with the health of your home than its size may suggest. Cracks, settling, and standing water may all indicate larger problems both in your crawl space and with your other structural supports.
You don’t have to struggle while taking care of your crawl space. If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to installing insulation, or if you want to try and examine your insulation for the first time, the professionals at Innovative Basement Authority can help with a complimentary crawl space inspection.
