If you're a homeowner in Michigan, your crawl space may be vulnerable to a range of environmental factors, and these conditions can lead to serious issues underneath your home. Because crawl spaces are difficult to access, problems may go undetected, which can lead to significant issues that compromise your home's structural integrity and indoor air quality. At Acculevel, we specialize in crawl space repair solutions to protect your home. Here are five crawl space issues found in Michigan homes:
A sign of a crawl space issue is when your floors begin to sag or feel bouncy and unstable. This typically happens when moisture weakens the wooden components of your home's flooring structure. Crawl spaces often have dirt floors, and this proximity places wood joists and beams closer to moisture that seeps in. If you notice sagging floors, this could be an indicator that you need crawl space repair to restore the structure of your flooring.
Insects and rodents may be found in wet, unsealed crawl spaces. This includes termites, carpenter ants, and mice, all of which can damage your home's wood supports and insulation. Pest infestations may compromise your home's structure and lead to contaminated indoor air. By addressing crawl space conditions early, you can eliminate excess moisture and seal off entry points, making the space less inviting to pests.
An unfinished dirt floor in your crawl space can allow ground moisture to seep upward and enter through cracks in your home's foundation. This makes the area susceptible to water intrusion. Heavy rainwater or melted snow often causes dampness and standing water, leading to structural damage.
Moisture softens wood and causes biological growth. This may compromise the integrity of your home. A professional foundation repair company may install waterproofing systems to redirect water away from your home and help prevent damage.
Crawl spaces are naturally dark and cool. This creates an ideal environment for biological growth, mildew, and fungus to thrive. Biological growth feeds on organic materials like wood and dust. Their spores can travel into your home's living areas through vents.
HVACS may draw air from crawl spaces. This could affect the air quality throughout your home, which is already compromised by poor air quality. At Acculevel, we help eliminate biological growth by sealing the crawl space, treating existing biological growth, and installing a moisture control system to improve air quality and prevent future biological growth.
Water can erode the soil underneath your foundation and affect the structural integrity of your home. As rainwater and groundwater seep into the ground, they carry away small particles of soil. This may cause sections of your foundation to sink due to unfilled areas. Erosion may lead to foundation cracks and place strain on your home. Addressing exterior drainage and foundation stability can help prevent long-term crawl space issues caused by erosion.
Identifying crawl space issues may prevent damage to your home. If you suspect your Michigan home has a problem, taking proactive steps with a trusted professional can keep your home safe. At Acculevel, our team provides customized crawl space repair services to restore your foundation. Contact Acculevel today to schedule an inspection and keep your home safe.
