Many homeowners think closing off their crawlspace is a good way to prevent Tennessee humidity from entering their home; however, it creates a few hazards, including making it impossible to detect future pest infestations in the space. While leaving your crawlspace vented means you’ll have to take additional moisture control steps, it also protects your family in many ways. Below are some of the risks of sealing your crawlspace.

Risks to Watch For in Encapsulated Crawlspaces

1. High Radon Levels

Radon is a dangerous radioactive gas that is found naturally in the soil, usually in low levels that are deemed safe by the EPA. When a crawlspace is enclosed, however, the radon that’s released by the soil becomes trapped under your house, building up to levels far higher than the 4 pCi/L safety limit set by the EPA. If your crawlspace is already sealed, test radon levels regularly, and if they’re too high, you should have a radon mitigation system installed that will rid your home of the toxin as soon as possible.

2. Too Little Moisture

While crawlspace encapsulation lowers the space’s humidity levels to prevent rot and mold, there is such a thing as too much moisture control. If too much moisture is removed from the crawlspace, it can cause the wood to shrink and cracks to form on the floors, weakening the integrity of your home’s foundation. A permanent meter can be placed that shows you accurate readings of the humidity levels and temperatures in your crawlspace, so you know if it’s too dry or humid and can take the appropriate moisture control measures.

3. Bad Odors

With the lack of ventilation, a closed crawlspace traps other gases besides radon. After encapsulation, the soil continues to break down organic matter, releasing a variety of gases into your crawlspace. These gases cause odors that will circulate throughout your home. If you notice a bad smell after sealing your crawlspace, it may not be that cup of milk or pile of laundry. Contact the company that performed the encapsulation and ask about having a vent pipe installed to release the gases from the crawlspace.

In Cookeville, TN, you’ll find pest control masters at Midstate Termite and Pest Control. With more than 65 years of professional experience, their exterminator teams offer roach, ant, bed bug, mosquito, mice, spider, and termite treatment options, as well as superior moisture control remediation services. Whether you need termite treatment or quarterly bug prevention services, they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of their services. Read more about their take on encapsulated crawlspaces online, or call them at (877) 526-4222 to request a free inspection.