Crawl spaces are one of the most forgotten areas of the home, which means issues often go undetected. If you’re purchasing a home, it’s one of the areas a home inspector should look at. Here are some of the problems they’ll watch out for.

3 Issues Home Inspectors Look for in Crawl Spaces

1. Ventilation Issues

Older homes often have ventilation in crawl space walls to dry out condensation buildup. The vents allow outside air to circulate indoors. Air conditioners blow cool air throughout the home and, in the process, create cold ducts in the crawl space. Condensation then forms as warm, humid air from the outside flows under the house into the crawl space. Excessive condensation can create pools of water, which can warp floorboards or weaken the foundation.

2. Mold

Mold cannot attach to fiberglass insulation used in crawl spaces directly. However, the pink dyes used to color and paper backing can attract the fungus. Fiberglass acts like a sponge, and when it contains too much moisture, gravity forces it toward the ground. Once fiberglass bundles or lies flat on a surface, it becomes a mold breeding ground. If it comes in contact with wood, such as the wooden beams supporting your home, it can rot the wood.

3. Pests

Rodents prefer to nest in warm, soft areas, and fallen fiberglass insulation is perfect for them. Additionally, as mold continues to grow under and around the fiberglass, rotting wood will attract termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-destroying insects. This can further attract pests like spiders that eat insects.

To check for potential issues in your crawl space, contact the home inspectors at Rainbow Environmental Services. The certified environmental specialists have served Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky since 1990. They arrive at every job with equipment for testing and removing hazardous materials, including lead-based paint, asbestos, and black mold, and repairing any damage. Learn more about their services online, and call (513) 624-6470 to schedule an appointment from a home inspector.