{"id":23176,"date":"2021-04-29T15:28:57","date_gmt":"2021-04-29T22:28:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=23176"},"modified":"2026-03-31T13:24:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T20:24:19","slug":"crawl-space","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/crawl-space\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Crawl Space Issues and How to Fix Them (Costs Included!)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>In the U.S., roughly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basementsystems.com\/crawl-space\/crawl-space-learning-center.html\">15% to 20% of new homes<\/a> are built on crawl spaces. That\u2019s on top of about 27 million existing homes built on crawl spaces. This space beneath your home can be the foundation for its success or the groundwork for its problems \u2014 here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>\n<h2>What is a crawl space?<\/h2>\n<p>A crawl space is a type of foundation that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.masterservicestn.com\/about-us\/news-and-events\/16624-a-comprehensive-guide-to-crawl-space-history-and-terminology.html#:~:text=The%20crawl%20space%20came%20into,space%20is%20a%20common%20problem.&amp;text=The%20pier%20is%20constructed%20of,ground%20dug%20for%20the%20basement\">features short walls no taller than 4 feet<\/a>. The resulting space between the home\u2019s first floor and the ground allows people to crawl underneath the house \u2014 hence, the name \u2014 to access the plumbing, HVAC, electrical, insulation, and even floorboards for maintenance.<\/p>\n<p>A crawl space is less expensive than a basement because it requires less excavation and material for the foundation walls. Usually unheated, a crawl space may be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homeinspector.org\/reporter-articles\/the-word-crawlspace-ventilation\/\">ventilated<\/a> to permit airflow through the crawlspace. Unfortunately, these vents can let <a href=\"https:\/\/www.masterservicestn.com\/about-us\/news-and-events\/16624-a-comprehensive-guide-to-crawl-space-history-and-terminology.html#:~:text=The%20crawl%20space%20came%20into,space%20is%20a%20common%20problem.&amp;text=The%20pier%20is%20constructed%20of,ground%20dug%20for%20the%20basement\">moisture<\/a> in, causing many of the crawl space issues we\u2019ll touch on below.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_23179\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23179\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-climb.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-climb-666x381.png\" class=\"attachment-content size-content\" alt=\"A crawl space means you must crawl under the house.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-climb-666x381.png 666w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-climb-64x37.png 64w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-climb-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-climb-192x110.png 192w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-climb-432x247.png 432w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-climb-500x286.png 500w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-climb.png 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-23179\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: (Svineyard \/ ShutterStock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Potential problems in the crawl space<\/h2>\n<p>While crawl spaces have many advantages, they can have their problems, too. Here\u2019s an overview of common crawl space issues and how to fix them.<\/p>\n<h3>Problem #1: Old house smell<\/h3>\n<p>If your house smells musty, you might have mold in your crawl space. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basementsystems.com\/company\/news-and-events\/34338-whats-that-smell-identifying-crawl-space-problems-with-your-nose.html\">As much as half of the air on the first floor of your home comes from the crawl space<\/a>. Air enters through ducts that allow air from the crawl space to mix with air in the house or by the stack effect, which pulls air from the crawl space to the upper floors. If mold is present in the crawl space, the air filtering upward will smell musty.<\/p>\n<p>Causes of mold in the crawl space include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u00a0A possible sewage backup due to a clog in the sewer line<\/li>\n<li>Decaying organic matter such as manure, leaves, or dead animals<\/li>\n<li>Groundwater leakage<\/li>\n<li>Plumbing leaks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Here are some solutions to the above problems:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If you have a sewage leak, contact a disaster restoration company to fix and clean it up. The average price homeowners pay for <a href=\"https:\/\/fletchbarney.com\/how-much-does-it-cost-to-dig-up-and-replace-sewer-line\/#:~:text=Sewer%20Line%20Repair%20Cost,spend%20around%20%243%2C000%2D%2425%2C000\">sewer line repair<\/a> is $2,556. You can expect to spend between $1,073 and $4,054, depending on the severity of the damage.<\/li>\n<li>Cover crawl space walls and floors with a vapor barrier to prevent water and moisture from seeping through foundation walls. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basementguides.com\/average-cost-of-vapor-barrier\/\">Vapor barriers<\/a> can cost $0.25 to $1.50 per square foot, for an average installed cost of $1,200 to $4,000.<\/li>\n<li>Seal crawl space vents to prevent outside air from entering. High humidity levels make pipes and ductwork \u201csweat\u201d with condensation. \u201cWhen the air conditioner is on, ductwork in the crawl space drips like rain,&#8221; says Brenda Kusturin, customer service representative for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crawlspace.expert\/\">Crawl Space Experts<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Install a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=how+much+is+a+dehumidifier+for+a+crawl+space&amp;rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS707US707&amp;oq=how+much+is+a+dehumidifier+for+a+craw&amp;aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57j0i22i30j0i390l4.6399j0j4&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8\">dehumidifier<\/a> to keep humidity levels in check. For a crawl space, it can run $1,500 to $2,000.<\/li>\n<li>Install a perimeter drainage channel. The national average cost to install <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fixr.com\/costs\/french-drain-installation\">French drains<\/a> is $4,500 but can run as high as $10,000.<\/li>\n<li>Add a sump pump in the crawl space to eliminate pooling water. The average cost of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sedonawaterproofing.com\/how-much-does-it-cost-to-install-a-sump-pump-on-average\/#:~:text=The%20average%20cost%20of%20a,%24350%20to%20%24450%20in%20total\">sump pump<\/a> is about $250. Professional installation can add $100 to $200.<\/li>\n<li>Adjust the grading around your house to enable water to flow away from it. The national average cost to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fixr.com\/costs\/reslope-for-landscaping\">regrade your yard<\/a> is $1,300.<\/li>\n<li>Hire a plumber to fix leaky pipes. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.waterheaterhub.com\/how-much-does-plumber-cost\/\">Plumbers<\/a> typically charge between $45 and $90 per hour.<\/li>\n<li>Keep gutters and downspouts clear.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_23180\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23180\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-old-home.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-old-home-666x381.png\" class=\"attachment-content size-content\" alt=\"An old home features a crawl space\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-old-home-666x381.png 666w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-old-home-64x37.png 64w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-old-home-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-old-home-192x110.png 192w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-old-home-432x247.png 432w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-old-home-500x286.png 500w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-old-home.png 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-23180\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: (stockphotofan1 \/ ShutterStock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Problem #2: Moisture damage<\/h3>\n<p>The American Society of Home Inspectors reports that more than<a href=\"https:\/\/www.basementsystems.com\/press\/view.php?id\"> 60% of the homes in the U.S.<\/a> have had water or moisture in their basement or crawl space. Moisture can<a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/home-foundation-repair\/\"> damage a home\u2019s foundation<\/a>, warp hardwood floors, rot support beams, invite<a href=\"https:\/\/www.basementsystems.com\/company\/news-and-events\/33932-is-it-bad-if-theres-water-in-my-crawl-space-3-reasons-to-worry.html\"> pests, cause mold, and even raise energy bills<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Damp crawl spaces also attract <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wood-decay_fungus\">wood-destroying fungi<\/a>, species of fungus that digests moist wood, resulting in wood rot.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.startribune.com\/nine-ways-for-water-to-enter-your-basement-or-crawl-space\/511448432\/\">Causes of water in the crawl space<\/a> include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ground that slopes toward the house<\/li>\n<li>Gutter and downspout issues<\/li>\n<li>Over-saturated ground soil due to heavy rain<\/li>\n<li>Storm sewer backups<\/li>\n<li>Flooding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Encapsulation<\/h4>\n<p>Because a water or moisture problem in your crawl space often results from a combination of issues, a package deal may be the answer: encapsulation.<\/p>\n<p>Encapsulation includes vapor and thermal barriers, insulation, a drainage system, and a dehumidifier. During the encapsulation process, professionals seal the vents, replace damp and damaged insulation, and lay a thick vapor barrier on top of the ground.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/dependablehomeservices.net\/7-benefits-of-crawl-space-encapsulation\/\">Encapsulating the crawl space<\/a> can resolve moisture issues and prevent mold. Other benefits include eliminating insect infestation, protecting your home\u2019s structural stability, and improving your home\u2019s energy efficiency.<\/p>\n<p>On average, encapsulation costs between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebalance.com\/average-crawl-space-encapsulation-cost-4778120#:~:text=In%20total%2C%20it%20typically%20costs,cost%20as%20much%20as%20%2415%2C000\">$5,500<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baycrawlspace.com\/how-much-does-crawl-space-encapsulation-cost-a-useful-guide\/\">$7,500<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h4>Add a dehumidifier<\/h4>\n<p>You can solve minor moisture issues with a dehumidifier, costing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baycrawlspace.com\/crawl-space-dehumidifier-installation-prices-and-reviews\/\">$1,860 to $2,510<\/a> on average. You should hire a professional for this task to ensure you\u2019re placing the dehumidifier in the best spot.<\/p>\n<h4>Install a sump pump<\/h4>\n<p>If there\u2019s standing water in your crawl space, you\u2019ll need to install a<a href=\"https:\/\/home.howstuffworks.com\/home-improvement\/plumbing\/sump-pump.htm\"> sump pump<\/a> to move moisture out of the area. Submersible sump pumps sit in a pit in the deepest part of the space, while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/selling-a-house-with-a-sump-pump\/\">pedestal sump pumps<\/a> sit outside of the water. Both automatically activate when water is detected and pump the water outside through a discharge pipe.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fixr.com\/costs\/sump-pump-installation\">average cost to install a sump pump is $1,100<\/a>, a reasonable investment to protect your home from costly water damage. Plus, a sump pump may <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/selling-a-house-with-a-sump-pump\/\">add value and marketability to your home<\/a> when it\u2019s time to sell.<\/p>\n<h4>Repair systems contributing to water in the crawl space<\/h4>\n<p>If your gutters and downspouts are damaged or clogged, they\u2019re not properly directing water away from your home, which can lead to moisture in the crawl space. Replacing gutters and downspouts <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homeadvisor.com\/cost\/gutters\/install-gutters-and-downspouts\/\">ranges from $580 to $1,516<\/a>. However, yours may just need a good cleaning. Professional <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cleanproguttercleaning.com\/how-much-does-gutter-cleaning-cost\/#:~:text=The%20average%20cost%20of%20gutter,feet%20of%20gutters%20on%20average\">gutter cleaning<\/a> costs between $149 and $219 for a single-story house, or $237 to $297 for a two-story home.<\/p>\n<p>Digging and replacing sewer lines to prevent future storm sewer backups can <a href=\"https:\/\/homeguide.com\/costs\/sewer-line-repair-cost#:~:text=Digging%20and%20replacing%20a%20sewer,%246%20to%20%2415%20per%20foot\">cost between $50 and $200 per foot<\/a>. The average total is $2,250 to $5,750.<\/p>\n<h4>Replace waterlogged wood<\/h4>\n<p>To eliminate moisture and related issues, you should also replace any rotted support beams. Unfortunately, this is not a cheap repair: it can cost anywhere<a href=\"https:\/\/www.homeadvisor.com\/cost\/foundations\/crawl-space-repair-and-clean\/#beam\"> between $1,500 and $5,000<\/a>, depending on the material.<\/p>\n<h4>Hire a pro for a multifaceted solution<\/h4>\n<p>Keep in mind that the water damage in your crawl space may be limited to one specific area, reducing the cost to fix its cause. You may save money and aggravation if you first<a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/find-a-home-inspector\/\"> hire a home inspector<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thumbtack.com\/k\/basement-waterproofing-companies\/near-me\/\">basement waterproofing company<\/a> to assess the situation and help you make a plan.<\/p>\n<p>Kusturin shares that her company, like many others, offers free inspections. They start with a visual examination. If the inspector sees any sign of damage, he will then tap on or probe the wood in search of structural damage. An inspector may also use a moisture meter.<\/p>\n<h3>Problem #3: Rotten smell<\/h3>\n<p>Culprits behind the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stegoindustries.com\/blog\/why-does-my-crawl-space-smell-troubleshooting-odor-source\">foul smells<\/a> emanating from your crawl space may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Trash left behind from contractors<\/li>\n<li>Dead animals or animal droppings<\/li>\n<li>Moldy soil<\/li>\n<li>Sewage backup<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Crawl down to remove the source of the odor<\/h4>\n<p>To eliminate odors, you or a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.budgetbasement.com\/blog\/identifying-crawl-space-problems-by-smell\/\">professional<\/a> must enter the crawl space to remove debris, animal carcasses, and other rotting items.<\/p>\n<p>You can hire a company to perform a simple crawl space cleaning for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homeadvisor.com\/cost\/foundations\/crawl-space-repair-and-clean\/#:~:text=Cost%20to%20Clean%20or%20Repair%20Crawl%20Space&amp;text=Depending%20on%20the%20exact%20problem,most%20importantly%20what's%20being%20removed.\">$500 to $4,000<\/a>, depending on size, accessibility, and condition. If soil is the source of the smell, a professional may install a vapor barrier for around <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basementguides.com\/average-cost-of-vapor-barrier\/\">$1,200 to $4,000<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_23181\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23181\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-pipes.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-pipes-666x381.png\" class=\"attachment-content size-content\" alt=\"Seal pipes to prevent pests in crawl space.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-pipes-666x381.png 666w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-pipes-64x37.png 64w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-pipes-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-pipes-192x110.png 192w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-pipes-432x247.png 432w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-pipes-500x286.png 500w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-pipes.png 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-23181\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: (serato \/ ShutterStock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Problem #4: Pest infestation<\/h3>\n<p>Got the creepy crawlies? Vented and unsealed crawl spaces provide safe harbor for a number of critters seeking warmth and moisture, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Rodents<\/li>\n<li>Snakes<\/li>\n<li>Insects, including termites, ants, wasps, cockroaches, beetles, and spiders<\/li>\n<li>Wild mammals such as skunks, raccoons, groundhogs, and opossums, particularly during nesting season<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/pest-inspection-before-closing\/\">Pests<\/a> cause structural, insulation, and wiring damage in your home. Even worse, they can trigger allergies and other health issues for your household members. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jeswork.com\/resources\/creepy-things-in-crawl-space\/\">cockroaches<\/a> can spread six types of parasitic worms, seven kinds of human pathogens, and 33 types of bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella.<\/p>\n<h4>Prevent pests from entering the crawl space<\/h4>\n<p>Prevention is always best. Keep the critters out of your crawl space with these solutions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Seal the vents and holes<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.advantaclean.com\/blog\/2016\/october\/7-tips-to-keep-rodents-out-of-crawl-space\/\">Remove shrubbery<\/a> from around the foundation<\/li>\n<li>Install a vapor barrier<\/li>\n<li>Control the moisture level<\/li>\n<li>Consider encapsulation<\/li>\n<li>Investigate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.terminix.com\/blog\/home-garden\/keep-pests-out-of-crawl-space\/\">pest control<\/a> options<a href=\"https:\/\/www.terminix.com\/blog\/home-garden\/keep-pests-out-of-crawl-space\/\">\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>An <a href=\"https:\/\/homeguide.com\/costs\/crawl-space-repair-cleaning-cost\">exterminator<\/a> can cost anywhere from $200 to $4,000. Kusturin points out that a pest control company can treat the area, but only a licensed contractor can repair the damage.<\/p>\n<p>But before you call a pest control company, you may want to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.completebasementsystems.net\/resources\/crawl-space-repair\/10-ways-a-clean-crawl-space-keeps-rodents-away\/\">give it a try<\/a> on your own. Here are some tips to keep unwanted visitors out of your crawl space:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cover the tunnels outside your house<\/li>\n<li>Cut off their food supply<\/li>\n<li>Remove dead rodents<\/li>\n<li>Install lights to scare them away<\/li>\n<li>Remove breeding nests<\/li>\n<li>Remove their trail<\/li>\n<li>Fill burrows<\/li>\n<li>Repair the damage<\/li>\n<li>Replace insulation that pests have inhabited<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Some sources suggest placing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hunker.com\/12002652\/how-to-get-an-animal-out-of-a-crawlspace\">ammonia-soaked rags<\/a> or mothballs in the crawl space to encourage larger pests to move along.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hunker.com\/12002652\/how-to-get-an-animal-out-of-a-crawlspace\">\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Problem #5: High energy bills<\/h3>\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jeswork.com\/services\/crawl-space-repair\/problem-signs\/high-electric-bills\/#:~:text=Crawl%20space%20problems%20like%20open,problems%20like%20high%20electric%20bills.&amp;text=If%20you%20tend%20to%20have,of%20high%20crawl%20space%20humidity\">vented crawl space<\/a> allows air to draft into your home, leading to increased energy bills as you attempt to regulate indoor temperature. If your crawl space walls aren\u2019t <a href=\"https:\/\/crawlspacedoctor.com\/2019\/08\/01\/energy-adviser-dont-forget-keep-up-with-your-crawl-space\/\">insulated<\/a>, your home is even less energy efficient.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s how you can improve your crawl space\u2019s insulation to reduce energy bills:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Add R-19 insulation or higher in the crawl space. The higher the <a href=\"https:\/\/patch.com\/connecticut\/brookfield\/lets-save-energy--r-valueswhat-they-mean_7c617a19\">R number<\/a>, the better the insulation is at slowing down heat transfer. Insulation cost <a href=\"https:\/\/porch.com\/project-cost\/cost-to-insulate-a-crawl-space\">ranges from $398 to $893<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Install a vapor barrier at least 6 millimeters thick on the ground to prevent moisture seepage and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/is-it-hard-to-sell-a-house-with-radon\/\">radon gas<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Install <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Crawl-Space-Outward-Mounted-Foundation\/dp\/B017KV02HC\">vent covers<\/a> to keep air out. The price depends on the size of your vents but can be as little as $26.99.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Crawl-Space-Outward-Mounted-Foundation\/dp\/B017KV02HC\">\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.therealsealllc.com\/7-crawl-space-questions-to-ask-your-contractor\">Caulk<\/a> and seal cracks and joints.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_23182\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23182\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-maintain.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-maintain-666x381.png\" class=\"attachment-content size-content\" alt=\"Maintain your crawl space\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-maintain-666x381.png 666w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-maintain-64x37.png 64w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-maintain-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-maintain-192x110.png 192w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-maintain-432x247.png 432w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-maintain-500x286.png 500w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/crawl-space-maintain.png 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-23182\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: (JPJPJP \/ ShutterStock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Care for your crawl space<\/h2>\n<p>With careful attention and preventative measures, you can easily resolve most crawl space issues.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPeople think only of the living spaces. They don\u2019t think about crawl spaces,\u201d shares Kusturin. Her company recommends inspecting your crawl space every couple of years, even if you don\u2019t notice a problem. That way, you can catch issues before structural damage occurs.<\/p>\n<p><i>Header Image Source: (JPJPJP \/ ShutterStock)<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Got a crawl space problem? We\u2019ll fill you in on common issues, solutions, and associated costs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":215,"featured_media":23178,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[320,332],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23176","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-add-value","category-maintenance"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.0 (Yoast SEO v27.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>These 5 Crawl Space Issues Impact Your Home \u2014 Here\u2019s How to Fix Them<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Got a crawl space problem? We\u2019ll fill you in on common issues, solutions, and associated costs so you can maintain a healthy foundation.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/crawl-space\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"5 Crawl Space Issues and How to Fix Them (Costs Included!)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Got a crawl space problem? 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