Crawl space smell- HSXP Services In Nashville

Has your home started to smell musty? Is there a strange odor you can’t quite identify? If you can answer yes to these questions it may be a good idea to check your home’s crawl space. Oftentimes when odors are noticeable in a home, they are stemming from problems within the crawl space. Odors and smells can be managed, there are solutions, but it is important to first understand their cause.

In every home air is constantly moving. Known as the “chimney effect,” cool air rushes upwards to replace warm air as it is lost through attics or air vents. As weather changes, so do moisture conditions. Summer months tend to be warm and the air heavy with moisture; winter months are more dry. This constant changing of high and low moisture levels can have an impact on the air circulating through your home. When it comes to the home’s crawl space, it can become affected in many different ways. Condensation can become trapped under your home which can lead to expensive water damage. When not properly sealed, crawl spaces can trap moisture leading to problems involving mold and mildew. A poorly sealed crawl space can also allow pests such as insects and rodents to call that space home. As air moves around, that “chimney effect” will bring all of the smells down below into your home.

Unusual smells in your home could be a sign of a big problem. Mold and mildew can release spores into the air which can pose potential health threats to you and your family. Toxins from contaminated soil can also move upwards creating issues. Whether it is mold and mildew spores, or toxins from the soil, they can all affect respiratory systems and cause other health problems.

But what should you do if you have these smells in your home? When odors or foul smells in your home are apparent there are a couple of things you can do to eliminate them. With the help of your local contractors, you can solve this problem with a few steps.

Encapsulation: Crawl space encapsulation uses a thick lining of special plastic to cover all areas. These areas will include the floor, walls, and sometimes even the ceiling. Encapsulating your crawl space will create a barrier to ensure no unwanted moisture gets inside. 

Drainage: Installation of proper drainage can direct excess water away from the home and the home’s crawl space. A mixture of piping, landscape grading, and aggregate can be the answer. Making sure gutters are free of debris can also guarantee there will be no water pooling that could infiltrate the crawl space.

Dehumidifiers: Dehumidifiers can work to remove excess moisture from an area. Having one installed in a crawl space keeps water out which in turn will keep smells from developing. Clean, dry crawl spaces allow for your home to have clean, healthy air.

If you find your home has become smelly, it’s probably a good idea to do some further investigation. Calling in a professional to do an inspection can verify your assumptions and once that’s done, work can be done to handle the problem.