Your home’s crawl space affects the quality of your home — and your quality of life. As a homeowner, you are responsible for maintaining the conditions of your crawl space, and having a well-made crawl space door is the first step to doing so.
You likely don’t hang out in this small, closed-off space, so it’s easy to overlook. A door might not seem like something that needs a lot of thought.
However, the crawl space access door is essential to your home. If this door is worn or damaged, investing in a replacement is crucial to your comfort. Otherwise, you may begin experiencing the negative impact of a faulty door.
What Is a Crawl Space Access Door?
A crawl space access door is a small door that covers the entrance to the open space underneath your home. It is probably on the outside of your house, but in some homes, you can find the door inside, on the floor, or in a closet.
These doors are usually made from plastic, metal, or wood. They are designed to withstand the elements and resist entry from pesky critters.
Crawl space doors provide easy access for maintenance, pest and moisture control, and foundation inspections. However, they must comply with local building codes, which may have specific requirements.
Why Replace a Crawl Space Access Door?
Replacing a crawl space access door may be necessary for many reasons. Each reason helps keep your house safe, healthy, and running well.
Damage and Wear
As your home ages, key components become damaged and worn. Wooden doors, like many crawl space access doors, rot due to moisture exposure, compromising their structural integrity.
Metal doors can rust, making opening and closing them more difficult. Rust also makes them less reliable, which might put your home in danger. Plastic doors can crack and break because of the physical impact of closing them.
Improved Moisture Control
Damaged or worn doors do not fit properly. An ill-fitting door allows rainwater and moisture to enter the crawl space, creating ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth.
By replacing your crawl space door, you’ll have a properly sealed and insulated access point, helping to maintain lower humidity levels. Lower humidity prevents wood rot and structural damage.
Pest Prevention
An old door with holes, cracks, and gaps provides easy access for outdoor critters, like rodents and insects. A replacement door creates a strong barrier, keeping your crawl space and home free of uninvited guests.
Energy Efficiency
Older doors might have poor insulation, allowing cold air to enter in the winter and hot air in the summer. These leaks may cause your HVAC system to work harder, increasing your energy bills. A new door will seal properly, preventing drafts and energy loss. You’ll slowly see the difference in your home’s overall energy efficiency.
Security
Broken and damaged doors create a security risk. Intruders may have easy access to your home through your crawl space, and some homeowners have even found squatters living under their houses. Upgrading your door gives you better security and peace of mind.
Choosing Your Crawl Space Access Door Replacement
The first step in replacing your crawl space access door is to examine your current door. You’ll want to know whether you need an interior or exterior door because that can influence the type of door you buy.
Interior Doors
Interior crawl space doors are cost-effective because of the range of materials available. You can choose from metal, plastic, or coated aluminum. These doors give you direct access to your crawl space from inside your home. However, they still protect against rats, mice, spiders, snakes, and insects.
Exterior Doors
Most homes have exterior crawl space doors. Some of these doors are made from all-purpose materials, but it’s best to choose one that is designed to withstand your region’s weather conditions.
Custom Crawl Space Access Doors
The option that will offer you the best protection is to have a custom crawl space access door made. You dictate the measurements to a professional manufacturer, who will create a door that will give you the perfect fit — whether interior or exterior!
Cost of Crawl Space Access Door Replacement
There is no single price for replacing a crawl space access door. Many factors influence the final cost.
Materials
Materials like plastic have the highest price tag but have enhanced features for better resistance.
Functionality
Crawl space doors can swing out or slide away. Some have insulation, while others do not. Each optional feature adds to your final bill.
Installation Process
The last step that determines the total cost is the installation process. While some homeowners can confidently install their own crawl space doors, not everyone is a DIY maven. To ensure the job is done correctly, hiring a professional is the best option.
Get a High-Quality Crawl Space Access Door at Cathmer Crawl Space Door
Updating your crawl space access door can help keep the environment cleaner and enhance your quality of life. Shop today at Cathmer Crawl Space Door!