A crawl space gives you easy access to the wiring, ductwork, and pipes under your house. It also provides adequate storage space — until moisture begins seeping up from the ground.
Have you noticed a moldy smell escaping from beneath your home’s floor? That odor coming from your crawl space affects the air quality and could lead to health problems. Crawl spaces can trap moisture and humidity, causing you to debate whether to seal this area.
Turning up the furnace or air conditioner may temporarily alleviate the problem, but that creates higher energy bills. So how do you protect this space without increasing your monthly expenses? Consider sealing your crawl space door to prevent moisture from entering.
Pros of Sealing Your Crawl Space Door
Having an airtight barrier around your crawl space door gives you several advantages. Of course, you may have other issues to address before reaping these benefits, but your choice to seal your crawl space door will pay off in the long run.
Improves Energy Efficiency
After sealing your crawl space door, less hot and cool air will escape from this area. Your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the year. While you may not immediately notice the difference, you’ll eventually see the savings on your monthly energy bills.
Reduces Moisture Accumulation
Humidity is an issue in many homes, but it’s especially problematic for homes with crawl spaces. Although small, these spaces trap moisture, creating the ideal place for mold and mildew.
Mold is harmful to your health. It’s exceptionally bad for anyone with allergies or asthma. If your crawl space door isn’t sealed, you may have to pay for professional mold removal services and have higher medical bills.
When a professional seals your crawl space doors, it limits the amount of moisture in your home. This not only mitigates mold growth but also protects the structural integrity of your foundation.
Increases Home Value
Sealing your crawl space door can raise your home’s worth! Potential buyers find sealed crawl space doors more appealing because they know the space has been protected against moisture and other problems.
Prevents Rodents and Insects From Entering Your Home
Most outdoor critters search for a dark, safe space to call home. They can squeeze through the smallest holes into your crawl space and your house. Furthermore, rats and mice chew through wiring, putting you at risk of an electrical fire.
You don’t have to live wondering whether your home is at risk. Sealing your crawl space door makes the space undesirable for pests.
Protects Your Belongings
Sealing your crawl space door ensures the area is dry and clean. Anything you store in your crawl space will stay protected, giving you peace of mind.
The Downside to Sealing Your Crawl Space Door
When you are considering any home improvement project, it’s good to know if there are any negatives involved. Sealing your crawl space door is no different.
The primary disadvantage to this process is the initial investment. How much it costs depends on:
- The door’s size
- The materials used
- Any added insulation
- The condition of the crawl space
- The cost of labor
You may also need to talk with a plumber or electrician to understand if there are pipes or wires in the crawl space.
Another downside to sealing your crawl space door is the added maintenance — not of the door itself but of the space. Since this area will no longer be dirty and neglected, you’ll need to keep it maintained just as you do any other part of your home.
Is Sealing Your Crawl Space Door Right for You?
After learning the pros and cons of sealing a crawl space door, you might still wonder whether it’s the best choice for your home. While weighing the advantages and disadvantages is necessary, it’s vital to consider these other factors.
Budget
Sealing a crawl space door isn’t as simple as DIY weatherstripping. The cost is also higher. Consider your budget and how this service may fit into it. Although the long-term benefits will pay off, you know what you can manage financially.
Existing Issues
Before sealing the access door for your crawl space, you must resolve any existing problems, like water damage, mold, or infestations. Managing these problems can increase the price and time needed to complete the project.
Climate
Although sealing a crawl space door protects against several problems, moisture is one of the biggest. This service may be most beneficial if you live in an area with high humidity or lots of rain. It may be unnecessary if you live in a dry climate.
The Right Material for Sealing is PVC
If your crawl space door is currently an erodable metal or wood, it will need to be replaced with plastic–like our reliable PVC crawl space doors–to ensure moisture cannot damage the door and get into the crawl space despite sealing it. You may also find your crawl space is an awkward size, making the door not quite fit right and sealing a useless endeavor. If this is the case for you, a custom crawl space door is the right move to keep your crawl space free of issues.
Crawl Space Door Experts Ready to Help
Understanding the pros and cons of having a sealed crawl space door will empower you to make the right choice for your home. If you have questions about crawl space doors or want to upgrade yours, visit the Cathmer website. We ship nationwide, so start shopping today.