3 Ways Winter Affects Your Crawl Space

It’s warm, it’s cold, I didn’t wear a coat on Monday, and this morning our parking lot was an ice rink. Basically, it’s winter in Michigan, and whether this is your first or your 50th winter, you and your home are probably becoming well acquainted with it. But what does it mean for your crawl space?

If you’re like most people, you might think, “not much.” Mostly because you don’t really think of your crawl space that often - which, who does? There’s no reason to be down there unless you’re working on the plumbing or HVAC. But even if you aren’t thinking about it, I can guarantee you’re feeling its effects.

1. Cold

There’s nothing like cranking the heat and still being cold in your own home. Like to walk around barefoot? Not anymore - especially if you have non-carpet flooring anywhere. Just stay out of the kitchen and order takeout.

2. Bugs

Basically the only good thing about winter is that there are fewer bugs around. But if your crawl space isn’t encapsulated, there are likely multiple entry points at the joists, and bugs, rodents, basically anything on more than two legs, will happily try to shimmy inside to get away from the cold weather. And then they’ll make their way up into your house like it’s earwig spring break.

3. Smells

As we’ve seen over the past week, the temperatures in a Michigan winter don’t really follow any pattern. As it warms up outside and previously frozen spots thaw, everything masked by the cold comes out and suddenly your house smells not so fresh. Add in water coming through the walls and helping harbor mold, and the smell can be overwhelming.

If the trifecta of cold, bugs, and terrible odor doesn’t inspire you to get your crawl space checked out, I don’t know what will. But think of it this way - if you get your crawl space evaluated and encapsulated now, spring will be bug and smell-free, and next winter your feet will be toasty warm. Call us today to schedule your free inspection.