9 Signs Your Crawl Space Has a Problem: Detecting Issues Early!

January 15, 2025
Chris Labbate

Being a homeowner comes with many responsibilities. Ensuring that every exterior structure, from the foundation to the roof, is in good condition is one of the most significant tasks for a Homeowner.

If you suspect that you may have a crawl space issue, then it is important not to ignore it. The good news is that identifying these 9 potential crawl space problems is easier than you might think.

In this article, we will provide you with nine warning signs that it’s time to get crawl space repair help before it’s too late.

Signs of Crawl Space Damage

Here are some of the most common indicators that there is something wrong with your crawl space, under your home’s foundation:

1. Humidity

Have you noticed higher humidity levels in your home lately? If so, you may need to call in a crawl space repair expert. In some cases, water can accumulate in your foundation, which becomes water vapour (moisture) in hot conditions.

If you notice that it is more humid inside your home rather than outside, you could have a crawl space problem.

2. High Energy Bills

This next sign is closely related to the first. Higher levels of humidity will make things hard for your HVAC system to keep the house cool. More energy will be required to air condition the home, so if you notice a spike in your utility bill, and you should have an expert team come check your crawl space.

3. Sagging or Uneven Floors

Are your floors unstable? Can you see noticeable dips? Have your wooden floorboards started to rot? If so, your foundation may be to blame. If you have water accumulating in your crawl space or damaged floor joists, you could end up with sagging floors.

crawl space joist repair — **floor joist repair in a crawl space**

This can lead to a full foundation repair, which can be avoided if you deal with the problem quickly. To prevent the floor from caving in, it is essential that you deal with the issue as soon as possible.

4. Basement Wall Cracks in Blocks & Cement

When there is a problem with your foundation, it could compromise the structural integrity of other structures in the home. As a result, your walls could move, leading to cracks in basement walls, window corners, doorways, and more.

Common causes of such basement wall cracks are foundation settling and the weakening of joists and support structures.

5. Mold Growth

The presence of mold and mildew can also be a sign of issues with your crawl space. These fungi rely on moisture and closed spaces to thrive, making a compromised crawl space the perfect environment for growth. When water enters a foundation, it can cause humidity and condensation in the home, feeding fungi the moisture they need.

If you have noticed increased mold growth around your home and in your crawl space, it may be time to call in one of our experts. Visible black or green spots and musty odors are common signs of mold or mildew growth.

Never ignore this problem because fungi cause a reduction in the quality of the air in your home and respiratory problems. Black mold growth is particularly dangerous for those who suffer from a fungal spore allergy.

6. Pest Infestations

The truth is that it is impossible to completely eradicate all types of bugs, pests and creepy crawlies in your home. It’s normal to see some small bugs in and around your home. However, if you have noticed large quantities or a full pest infestation, then your crawl space may need attention.

Many insects, such as termites, are attracted to moist, enclosed spaces, making a crawlspace with issues the perfect place for them to live. Pest infestations are not limited to insects. If you have a rat or mouse problem, it could also indicate that there is an issue with your foundation.

7. Cold Floors During Winter Months

Suppose you notice that your floors are cold to the touch during winter. In that case, the culprit may be insulation in the crawl space. These foundations often have insulation to regulate indoor temperatures and improve the energy efficiency of the home. Cold floors are an indicator that there is no protection from the outdoor environment.

The best solution here is to have a professional waterproofing team come in and encapsulate your crawl space area. Crawl space encapsulation is your best option to solve and protect against current and future crawl space issues and warm up your home in the winter time.

8. Signs of Efflorescence

Efflorescence, which is the formation of a powdery substance, is another common sign of crawl space damage. If you have this problem, you will see a white, brown, or yellow powdery residue forming on the walls or surfaces of your home.

This happens when water seeps through masonry structures. In the process, salts dissolve in the water, which leave behind a residue when the water evaporates. If you have this problem, you have moisture issues in your crawl space, such as leaks, high levels of humidity, or poor drainage.

It’s important to remember that efflorescence can weaken masonry over time and is often accompanied by other problems, such as wood rot, mold growth, or pest infestations.

Common fixes include full crawl space encapsulation with the installation of a vapour barrier, improving ventilation by installing vents, and addressing the underlying cause of water damage.

9. Standing Water

Your crawl space should never have standing water, sitting for long periods of time. If you notice this, then you need help waterproofing this essential part of the home. Although removing the water is a good first step, your efforts should not stop there. It’s crucial that you address the underlying problem before it escalates.

As we have already mentioned, the presence of water in a crawl space can have a wide range of consequences, including mold growth, wood rot, and high humidity.

You Should Never Ignore Crawl Space Problems

When you notice moisture in your crawlspace, pests, and more, it’s tempting to seek a quick fix.

While some of the issues we have mentioned above may seem minor, it’s important not to ignore them. Over time, they can lead to devastating damage to your foundation and other structures in the home, resulting in higher repair costs.

Moreover, issues such as mould and mildew growth can cause serious health problems. Research shows that around 50% of the air in your home originates from the crawl space. So, issues with mould growth will significantly reduce the quality of your air and lead to health problems.

Additionally, crawl space issues increase your energy expenses, costing you more in the long run.

Call our team of crawl space repair experts as soon as possible to address the issue with your foundation and ensure that one of the most important parts of your home (the foundation) is in excellent condition.

Need Crawl Space Repair? Contact a Reliable Team of Experts!

When you notice sagging floors, mold and mildew growth, condensation, or any of the other signs of crawl space problems we have listed in this article, then you will need an experienced contractor on your side.

For years, Paul’s Basement Waterproofing has helped thousands of homeowners address crawl space problems. We are also expert waterproofing specialists and can help you effectively address your crawl space moisture issues.