When most people think about indoor air quality, they picture dusty vents, dirty filters, or maybe even mold on the bathroom ceiling. But one of the most overlooked—and potentially harmful—contributors to poor indoor air quality is right beneath your feet: your crawl space.
At Jerry’s Waterproofing, we’ve seen firsthand how neglected crawl spaces can impact a home’s air, structure, and even the health of the people living in it. If you’ve noticed musty odors, unexplained allergies, or high humidity in your home, your crawl space might be to blame.
How Crawl Spaces Affect the Air You Breathe
It’s estimated that up to 50% of the air you breathe on the first floor of your home comes from the crawl space. That means anything lurking down there—like mold, mildew, standing water, or pest droppings—can make its way into your living space. This is especially common in homes without a proper vapor barrier or with poor ventilation.
Common crawl space issues that impact air quality include:
- Moisture buildup: Excess moisture leads to mold and mildew, which release spores into the air.
- Pest infestations: Rodents, insects, and their droppings can contribute to poor air quality and potential illness.
- Wood rot: Damp conditions can cause wooden beams and supports to rot, releasing musty smells and weakening your home’s structure.
- Dirty or exposed insulation: Over time, fiberglass insulation can deteriorate and spread allergens or irritants through the air.
Health Risks Linked to Crawl Space Air
If your crawl space is damp or unsealed, it’s not just a structural issue—it’s a health concern. People living in homes with poor crawl space conditions may experience:
- Allergy symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes
- Increased asthma attacks
- Headaches or fatigue from poor air circulation
- Long-term respiratory issues, especially in children or the elderly
Signs Your Crawl Space Might Be Causing Problems
Here’s what to look for:
- A musty smell in your home, especially near floors or vents
- Condensation on windows
- Uneven floors or sagging
- High indoor humidity, even when the weather is dry
- Increased utility bills, due to poor insulation or airflow
If you’re noticing any of these, it’s time to take a closer look.
What You Can Do to Fix It
Improving your crawl space is one of the most effective ways to boost indoor air quality and protect your home’s value. Here’s what Jerry’s Waterproofing recommends:
- Install a vapor barrier: This keeps moisture out and helps regulate humidity.
- Encapsulate the crawl space: Fully sealing the area keeps pests, moisture, and mold at bay.
- Repair insulation: Damaged or damp insulation should be replaced with materials designed for crawl space conditions.
- Add ventilation or a dehumidifier: In some homes, these systems help maintain a dry, clean environment.
Why Call Jerry’s Waterproofing?
Since 1976, we’ve been helping homeowners in Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa improve the health of their homes, starting from the ground up. Our crawl space repair services are designed not only to fix the problems but also to prevent them from coming back. With licensed contractors, proven materials, and decades of experience, we can help you breathe easier.
Get a Free Crawl Space Evaluation
If you suspect your crawl space might be affecting your air quality, don’t wait. Contact Jerry’s Waterproofing for a free estimate and find out what’s really going on beneath your home.