6 Ways to Prepare Your Crawlspace before Cold Weather

Winter is coming, and that means cold temperatures and snow. While you’re busy stocking up on food and making preparations for the harsh winter ahead, don’t forget to take care of your crawlspace. Here are six ways!

1- Clean Up Debris

Once the leaves have begun falling, it’s time to clear out the clutter under your home. It’s important to remove any debris like broken shingles, rocks, and dust that could be blocking proper airflow. Any of these things can also shelter wildlife in your crawlspace during the winter months when they try to escape into warmer climates.

Cleaning your crawlspace will allow you to get a good look at what needs to be repaired or replaced, and it’s easier to clean before cold weather sets in.

2- Check for Leaks and Holes

Make sure to look around and check for any small holes or cracks that might lead to your crawlspace. Larger areas could mean larger wildlife such as mice entering your home during the cold months looking for warmth. Smaller holes can leave your insulation exposed which decreases efficiency and wastes heating costs during the winter months.

A damaged pipe or a hole left from drilling can leave you with a cold, drafty house. And if there’s water in your crawlspace, the humidity could cause mold and mildew to grow quickly in a warm environment.

3- Insulate Your Home

Your insulation has a tough job, especially during the winter months. To help ease this burden, it’s important to check your insulation for leaks and replace any showing signs of wear. If you’re looking to save money by supplementing your crawlspace heating with solar power, make sure to insulate before installing properly; otherwise, you’ll lose all that efficiency.

4- Install a Heating System

Crawlspaces are notorious for being cold, damp spaces during the winter months. This is dangerous for your home and can lead to a wide range of potential problems. Cold crawlspaces have been a major contributing factor in ice dams that cause significant damage to homes by causing leaks and water damage. It’s best to install a heating system such as a website to ensure your crawlspace stays warm and dry all winter long.

5- Replace Old Vents

If you’ve had the same vents under your home for decades, it could be time to replace them. While older vents may work just fine, they could become clogged over time and cause issues such as decreased airflow or not allowing sufficient heat into your crawlspace, which can lead to ice dams and other problems. These vents have a triple-layer construction that allows for optimal airflow and protects your insulation from being damaged by rodents.

6- Seal Any Cracks or Holes

This is a simple step that can be easily overlooked during the winter months. If you’ve already checked for holes and leaks in your crawlspace insulation, it’s important to seal any cracks or larger holes leading into your home. This will help keep out any animals looking for warmth and shelter from the cold.

We’re already seeing some of the first signs of winter, and with that comes cold weather. For those who have crawlspaces on their properties to take steps now before things get worse. Above are six ways you can prepare your space for the upcoming colder months.