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It seems like everyone and their brother has a junk drawer that gets filled with tape, mail, pens, and miscellaneous items that you can’t find a place for. Just as junk can accumulate there, the same can happen to your crawl space.
Yes, it’s true! While you may or may not have entered your crawl space before, there’s a good chance you have junk inside that needs to be removed before you move.
The question is: how exactly do you do it?
Below, we’re going to cover some FAQs about crawl space junk removal so that you know what steps to take. We hope it helps!
What is crawl space junk removal, and why is it important?
A crawl space is an area beneath your home that serves as a barrier to the ground. It can build up with all sorts of junk, such as ductwork, cables, insulation, plastic, leaves, and more.
As a general rule, it’s best not to put household items in crawl spaces with vents since they are subject to damage from mold, water, and pests. However, closed crawl spaces help ward off water, mice, and other critters, making it sometimes a convenient solution for holding household items. That is, assuming there are no other entry points!
So, what is crawl space junk removal? It’s the process of cleaning out a crawl space and getting rid of any unwanted or damaged items.
A junk removal company can go into your crawl space, take out any items that you want to remove, and properly dispose of them for you. The only thing to worry about is telling them what you want to get rid of, and they’ll handle the rest. That can make your move a whole lot simpler!
Is it worth it to clean a crawl space?
It is 100% worth it to clean your crawl space. It’s not an easy task, nor one that the average person wants to do. However, a crawl space that is left untouched for years can get infested with water, mold, and animals, which can pose a hazard to your home and your family.
Cleaning your crawl space can help keep the moisture level to a minimum. If your crawl space is susceptible to water, meaning that you live in an area that rains a lot (e.g., the Pacific Northwest), hiring a crawl space cleaning company can help you keep tabs on this moisture so that it doesn’t have any long-lasting effects.
Rain has a chance of going into the crawl space, which can build up moisture inside and lead to mold, mildew, and other problems. Cleaning your space (and making sure there’s a vapor barrier inside) is vital to control any water problems.
Another reason to clean your crawl space is to get rid of any bad smells. If you find yourself lighting countless candles, using essential oils, and spraying air freshener around your house, your crawl space might be to blame. A thorough crawl space cleaning can help deter off-putting smells from things like pests.
Speaking of which, cleaning your crawl space can help keep animals and bugs out. Cleaning it can help you identify any problems with your crawl space, such as a damaged vapor barrier or insulation, which can let rodents and other pests inside your home. That can be dangerous for your health and family, which is why cleaning your crawl space is important.
Crawl space cleanouts also promote energy efficiency. If there are any entry points in your crawl space for rodents and other pests, it can cause problems with your heating and cooling. That can make your electric bills skyrocket. If you want to save on electricity, cleaning your crawl space is a good place to start.
How often should you clean a crawl space?
It is generally advised to get a crawl space inspection twice per year. This will tell you if you have any mold, water, or pest problems that need to be dealt with promptly.
If you notice a lot of junk inside your crawl space, it’s not a bad idea to call a junk removal company. You can get a better look inside your crawl space when it’s clean, and there aren’t tons of wires and items hanging around.
Can you take dirt out from a crawl space?
Absolutely! Not only can you remove dirt from your crawl space, but you should. Just make sure to ask a professional for help.
Dirt and junk can make it challenging to get inside, which may cause you to miss problems with your crawl space, such as mold, water intrusion, frayed wires, damaged insulation, or mice.
Aside from dirt, you can have professionals clean out any wood, nails, or broken glass. These items can be dangerous if left alone. If it turns out that there is any damage inside your crawl space from debris of any kind, you can have a crawl space repair company come in to handle things for you.
Should I remove crawl space insulation?
It’s a common misconception that insulation shouldn’t be taken out of a crawl space. However, this is not exactly true. If your insulation is damaged or causing moisture to build up in the crawl space, it might need to be removed and replaced.
There are many types of crawl space insulation you can use. Some of the insulations you should steer clear of or replace are spray foam insulation and fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass, in particular, is susceptible to water damage, which can result in mildew, mold, and other issues.
If you need your insulation replaced, remember to contact a professional crawl space cleaning company. That way, you can make sure everything has been done properly for the security of your crawl space and the safety of your loved ones.
What can I do about a crawl space under my house?
There are many things you can do about a crawl space beneath your house. For instance, it’s a good place for ductwork and wiring. Roomy crawl spaces can also make a great destination for a heating and cooling system.
In addition, you can technically store items in your crawl space – as long as it’s closed off with a vapor barrier. Otherwise, you could risk small creatures climbing into the space and chewing on the insulation, wiring, and more.
If you don’t want your items damaged by water, it’s best to store them somewhere else, like an attic, if the crawl space has vents that open up to the outside. You might also not want to store belongings in a crawl space if you like an area with high moisture levels.
Water can seep into a crawl space, and if you don’t catch it in time, it can damage the items stored inside the crawl space. That can make you lose money and have to replace those items at the end of the day.
Good luck with your crawl space cleanout
Crawl space junk removal is helpful if you’re looking to move and need help to tackle this project. The good news is that you’re not in it alone.
The right junk removal partner can help you take old or damaged insulation, wiring, household items, and more out of the crawl space. Also, if they can’t be recycled, they’ll make sure to get rid of them in the safest way possible for the environment.
Contact us today to connect with our junk removal partner. We’re dedicated to getting you the right resources to help with your big move.
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