Summerville, South Carolina 29486, United States
Crawlspace Inspections
Crawlspace Inspections
Crawl space inspections are notorious for finding nasty discoveries by a home inspector, and it isn’t hard to figure out why; for one thing, their cool, dark environment attracts undesirable pests and can promote dangerous conditions. And since crawl spaces are mostly unchecked, hazards can breed there unchecked for long periods of time. The following are some of the more common dangers discovered in crawl space inspections:
Mold and fungus: Just like pests, mold and fungus can grow rapidly in crawl spaces. They are both a health concern as well as a cause of wood decay, which can require a costly repair. Airborne mold spores can potentially enter the living space from the crawlspace. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants and, in some cases, potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Homes infected with molds and fungus are also much more difficult to sell, often requiring costly remediation prior to closing the deal.
- pests. Dirt crawl spaces provide the environment that is enjoyed by ants, termites, and various other pests. Termites cannot survive long outside of their mud tubes, which you may see on foundation walls and piers. Carpenter ants should be plainly obvious as well, and both of theses pests can cause structural damage. Also bear in mind that where there are pests, there may also be pesticides, perhaps improperly applied, which is one reason why you should not enter crawlspaces without personal protective equipment. Snakes, spiders, bees and scorpions may also be lingering in the crawlspace, and while they pose little structural danger to the house, they certainly can harm you! Rapid retreat there can be difficult, so be cognizant of escape paths.
- hantavirus. Crawl spaces are perhaps the most likely sites in houses where hantavirus may be found. This is partly due to the fact that rodents that carry the pathogen are attracted to areas that are undisturbed by humans. Also, crawl spaces are generally dark places that lack ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can rapidly inactivate the virus. Exposure to hantavirus may lead to Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCS), characterized by headaches, fever, difficulty breathing and, often, death. There is no known cure, vaccine or treatment that specifically targets HCS. However, if the symptoms are recognized early, patients may benefit from oxygen therapy.
- Asbestos insulation: Thought it is rare in South Carolina ,if asbestos is suspected , it can never be disturbed ! Asbestos can only be positively identified by a qualified Environmental Specialist .The microscopic fibers that cause illness become airborne when the insulation is handled or disturbed, and if it appears to be in good shape, it might not be a problem at all. Prolonged exposure to asbestos insulation can cause mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the lining of the chest and the abdominal cavity, as well as asbestosis, in which the lungs become scarred with fibrous tissue.
- Standing water or sewage : Dirt crawl spaces are susceptible to water seepage, which can create a host of problems, such as microbial growth, odors, damage to stored belongings, and risk of electrical shock. All crawlspaces should have a high quality vapor barrier on the floor to promote a facilitate a dry environment.
- Structural Issues: If the home itself is unstable, it might be dangerous to enter its crawlspace. It is easy to become pinned, trapped or even crushed by unstable crawl spaces. Checking the integrity of piers , footers , rim joists ,beams and floor joists are of paramount importance .
- Plumbing issues: A home inspector will check for leaks at plumbing drain and waste lines as well as water supply lines within a crawlspace . Also , many home inspectors failed to document when water supply lines are not insulated within the crawlspace . Since the crawlspace is unconditioned space , the piping is subject to freezing including freeze damage such as broken pipes.
- Electrical issues : A home inspector will check for loose wiring, open junction boxes, or wiring that has become loose and fallen to the floor.
In summary, a home inspector should expect to encounter a number of dangerous conditions in crawl spaces, so they should take proper precautions before entering them.
Full Service Home Inspections provides the most detailed crawl space inspections. We provide home inspections in Charleston, SC , North Charleston SC, Summerville ,Ladson, SC, Goose Creek, Mount Pleasant , Moncks Corner , Isle of Palms SC and the entire Charleston SC AREA .