Indoor air quality problems in Laguna Beach come in many forms. The most common is a specific irritant like dander or pollen getting in through poorly sealed windows or a lack of ventilation keeping stale air inside during the winter. However, for those with crawlspaces beneath their home, the risk of potentially dangerous indoor pollutants rises sharply.
Radon in Your Crawlspace
Radon is a gas emitted from the natural decay of uranium found in almost all soil. Any home can sit atop radon emitting soil – the real question is whether that gas can make its way into your living space. Unfortunately, poorly sealed crawlspaces are a frequent problem, either due to previous owners using the space for storage or to it being poorly sealed during construction.
If your home shows high levels of radon, the crawlspace is likely the first space that will be inspected by your contractor. Because radon gas can lead to diseases like lung cancer (in as many as 21,000 people each year), the risk is not worth ignoring.
Mold and Mildew
Another major problem faced by homeowners with crawlspaces is the presence of moisture in the crawlspace. Moisture is a direct contributor to the growth of mold and mildew which can quickly spread into your home. Proper sealing is highly recommended if natural moisture builds up in the crawlspace or if a lingering mold problem simply won’t go away.
Crawlspace Inspection
Inspection of your crawlspace starts with carefully analyzing the indoor air quality of your home to be sure nothing is currently causing problems. If high levels of radon or mold are detected, the crawlspace is usually the first place to check. If they are not, it is still good to inspect the space to check for both as they can quickly spread to the rest of the house. Another preventative step you can take is installing air cleaners in your HVAC system to help reduce air pollutants.
An unsealed crawlspace is almost always an unnecessary danger that should be seen to as quickly as possible. If you are interested in keeping tabs on your home’s air quality, it starts at the foundation. Contact Saddleback Plumbing today and learn more about what they can do for you.