Crawlspace: risks and inspection

If the lower living floor borders a crawl space and is (partly) fitted with a concrete and/or stone or wooden floor: if possible, you can assess some structural issues regarding the floors, foundation, sewerage and other items present below ground level in the crawl space.

If the floor hatch is condensing on the underside, this is an early indicator that the entire ventilation system in the crawl space isn't functioning optimally. With a wooden floor hatch, this condensation will naturally damage the material and weaken the hatch. If a stone-like floor hatch is installed, this condensation won't harm the floor hatch.

It's possible that an asbestos crawl space hatch is present. The hatch can be removed yourself and easily replaced with wooden paneling. If you want to be certain whether it's asbestos-containing, you can hire a certified company to conduct an asbestos inventory. Only then can you be completely certain whether or not asbestos is present in your home. Depending on the type of asbestos, an action plan can be developed to remove it if necessary.

• Asbestos fibers can be life-threatening if released and inhaled. However, experts say there's no danger if you leave undamaged material in place.
• We're happy to assist you with an asbestos inventory! You can contact our head office at 085-0653675 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
• Don't forget to inspect the crawl space during a viewing

• The crawl space may be divided into different compartments, some of which are not visible or accessible.
• There may be obstacles in the crawl space that prevent unobstructed and full access.
• Or there are obstructions (hazardous substances such as asbestos or other risks) in the crawl space, which prevent it from being inspected unobstructed and completely.
• Or there is a layer of water in the crawl space, making unobstructed and full access impossible.

If the crawl space is not adequately ventilated, the climate is also poor. There is a risk of condensation on the underside of the floor structure. Therefore, the crawl space ventilation must be improved by making better use of existing ventilation options, removing any contamination, or installing some renovation ventilation shafts.

• You are advised to inspect the underside of the floor annually. If there is heavy condensation on the underside of the floor and the climate is humid or wet, ventilation should be improved.
• If you haven't already installed Drowa insulation chips in such a crawl space, it's always recommended. You'll effectively insulate the ground floor of your home and permanently eliminate problems that can arise from a damp crawl space.
• Ventilation in crawl spaces is often not in order.

If the (concrete and/or stone) floor structure is wet on the underside, this is also not the ideal situation for such a floor. If the floor is fully insulated on the underside and the concrete is not visible, condensation poses less of a risk to the concrete structure. We still recommend taking measures to improve the climate and reduce condensation.

A crawl space must be well-ventilated. If the ventilation openings are contaminated, they will not function optimally. This can potentially affect the climate in the crawl space. If possible, the contamination should be removed from the existing ventilation openings.

If the crawl space is poorly, insufficiently, or not at all ventilated, simply removing contamination (if that's even possible) from existing or existing ventilation systems isn't sufficient. We often recommend installing several renovation ventilation shafts. These shafts are drilled diagonally through the facade from the outside into the crawl space. A shaft with a cover plate is then inserted, allowing the crawl space to properly ventilate. The building inspection report provides a detailed account of the findings, and in addition to repair recommendations, you'll also receive a cost breakdown for both the immediate and long-term costs , as well as extensive advice on how to improve the deficient situation.