Danger could be secretly lurking beneath your floorboards, and although it’s out of sight, that doesn’t mean it should be out of mind. With crawl spaces in Denver, there are several potential health concerns that both homeowners and renters should be aware of. This blog will discuss crawl space safety hazards, how to identify them, and the suggested actions to resolve them.
Radon Gas
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas produced when Uranium-238 breaks down in soil. Denver is particularly affected because uranium-238 is in many geological formations, including the Rocky Mountains and plains to the east. Radon gas is inert, which means that it doesn’t readily bond with other elements. Because of its inert state, it remains a single molecule that is capable of traveling through soil and into your home. Once this colorless, odorless gas enters your home, it can cause lung cancer.
To test for radon, you will need to place a radon testing device at the lowest point in your home for a minimum of two days. There are several other requirements beyond the scope of this blog that can be found on page 40 of the Department of Public Health & Environment’s guide to Measuring and Mitigating Radon in Colorado.
Unfortunately, radon cannot be removed, and any home in contact with the ground runs the risk of radon contamination. However, there are methods for mitigating exposure to radon, such as active soil depressurization, increased ventilation, and radon decay product reduction.
Creepy Crawl Space Crawlers
Crawl spaces are a haven for bugs, spiders, and other pests. They are drawn to the dark, humid, secluded space, and they can sometimes move through cracks and into your home. The most threatening creepy crawler that could be in your Denver crawl space is the notorious black widow spider.
While most people don’t hang out in their crawl space, this highly venomous arachnid could make its way into your home through cracks or gaps in your foundation. Although black widows are considered a timid species that only bite when it feels threatened, their preference for hidden places means that you could mistakenly grab one when reaching into a space that isn’t disturbed often. For this reason, take extra care if your HVAC filter is in your crawlspace.
Due to their reclusive nature, it is difficult to determine if you have a black widow problem. The most common sign of black widows is their characteristic web. Unlike other spiders, black widows weave unstructured webs that resemble a tangle of strings rather than the stereotypical spider web. If you suspect a black widow infestation in your crawl space, contact a professional pest control company immediately. After addressing the infestation, contact a basement dig out contractor toconvert your dank crawl space into a beautiful, finished basement.
Mold & Mildew
Mold and mildew are types of fungi that thrive in dark, humid spaces. They can lead to allergy-like symptoms, such as scratchy throat and eyes, sneezing, and stuffy nose. Recent studies have also shown a correlation between early exposure to mold and the development of asthma in young children. People with asthma will likely experience more severe reactions if mold or mildew is in their crawl space.
Resolving the issue will most likely require calling mold and mildew specialists. If reading the previous section on the potential for venomous spiders didn’t deter you from entering your crawl space, you can try to remove the mold and mildew on your own. Be warned: If you do not remove all the residue, it will grow back.
Go from Crawl Space Safety Hazards to Luxurious Basement
From cancer-causing gas to black widows and harmful mold, your crawl space could be an extreme safety hazard. However, this doesn’t mean that you should live in fear. Take action to turn your unused (and potentially dangerous) crawl space into a luxurious livable space.
The basement renovation contractors at Castle Building Company have assessed hundreds of crawl spaces, so we are familiar with all of the unpleasantries they can bring. We also know a better option is available for you and your family. We have the skills, know-how, and expertise required to dig out and create the basement you never knew was possible. Contact us today to learn more.
