What is the Purpose of a Crawl Space?
Crawl spaces are shallow, unfinished spaces located beneath the first floor or under the roof of a building, and they are typically used for access to plumbing or wiring. Crawl spaces are often part of the foundation of manufactured and modular homes and are located beneath the first floor.*
*Types of foundations permitted can vary by state and local code requirements.
What You Should Know About Crawl Space Insulation
Adding insulation to your crawl space can help maintain the energy efficiency of your home and reduce energy costs.* It can also help preserve air quality in your home. Depending on whether your crawl space is ventilated or unventilated, a professional may install insulation in your crawl space differently¹.
Although it is possible to install your own insulation, we recommend hiring a professional to ensure the best quality installation for your home.
*We do not recommend insulating a crawl space on your own. Hire a professional if you wish to have insulation added under your home. Entering a crawlspace can be dangerous, never enter a crawlspace without having someone wait for you outside the crawlspace who can call for help if you are injured.
How to Maintain the Area Under a Manufactured Home
Here are a few pointers on how to maintain the crawl space under your home:¹
- Check your crawl space every few months for any issues, such as cracks in the walls or excess water.
- Sometimes, extra water can enter crawl spaces. The moisture from the excess water can create mold and other issues. If moisture is an issue, try to identify the source of the water first and eliminate it.
- If water is coming through the foundation of your home, have the foundation repaired by a professional or call a local contractor who is experienced in manufactured home foundations.
*If you notice any potential issues with your crawl space or under your home, it is best to contact a local contractor to come and address any concerns you have. Entering a crawlspace can be dangerous, never enter a crawlspace without having someone wait for you outside the crawlspace who can call for help if you are injured.
Maintaining the crawl space under your home is essential to its upkeep and your quality of living. Whether you hire a professional or do it yourself, following these tips will help keep your crawl space in good condition. For more ways to stay on top of home maintenance, check out our Home Care Guide tips.