Home Services
Proper crawl space maintenance, the right amount of insulation, and many other home maintenance projects often gets overlooked. But they still remain some of the most important and underrated aspects of home improvement and maintenance. From health concerns to structural integrity, the many home services effect many aspects of a home. A variety of problems can stem from moisture issues, as well as inadequate entrances and ventilation and improper insulation can cause drafts and even make your energy bills sky rocket. The condition of a crawl space will also effect the value of your home and the actual air you and your family are breathing. Our home inspectors execute thorough inspections of crawlspaces, attics, etc. while performing their services, so you can get the inspection you need while they are keeping you pest free. McGee Pest Control recommends a multitude of services that can improve the conditions of your home.
Plastic Vapor Barrier
McGee Pest Control believes that a plastic vapor barrier should be a basic feature under a home. Soil naturally contains moisture. Outside of a crawl space, moisture evaporates into the air. However, inside a crawl space, moisture evaporates up into the wood structures and the enclosed air. A plastic vapor barrier simply keeps the moisture in the ground and should be a staple in every crawl space.
Attic Insulation
Sump Pump Instalation
Some crawl spaces naturally contain more water. Homes that are situated at the bottom of a hill, or in a low spot, accumulate more rain runoff. From there, rain water seeps into the crawl space for a couple different reasons. For one, crawl spaces commonly lie lower than the ground level outside. Secondly, bricks and blocks usually contain cracks and pores allowing water to seep through. With a combination of these circumstances, a sump pump is often the best solution. A sump pump collects the water at its lowest point, then pumps it outside the home.
Temperature Control Vents
Every home should be built with sections in the blocks and bricks to place vents. Vents allow air flow in an otherwise sealed space. Vents also need to be secured with durable mesh to keep out rodents and wildlife. McGee Pest Control offers installation of industry leading temperate control vents. These temperate control vents fit snug into many openings. They are equip with coils that open and close with the temperature, hence temperate control. The coils are completely open at 70 degrees and completely closed at 40 degrees. Providing air flow in the hot weather, and keeping the cold out of the crawl space in winter time. They come in black, brown, and grey.
Fungus Treatment
Crawl spaces with excessive moisture can cause fungus to grow on the wood. While this fungus usually causes no damage to structural integrity, it can pose a few health concerns. Fungi reproduce through sporing bodies. These bodies become air born and attach to other surfaces to begin growth. Everyone reacts to mold spores differently, some people are very allergic while other don’t notice. Improving the overall condition of a crawl space through vapor barriers, proper vents, and sump pumps will all aid in fungus conditions. However, some homes may need a fungus treatment. McGee Pest Control uses a borate based chemical and treats every surface of area in a crawl space. This chemical prevents fungi growth.
Crawl Space Door Installation
Crawl space doors may become an entrance point for rodents and other wildlife looking for shelter. Over time, entrance doors may wear down or break. McGee Pest Control offers crawl space door installation. We have 3 sizes that fit a majority of homes.
Insulation Removal
Insulation in a crawl space can absolutely benefit your home. Insulation keeps inside air from escaping through the floor, leading to savings on electricity. However, insulation also absorbs water and moisture. If a crawl space experiences a leak, or extreme moisture conditions, insulation can contain this moisture. This may cause the insulation to fall to the ground or aid in fungus growth. Insulation also provides rodents potential shelter areas. McGee Pest Control offers insulation removal services for situations that need it.
Floor Jack Installation
Especially in older houses, wooden structures may loose their strength. Long pieces of wood that once held straight may begin to sag. You may notice squeaking wood when you walk across an area of your home. A viable solution to this problem is supporting the floor from the crawl space. McGee Pest Control installs floor supports using precise system. Depending on the size of the crawl space, we install multiple concrete piers. Then use a metal jack to raise a plank of wood across the problem area, keeping the wood from sagging.