Crawl space problems in Westmont, IL can lead to mold, moisture, poor air quality, and health issues. Learn how your crawl space may be making your home less healthy—and how to fix it.
Most Westmont homeowners don’t think much about their crawl space—after all, it’s out of sight and rarely visited. But what happens under your home doesn’t stay there. In fact, your crawl space can have a major effect on your indoor air quality, moisture levels, and even your family’s health.
If your crawl space is damp, musty, or unsealed, it may silently contribute to allergies, asthma, mold growth, and rising energy costs. The good news? Once you understand the problem, there are proven ways to fix it.
Homes in Westmont, IL are often built on clay-heavy soil that traps moisture. Add in seasonal humidity, freeze-thaw cycles, and aging construction, and crawl spaces become perfect environments for mold, mildew, and pests. Many older homes were built without vapor barriers or encapsulation, allowing moisture from the ground to rise freely into the crawl space and eventually into the home.
If your crawl space has exposed dirt floors, falling insulation, or signs of water after it rains, you could be dealing with more than just damp air—it could be harming your home and your health.
One of the biggest problems with vented or unsealed crawl spaces is moisture. Water from the ground rises through the soil, saturates the air, and creates a humid environment that supports mold growth. That humidity doesn’t stay put—it rises into your living space, especially during the warmer months.
This elevated humidity can make your home feel uncomfortable and cause your air conditioning system to work harder.
When wood and insulation in your crawl space absorb moisture, mold and mildew quickly follow. Mold spores can enter your living areas through floor vents or gaps in the subfloor, leading to respiratory irritation, sinus issues, and worsening symptoms for people with asthma or allergies.
In some cases, homeowners don’t even realize that the source of indoor mold is coming from below their feet.
Up to 50% of the air you breathe on the first floor of your home comes from the crawl space. If that air is filled with dust, mold spores, mildew, or pest contaminants, it directly impacts your overall air quality—and your family’s health.
This is especially concerning in homes with children, elderly residents, or anyone with respiratory conditions.
Crawl spaces that are damp and unsealed create an ideal habitat for pests. Rodents, insects, and termites often enter through small gaps and take shelter in insulation or around plumbing lines. Aside from being a nuisance, pests can carry bacteria and allergens into your home.
Even if you never go into your crawl space, there are some clear indicators that something is wrong:
These symptoms point to poor air circulation and excess moisture entering from below.
Crawl space encapsulation involves sealing the area with a heavy-duty vapor barrier, closing off vents, and sometimes adding dehumidification. This process creates a clean, dry, and controlled environment beneath your home.
Once encapsulated, the crawl space is protected from outside air, moisture, and pests. The result is improved indoor air quality, reduced energy consumption, and a lower risk of mold and structural decay.
Encapsulation may include:
At Accu-Dry, we specialize in crawl space inspections and encapsulation for homes throughout Westmont and DuPage County. We understand how local soil and climate conditions impact your crawl space—and your home.
We offer:
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every project starts with an honest assessment and a plan built around your home’s exact needs.
Your crawl space may be out of sight, but it shouldn’t be out of mind. If you’re experiencing musty smells, poor air quality, or unexplained allergy symptoms, your crawl space could be the culprit.Contact Accu-Dry today to schedule your free inspection. We’ll help you turn that damp, unhealthy crawl space into a dry, sealed, and protected foundation for your entire home.
