If you have a crawl space in your North Carolina home, you may have wondered on more than one occasion, will homeowners insurance cover crawl space encapsulation?
Here is everything you need to know about insurance and crawl space encapsulation in Charlotte.
Humidity Damage in Crawl Spaces
Many North Carolina homeowners also wonder, “Will homeowners’ insurance cover crawl space encapsulation if you live in an area susceptible to high humidity?”
In most cases, an insurance company won’t pay for encapsulation in humid areas. However, living in a humid climate can be a contributing factor in determining whether your insurance will cover damage from mold or wood rot. While your insurance company may still resist paying your claim, you can dispute their decision with evidence.
Take pictures of the mold or wood rot as soon as you notice it. Photos can help you prove that the damage resulted from conditions you couldn’t have affected, such as a heavy storm or the sudden bursting of plumbing pipes.
If the damage includes mold growth, schedule an inspection with a mold remediation company. They will provide a written report that describes the type of mold in your crawl space. Use the report to provide a more thorough insurance claim.
Experts can measure the humidity in your crawl space and consider other criteria, such as seasonal flooding. Along with the size of the crawl space, current ventilation, and other factors, they use these details to calculate the proper size.
You can’t rely on crawl space size alone to make this determination, as the other factors have a significant impact.
How Will Crawl Space Pest Damage Affect Your Claim?
Aside from flooding and humidity, pests and animals pose another significant threat to your crawl space. They can damage plumbing pipes, electrical wires, wood framing, and other surfaces. Unfortunately, insurance companies won’t typically cover pest damage, except when a large rodent or an insect infestation damages your home’s plumbing.
The best way to protect your crawl space encapsulation is to prevent pest access. Keep the crawl space dry and cool to eliminate a pest-friendly environment.
How to Protect Your Crawl Space
When you understand the specific types of damage insurance can cover when it comes to crawl spaces, you’re better prepared to protect this part of your home. The following updates can help you protect your crawl space against water and humidity:
By keeping your crawl space cool and dry, you’ll also help prevent pest infestations.
Additionally, consider these updates to limit crawl space access:
- Add screens over vents
- Sealing crawl space doors, and ensuring they close properly
Regularly inspect your crawl space for moisture, humidity, and signs of pests. Catching these issues early can help you prevent damage and reduce your need to file insurance claims.
Prevent Crawl Space Damage With Proper Maintenance
You can avoid needing to file any insurance claim for crawl space damage by maintaining a moderate temperature and a dry atmosphere beneath your home. A professional inspection can help you pinpoint any vulnerable areas. With proper maintenance, you can prevent potential issues and enjoy your crawl space for years to come.
