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Creature Colonization Prevention thru Crawlspace Covers
When it comes to crawlspace access covers there are some that work better than others. This may seem obvious but as you will see, there have been some notable efforts.
The goal of a crawlspace cover is two-fold: 1) Keep moisture out, 2) Keep rodents and pests out. Here are my grades on several I have seen in recent months.
EXHIBIT: “DECORATIVE LATTICE”
This has aesthetic appeal and the material has a long life expectancy. Removal was a little complicated as there were multiple types of screws that required three different bit types for my wrench. There is good ventilation properties. While cats and possums will need to find a different place to visit rodents and mice can enjoy a long and prosperous life.
OVERALL GRADE: F
EXHIBIT: “SCREEN DOOR TO GROUND FLOOR”
When a door is lying on the ground or on a wooden box many assume it leads to no where. Not this one! This screen door allowed good air flow and after the items were removed from on top I was able to easily remove it and enter the crawlspace. It was inexpensive and pre-fabricated. The warped frame provided many little access points for our critters. And moisture loved collecting inside.
OVERALL GRADE: D
EXHIBIT: “RESTING WEDGE LID”
Moisture has little chance of entering with this lid and it was pretty easy to remove. This was made of solid materials that would weather well. There was little chance of rodent entry except for slender mice – the lid kinda fit against the siding trim. But “kinda” is kind of a problem when it comes to keeping critters out. If this was securely and tightly installed it would be practically perfect.
OVERALL GRADE: B–
EXHIBIT: “FLAT TOP”
About as cheap and easy a lid as one can make. If you have any experience with craft scissors and construction paper and enough sense to cut a rectangle you are on your way to designing this cover. This was made from OSB board so it was very economical. Despite its simplicity no pest or water entry will be a problem. As for installation, it is so easy a child can slide it into place – or un-slide it… (which is its biggest liability)
OVERALL GRADE: B-
EXHIBIT: “STAR PROJECTS”
The following examples are all top performers. Long lasting materials, permitting air flow without the rodent and water flow. Two of them had redundancy with two covers to ensure no unwanted entry into their spaces. Furthermore, they were secured and could not be accidentally bumped open.
OVERALL GRADE: A+
BOTTOM LINE: Crawlspace clean up, repairs and insulation replacement can cost $2,000 to $5,000 when hiring a professional company. This makes this <$50 repair one of the best preventative investments you can make on your house.
