1 - Moisture:
If you live in a home that has a crawlspace, it is important to monitor the moisture content regularly. Moisture in the foundation of a house can cause damage over time; a dark and moist environment can encourage the growth of mold and the spores can be carried into your home which may result in reduced air quality through the entire house.
Pay particular attention to your crawlspace for moisture especially after it rains, you may be able to smell it in the air in your home, and by examining wet spots on the walls and floors. To minimize moisture in your crawl space, additional grading may be required outside the house to carry water away from the foundation. Installing roof gutters and downspouts can channel run-off water from the roof away from the house so it does not seep into the soil near the foundation and leak into the crawlspace.
2 - Rodents, insects, and other pests:
Be on the lookout for signs of the presence of critters like their nests, droppings, ripped insulation, smells, sounds; in the crawlspace, attic, and even inside your home. Examine your home for possible entryways liked a hole, chimney flute, rotted wood, and even pet doors. If the presence of insects or rodents is confirmed, actions should be taken to eliminate them as quickly as possible as delays could lead to a possible infestation which could have far more damaging effects and result in costly repairs. Call a professional pest removal service that would recommend the best way to mitigate the problem.
3 - Wood Rot:
Moisture and fungus encourage wood rot and decay, especially in a warm environment. The fungus grows in the wood weakening it and reducing its resilience as it grows. The wood gradually becomes brittle and this can often lead to very costly problems. If the problem is detected early, it can be treated with chemicals that can kill the fungi but it is extensive, it could lead to costly remediation including replacing chunks of wood to retain the structural integrity of the foundation and the house as a whole.
Wood rot can be detected by examining wood for softness, sponginess, shrunken or sunken wood, darkening and cracks in the wood, mushroom-like growth on the wood, brittleness etc Call a professional eg a Licensed bonded and insured contractor to evaluate the extent of damage and make required repairs.