[(503) 985-6523](tel:(503) 985-6523) — info@pestpatrolpdx.com

Crawlspace Restoration in Portland

May 30, 2023/Gabe Seymour/No Comments

commercial-rodents

As a Portlander, if you own a home with a crawlspace, you know how important it is to keep it dry and protected. We get so much rain here that it’s extremely important to keep your crawlspace in good working order. One crucial component of crawlspace maintenance is the vapor barrier, which is a plastic sheeting that is installed on the ground and walls of the crawlspace to prevent moisture and water damage. However, over time, vapor barriers can become damaged, torn, or stained with rodent droppings, which can compromise their effectiveness. In this blog post, we will discuss how to replace a damaged vapor barrier and how to properly clean up rodent droppings.

Replacing the Vapor Barrier

First, it’s important to inspect your crawlspace for any signs of damage to the vapor barrier. Look for tears, rips, or holes in the plastic sheeting. If you notice any damage, it’s time to replace the vapor barrier. You can do this yourself, but it’s often easier and safer to hire a professional to do the job.

To replace the vapor barrier, you’ll need to first remove the old, damaged sheeting. Use a utility knife to cut the plastic sheeting into manageable pieces and dispose of them properly. Next, clean the crawlspace floor and walls thoroughly to remove any debris, dirt, or old adhesive from the old vapor barrier. You’ll then need to measure and cut a new sheet of plastic to fit the dimensions of your crawlspace. Be sure to leave a few inches of excess material around the edges to ensure a tight fit.

Once you have the new vapor barrier in place, you’ll need to secure it to the walls and floor of the crawlspace. Use a strong adhesive or tape to attach the plastic sheeting to the walls and floor. This will help to prevent moisture from seeping through and causing damage to your home.

Cleaning Up Rodent Droppings

If you notice rodent droppings on your vapor barrier or in your crawlspace, it’s important to clean them up as soon as possible. Rodent droppings can carry dangerous bacteria and viruses that can be harmful to your health. Here’s how to properly clean up rodent droppings:

Wear protective gear: Before you start cleaning up rodent droppings, it’s important to wear protective gear. This includes gloves, a mask, and safety goggles to prevent contact with any harmful particles.
Vacuum the area: Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum to remove any droppings, nesting materials, or debris from the crawlspace floor and walls.
Spray with enzymatic cleaner: After vacuuming, use an enzymatic cleaner to spray down the vapor barrier and any areas where droppings were found. Enzymatic cleaners break down the proteins in the droppings and neutralize any odors.
Dispose of waste: Once you have finished cleaning, dispose of all waste and debris properly. This includes the vacuum bag and any disposable cleaning materials.

In Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy and dry crawlspace is crucial for the overall health and safety of your home. By replacing damaged vapor barriers and cleaning up any rodent droppings, you can ensure that your crawlspace stays clean, dry, and protected.

Call us at 503-985-6523 to schedule a FREE inspection or quote.

Interested In Our Services?

We’ll respond to your contact form request within 15 minutes (during regular business hours), or we will give you $20 off your service.

Get A Quote