A crawl space cover is a device placed over an opening underneath a home. It can be made from a variety of materials, but plastic, aluminum, and vinyl are the most common varieties. The cover may have hinges on the top or sides that allow it to open up for easy access. Some models may also have a security lock to keep children from removing them. These covers are designed to keep animals out of a crawl space, and also prevent air from getting into this area and causing pipes to freeze.
The opening underneath a home is often referred to as a crawl space. It can normally be accessed by kneeling or crawling through an opening in the foundation. Access to a crawl space might also be accomplished by stepping down into a set of steps dug into the ground. A crawl space cover keeps the opening covered so children and pets are not able to get into this area.
There are a number of materials used to make a crawl space cover. Heavy plastic is one of the more common cover materials. It might also be constructed from aluminum or vinyl. Most of the time, the cover is clear, but it could also be painted to match siding. A homeowner can also make one out of wood or steel if he chooses.
The crawl space cover usually has a set of hinges on it. These allow people to open it in order to gain access. This is normally done when a worker, such as a plumbing contractor, needs to get underneath a house to make repairs. The hinges might be on the side of the cover if it is located on a home's foundation, or on the top of it if it is over a set of stairs.
Some models may have a latch, which locks the cover place. Other types can have a keyed lock on them. These locks help keep the crawl space cover secure so wildlife cannot get into the area and cause damage. It also keeps cold winds from reaching pipes, which could cause them to freeze and burst.
Homeowners should protect the area underneath their home by installing a crawl space cover. One can usually be inexpensive to purchase and easy to install. It can also be designed to match the siding of the house itself. Once it is in place, it can provide individuals with peace of mind for many years to come.
