The designs discussed here may or may not meet the local building codes.Ĭrawlspaces in the United States typically are constructed of hollow masonry block or poured concrete stem walls. The methods described here are not the only acceptable ways to treat a crawlspace but represent a proven strategy that works in many areas of the United States. Types of crawlspace foundation systems applicable to this article This article is intended to apply to crawlspace foundations that are constructed of solid concrete or concrete masonry units (CMUs) with a continuous brick cap or bond beam that minimizes the potential for moisture movement from the ground through the masonry cores toward the wood floor structure (see Figure 1).įigure 1. Home inspectors should use this how-to guide as a tool to help them perform inspections of crawlspaces, identify indications of defects associated with crawlspaces, and properly recommend strategies to convert a traditional crawlspace with open foundation vents, and poor design and construction into an unvented, insulated, and conditioned space. Department of Energy Building Technologies Office Building America Program "Guide to Closing and Conditioning Ventilated Crawlspaces." We have the tools and expertise you need to create a dry, clean, and healthy crawl space.This article explains the issues and concerns with conventional ventilated crawlspaces and outlines prescriptive measures for improvements that will create healthier and more durable spaces.
CLEAN SPACE VENT COVERS FREE
It’s also a good idea to insulate your crawl space with rigid waterproof panels that won’t fail or harbor pests or mold like typical fiberglass insulation. If you’d like to seal off crawl space vents and encapsulate this space, contact Tar Heel Basement Systems to request a free crawl space inspection. This liner will protect your home from moisture, dirt, and radon gas, and it will make your crawl space less hospitable to pests. Typical encapsulation entails covering the crawl space floor and walls with a thick, durable 20-mil moisture and vapor barrier. These covers are specially designed to close crawl space vents and keep outside air, water, and pests out of the space.ĭon’t forget to encapsulate your crawl space. Although there are many ways to seal crawl space vents, the most effective include:Īnother way to close your vents is to have your contractor cover them from the outside with durable, airtight plastic covers. This leaves you with lower utility bills at the end of the month.Ĭlosing the vents in your crawl space during winter is vital to a healthy, more comfortable home. This ensures your warm conditioned air doesn’t escape to the outside, keeping your home a little cozier even on the coldest winter days.Īccording to a study by Advanced Energy, homes with closed crawl space vents use up to 15% less energy for conditioning the space. Closing vents helps to preserve any heat in your crawl space in the winter. It also helps to keep snow out of your crawl space.ĭuring winter, cold outdoor air leaks into your crawl space through open vents, leaving you with cold floors. The effects of closed crawl space vents in the winter include:Ĭlosing your vents during the winter months prevents the dry, cold outdoor air from freezing supply lines that run through your crawl space. Sealing these fixtures will prevent chilly outdoor air from entering your home and conditioned heat from escaping to the outdoors. Unsealed vents also lead to wet insulation, frozen pipes, and wood rot. This cold air also creates cold floors and uncomfortable drafts that ultimately increase your utility bills. As this air flows in, it carries with it dust mites, mold spores, and moisture. It brings cold air from the crawl space into your living areas. It’s a phenomenon with a continuous cycle, and it can create a variety of problems in your household. In addition, these conditions promote mold and mildew growth, which pose serious health risks to your loved ones.Īir from the crawl space gets into your home through the stack effect. When this air flows in, it drives up the moisture levels and causes condensation. Open vents allow the cold outdoor air to enter your crawl space. During winter, the air in your crawl space is generally warmer than it is outside.
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