What should I look for in a crawl space?
Signs of a moisture problem
- Mold or moisture damage in the crawl space.
- Musty odors in the living area.
- Condensation ( or “sweating”) on air conditioning ductwork or equipment.
- Condensation on water pipes in the crawl space.
- Damp or sagging insulation.
- Buckled hardwood floors above the crawl space.
What can you do with a crawl space?
How Can You Use the Space in a Crawlspace? Crawlspaces are frequently used to run piping, duct work and wiring through the house, and a large enough crawlspace can be used to install an HVAC unit. The unrestricted space makes it easy to access and make repairs.
How do you crawl under your house?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: And it's just so tight but again if you're going to do this yourself take your time crawl on your belly. If you can see me I'm just laying down and you're going to get dirty.
How do you build a crawl space?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Closed crawlspace construction begins by building a foundation wall on top of a poured concrete footing.
Should a crawl space be sealed?
Yes, you should. All crawl spaces should be completely sealed and isolated from moisture in the air and from the ground.
How often should you check your crawlspace?
every six months
Attic inspection professionals agree that homeowners should inspect their crawl spaces every six months. Use a flashlight to carefully examine the traces of mold, pests or even water.
What should not be stored in a crawl space?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Number. One you always want to make sure you keep any kind of standing water out of the crawl space okay. And secondly you also want to control humidity.
Is it OK to store stuff in your crawl space?
It’s not advisable to store items in a vented crawl space due to the high risk of damage to belongings from humidity, mold, and pests, but since a closed crawl space keeps moisture and pests out, it’s suitable for storage. More extensive crawl space conversions can even make the space livable.
Should I concrete my crawl space?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So spending all of that money to pour concrete inside a crawlspace typically does not fix. The moisture problem plus concrete can get cold and condensate.
What are three important aspects of crawl space foundation?
Whether you choose a basement, slab, or crawlspace foundation, it must perform these three things very well:
- Support the structure above.
- Keep out groundwater.
- Act as a barrier to water and soil vapor.
How long do crawl space foundations last?
When constructed correctly, both types of foundation can be expected to last 50 years or more, but crawl space foundations tend to require more maintenance to prevent mold and insect infestations.
Is it better to build on a slab or crawlspace?
Slabs resist moisture but crack more easily when soil shifts. Crawl spaces work better on sloped properties but cost more. Slabs provide more durability, while crawl spaces hold up better in earthquake- and flood-prone areas.
Do I need a dehumidifier in my crawl space?
Moisture can build-up inside the crawl space from duct-work condensation, ground moisture evaporation, high outdoor humidity, and more. The dehumidifier is needed to condition the crawl space and ensure healthy humidity levels are kept all year.
Do all crawl spaces have mold?
Also, it is one of the most susceptible areas of the house to mold growth. This implies that in almost every crawl space, there is mold, but you wouldn’t notice because you almost never have any business there.
Are vapor barriers necessary in a crawl space?
Yes. You need a vapor barrier in your crawl space. What’s more, a moisture barrier is the minimum amount of protection that you should have in your crawl space. A vapor barrier helps you to avoid expensive repairs.
Does mold grow under crawl space vapor barrier?
Moisture from the ground and from crawl space vents combine to create all sorts of problems under your home. This moisture can create mold, mildew, dry rot and allows insects and other pests to thrive. A vapor barrier is key step to reducing this moisture.
Should my crawl space be insulated?
Crawl space insulation, as a part of overall home air sealing and insulation, helps maintain your entire home’s energy efficiency. Without insulation, heat and cool air are easily lost through the floor. Insulation also helps to preserve the air quality and reduce energy costs.
What is the best way to insulate a crawl space with a dirt floor?
If you would like to keep your crawl space vented because you live in a low humidity environment we recommend insulating the crawl space floor with fiberglass or rock-wool mixed with spray foam for air sealing.
Should I put gravel in crawl space?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: The thing about gravel is that it's porous so it actually lets water go through it easier so it'll allow the water to move better.
How do I keep my crawl space floor warm?
Adding spray foam or rigid foam board insulation to the underside of the floor can help warm up the floor and rooms above the crawl space.
