At Advantage Manufacturing, we will do Crawl Space Maintenance for you.

In this blog, we explain why crawl space and crawl space maintenance are need for your house.

Crawl spaces are great to have as they raise the building above the ground, freeing the structure from the latent soil moisture, the presence of groundwater, flooding, possible ground movements, and radon. They provide the structure with the healthiness of a buffer between the house and the damp, wet earth below, as well as provide the space and allow easy access to essential house installations such as heating ducts, plumbing, and any necessary electrical conduit. As with any other construction element of a building, it needs to be maintained over time, as it will otherwise cause problems such as mold growth, high humidity, heat loss, and rotting.

Find out what you, as the homeowner can do, to keep your crawl space in top condition at all times.

What Is a Crawl Space?

A crawl space is a space located under the floor of the house. The main purpose of which is to increase the strength and durability of a building while making it more comfortable by combating moisture and eliminating the upwelling of water naturally present in the soil and evacuating water in the event of a flood. A crawl space also helps to strengthen the thermal insulation of the house. A crawl space cannot be used as a living space, but it can be used as a functional storage area. It also may contain piping and wiring for various building systems, which only highlights the importance of regular crawl space maintenance.

Crawl Space vs. Basement

The two main differences between a crawl space and a basement are their heights and their functions. Crawl spaces are usually roughly 1 foot to 3 feet high — just high enough for a person to crawl in. Where a basement is a habitable area, which has a clear floor-to-ceiling height of at least 7 feet.

The biggest advantage of having a crawl space is that it reduces moisture and keeps water out. It also provides access to the electricity and plumbing of the house. This space does not need to be accessible, but it is still preferable that it is to make any repairs.

Basements, on the other hand, are not recommended in damp areas or at risk of flooding. In other cases, of course, their construction is more expensive than the crawl space, but it can serve you very well daily, especially if you lack space in your home.

Why Do You Need to Ventilate a Crawl Space?

There are several reasons why ventilation of a crawl space is essential.

The first reason is that good ventilation of the crawl space will help keep this space “healthy”. Otherwise, between humidity, mold, and other inconveniences, you risk promoting the development of respiratory diseases in the household members. The ventilation of the crawl space will prevent moisture and/or condensation from entering the building structure thus preserving the value of your house and reducing maintenance.

The second reason is that ventilation limits the accumulation of radon. This radioactive gas is naturally present in soils and can accumulate in spaces without adequate ventilation. Ultimately, radon can enter your home through the floor and pose a significant risk to you and your family, as this gas is radioactive and carcinogenic.

Lastly, proper crawl space ventilation will ensure the better longevity of your construction. Less mold, fewer pests, less humidity are all factors that will allow you to keep your home healthy and in good condition for longer.

How do you ventilate a crawl space?

What Is a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier?

A vapor barrier is a plastic liner that covers the floor of your crawl space and is the easiest way to deal with most moisture problems. Laying out sheet plastic barriers will help with the migration of water vapor up through the soil into the crawl space. A vapor barrier does not offer a remedy when water gathers in the crawl space.

Keep in mind that a vapor barrier will never completely get rid of moisture problems in your crawl space. It can however reduce humidity by 50 to 70%, which will significantly help prevent mold and structural damage as well as improve the energy efficiency of your property.

Should I Encapsulate My Crawl Space?

Yes. Insulating the crawl space in your home saves you on average 10 to 15% on energy bills. In addition, your floor maintains a pleasantly warm temperature and your house cools more slowly. The best method to insulate your crawl space depends on its size (and therefore, its accessibility) and the nature of the moisture problem. Other than greater energy efficiency, encapsulation improves air quality in your home and protects it against pests and wood-destroying insects. It allows for more comfortable living conditions and helps avoid fungi/mold issues and structural damage.

A combination of insulation and special vapor barriers also prevent stale odors from entering your crawl space. The soil will generally stay drier and there is less risk of mold.

The Importance of Crawl Space Inspection

Crawl spaces attract unwanted pests and can be a natural breeding zone for problems such as moisture, mold, and fungi, which when neglected can detract from the value, comfort, and safety of your house. Since crawl spaces are largely unmonitored for long periods of time, it’s important to have a professional come out to inspect your crawl space regularly. Here are some things to watch out for during crawl space inspection:

• HVAC ducts
• Electrical & plumbing issues
• Pooling water, structural damages caused by moisture
• Pests
• Mold, mildew & fungi
• Ventilation issues
• Unusual musty odors

How To Inspect A Crawl Space?

To ensure optimal humidity control as well as efficient heating management, as the homeowner, you will need to regularly inspect and maintain your crawl space. This will eliminate or prevent any problems caused by moisture as well as pest infestation. This work requires great thoroughness and precision, which is why it’s important to have a professional company take a look at it and fix any problems your site may have.

If properly designed and constructed, a vented crawl space will improve the house’s energy performance and durability. Call Advantage Vent today and we’ll help you choose the best system for you. We are specialists in the production of ventilating systems, offering a range of unique high-quality products: CRAWL SPACE ACCESS DOOR,  WINDOW-STYLE CRAWL SPACE POWER VENTS, CRAWL SPACE VENTS.

If you have any questions, see what’s available, or would like an estimate, please call us at 773-626-2200, or our email address is info@nulladvantagevent.com