How many crawl space vents are needed

This simply involves placing an adequately sized exhaust fan in strategic locations around the encapsulated space, which would be responsible for pushing out large quantities of humidity filled the air from the crawlspace to the external environment. Following IRC standards,. This is basically purchasing and installing an adequate capacity dehumidifier in the already encapsulated crawlspace, setting it to run according to the conditions of the crawl space atmosphere. Dehumidifiers are very efficient in doing the job, and though they are more expensive especially the high capacity models , it is the most effective way to get the humidity out.

Also Read: Best Dehumidifier for large room. Having an adequately vented crawlspace is just as important as designing the house with a crawlspace to save cost at the initial stage.

Houses with inadequate infested spaces over time tend to get a lot of wood rut, consequentially weakening the foundation. We would advise that you get that crawlspace ventilated!! Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon. Also Read: Best Dehumidifier for mold removal Should crawl space vents be opened or closed Since it is already discussed and agreed on that the dangers of crawl spaces are easily eliminated by proper ventilation that removes moisture contents, it now becomes a question of the way and manner to vent the area with maximum impact effect and effects on backfires.

Hence sqin intake of net area needed, and sqin exhaust of net area needed. How much does it cost to ventilate a crawl space? Also Read: Best ducted whole House dehumidifier Best methods to properly ventilate a crawlspace Before taking on the adventure of ventilating your crawl space, there are specific standards you should know and observe, which would help you create natural clean ventilation across space.

This involves using materials with the following specifications; Metal sheet plates with holes no less than 0. Mold infested areas should be investigated and rid of properly by a professional before going on.

The area should be checked for asbestos contents and professionals invited to get rid of it, as they are really dangerous and able to cause lung diseases. Other hazardous materials should be cleared. There are a number of factors that affect the air quality of your home, but many of them do originate in your crawl space.

Your HVAC system circulates the air throughout your house. Where is it housed? Probably in your crawl space, right? We have an article that examines the importance of air quality in a crawl space , which explores these factors in greater detail.

This photo was taken by an Acculevel project manager during a free estimate appointment. The center beam is decaying and molding.

If you have allergies, asthma or other respiratory ailments, you are probably familiar with the health risks of mold. But even perfectly healthy people need to be concerned about breathing in mold spores and byproducts.

Studies have shown that mold in the household contributed to a number of respiratory disorders in children ages ; for infants, mold exposure for babies increases their risk for developing asthma significantly. Want more information about mold and the costs of remediation? We have a blog that breaks down this process for you. If you do, you should check your crawl space for problem areas. But if you would prefer to have a professional evaluate your crawl space, you should find an experienced foundation company, and make an appointment.

Have you made arrangements for home repairs before? This will help you compare the estimates accurately, and warn you away from any questionable business practices. Before you sign a contract for any service, we urge you to always verify the company is reputable, insured, and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. If you live in Indiana or the surrounding states , contact Acculevel.

In winter, when the air is drier, the vents are closed to reduce the chance that the pipes in the crawl space might freeze. The simplest way to close foundation vents for the winter is to plug them from the outside with foam blocks made specifically for this purpose.

Just remember to remove the plugs when the weather turns mild in the spring. Automatic vents are less fuss. You do not say whether your crawl- space floor is made of dirt or concrete, but if it is dirt, spread 6-millimeter plastic sheeting over it to help block that source of moisture. Before there were building scientists and houses were just built by carpenters and contractors with few if any outsiders telling them how to do their jobs , a quality construction job included foundation vents into the crawlspace.

The thinking was that the vents allowed air to circulate under the house, keeping it dry. However, what happens in many locations is that moist outside air coming through the vents condensed or collected, causing corrosion, mold, mildew, and rot. Additionally, energy costs are higher. Moisture ruins houses by providing a hospitable environment for mold and other fungi, and insects that destroy wood framing.

Crawl space moisture, and the mold and mildew that thrive in this environment, affect not only the floor system directly above, but also the entire house. Three things destroy organic materials such as wood or insulation: water moisture or high relative humidity , heat, and ultra-violet radiation. Of these, water is by far the most damaging. If you decide to not seal off crawl space vents year-round, the simplest way to close your crawlspace vents for the winter is to plug them from the outside with foam blocks made specifically for crawlspaces.

Then remember to remove the plugs when the weather turns milder in the spring - and as you do so, check to make sure that your crawlspace vent screens are intact so that insects and rodents don't make nests under your home. You could also choose to go with automatic vents, which are designed to work without electricity, and open at approximately 70 degrees and close at around 40 degrees.

If you are experiencing mold in your crawlspace, there are several solutions you can look into for dealing with the moisture issue that led to the mold growth.

Some solutions for dealing with crawl space moisture issues are as simple as installing a crawl space vapor barrier, addressing the grade of your landscaping, or properly guttering rainwater away from the property; however, a crawl space service expert may be necessary to solve your issue.

More info? For more information about common places for moisture in your home, check out our related post: Crawlspace Moisture Problems.

Call to schedule an appointment with an AdvantaClean crawl space moisture control specialist today!