Crawl Spaces

Ever heard of sick house syndrome? Well over the years it has been identified that crawlspaces are linked directly to many health and respiratory issues, because damp dirty crawlspaces overtime become breeding grounds for bacteria, fungi, mold and allergens.

Crawlspaces can also be responsible for critical energy consumption due to air leaks in the floor assembly and foundation allowing cold air to enter the crawlspace in cold months and high humidity and hot temperatures during summer months.

A well encapsulated, well insulated crawlspace can reduce energy, improve home comfort and improve home health while adding significant value to your home.

Install a full plastic membrane or a concrete slab on every crawlspace floor. Properly seal & insulate foundation walls. This is the number one preventive measure that in most cases is much more useful than ventilation.

• Do not build so that the seasonal high-water tables or floods rise above the footings. This is a condition that requires a completely open crawlspace or a building on pilings.
• If the footings stand in water or get wet seasonally, provide a capillary break between the footers and the foundation walls.
• Carefully install and test water and waste piping, making sure that there are no leaks at the joints 
• Do not locate vent fan exhausts, dryer exhausts in the crawlspace unless the are properly sealed and insulated to avoid condensation.
• Create positive surface drainage around the home, and make sure gutters and downspouts are directing water away from the foundation.