Adding Ventilation To Your Crawlspace

A crawlspace is the open area in the foundation zone under a house. It is possible for moisture to build up in crawlspaces, especially in humid climates, and eventually the moisture can seep into the foundation of the house and eventually along its walls. This causes the floor joists and supporting structures like wood framings to weather away, including severe rotting and condensation of the flooring surface. Excessive moisture is known to deform the most durable of hardwood floors.

Seeking a Solution to Crawlspace Dampness

You can prevent moisture from accumulating in the crawlspace by providing sufficient ventilation. Homeowners, remodelers and builders are increasingly acknowledging the importance of installing a proper crawlspace ventilation system. A noteworthy feature of such ventilation systems is that there are no guidelines as to which and how many of these ventilation configurations have to be installed in a given home. The system you choose will depend on climatic conditions and the severity of the damage. Ventilating your crawlspace is not as challenging as it may sound and there are many options that you can choose to suit your requirements. 

Exploring Crawlspace Ventilation Options 

Ventilation can be increased in the crawlspace of any household in many ways. If the problem caused by moisture seepage is already severe, then a combination of these methods is recommended. 

Adding Vents: The simplest way of increasing the volume of air ventilated in your crawlspace is the addition of vents. If you already have a few vents, simply add more to increase the circulation of air. This is ideally recommended for homes wherein the first signs of mold growth have just begun to appear in the crawlspace and if done immediately, it can ensure that the problem will not aggravate towards the interiors of the house. Addition of vents is usually recommended because it is inexpensive and can be done by most homeowners themselves. Some folks prefer using vents with sliding doors to help them control the temperature of the crawlspace. 

Adding Fans: There are many crawlspace fans that are being retailed in the market and they are very effective for drying-out the crawlspace dampness. Fans could be automated in nature, wherein they start operating without your involvement, every time the smallest degree of moisture accumulation is signaled. The basic fans are attached to conventional electrical switches and can be periodically turned-off/on for keeping the crawlspace dry. Such fans can be installed anywhere in the foundation area depending upon the location of switches and the ease to turn them off/on. 

Adding a Dehumidifier: Crawlspace dehumidifiers are becoming a popular choice for negating moisture accumulation. Strictly speaking, they are not a ventilation system but are considered a part of most emergency crawlspace ventilation-based overhaul/renovation programs. However, this is a slightly expensive proposition but is known to be very effective. It is usually recommended only in cases of extreme moisture-related damage to the crawlspace that needs urgent rectification. 

Adding Vapor Barriers: This is beyond the realm of ventilating your crawlspace but when combined with other options like the addition of vents, it is counted as a part of crawlspace ventilation. Vapor barriers are made from fabrics that are impermeable to moisture and hence, arrest the inlet of moisture or condensation in crawlspaces that tend to remain damp. Sheets made from synthetic, polyester-based materials are the most common form of such fabrics.