Closed crawl spaces can eliminate mold and moisture problems in homes, but only if they’re built correctly, The Energy & Environmental Building Alliance reports.
Twenty years ago, nearly all crawl spaces were ventilated with outside air in an effort to control moisture. Most building codes required such venting.
The problem is that atmospheric venting is ineffective, to put it mildly. It can actually cause moisture problems, especially in humid climates when warm, moist air enters the crawl space and condenses on the framing.
Things began to improve in the early and mid-2000s after field research by Raleigh, N.C. Advanced Energy in mixed-humid climates found that properly detailed closed crawl spaces (with no atmospheric vents to the outside) not only avoided those moisture problems but also made homes generally healthier and more comfortable. Such homes had warmer floors, reduced drafts, less dust, fewer pests, and more stable indoor relative humidity.
Proper detailing is more than eliminating vents: it's a systematic approach to air-sealing, insulation, water management, and space conditioning. Remember that you're bringing the crawl space into the home's conditioned building envelope, so you need to treat it with appropriate care.
Related Stories
Energy Efficiency
Meet the Zero Energy Ready Home Program Version 2
The latest version of the ZERH program aims to push home energy efficiency and performance to the next level
Energy Efficiency
These Six Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades Are About to Get a Lot More Affordable
These all-electric home upgrades can boost a home's energy efficiency, and with the help of government subsidies, they're also more affordable than ever before
Solar
California Announces Plans to Cut Rooftop Solar Incentives—Here’s What That Means for Homeowners
California's solar incentive program just took a major hit after the state’s Public Utilities Commission voted to reduce payments to solar customers
