Are you a Pennsylvania homeowner who is struggling with wet, musty crawl space? Pennsylvania’s humid climate provides ideal conditions for moisture accumulation in crawl spaces. Take professional advice and help to get rid of the dampness. Basement Finishing, Lancaster, PA, will help you get a cleaned, well maintained and hygienic crawlspace. This article demystifies three options to prevent crawl space moisture: vents, vapor barriers and insulation.
Crawl space vents, vapor barriers and insulation
Before we get to the intricacies of all the three options, let us first understand the meaning of crawl space, its importance and the problems associated with it.
What is a crawl space, its importance and problems?
Crawl space is a small room beneath the main floor of a home but it is not a full basement. These spaces have solid walls and offer little standing room, most measuring less than 5 feet tall therefore they are called crawl spaces. Crawl spaces are designed to reduce the risk of flooding and home damage in flood prone areas. They serve as a protective barrier by lifting the first floor of a home above potential floodwaters.
About 15% of homes in Pennsylvania have a crawl space. Crawl spaces serve several practical purposes.
- They support a home’s foundation.
- Crawl spaces also serve as hubs for critical utilities like plumbing, electric wires, HVAC systems, making maintenance easier.
- They can be used effectively for moisture control also. Properly ventilated crawl spaces are designed to help control moisture build up and reduce the risk of mold and structural damage.
- In crowded urban living areas crawl spaces offer structural support for a house and room for ductwork without a bulk of a full basement, serving as a space saving solution.
Though they serve an important purpose, especially in a humid place like Pennsylvania, there are also many problems associated with crawl spaces.
Moisture problem
As heat and moisture gather in the crawl space without having any way to release back to the atmosphere, the moisture turns into water droplets that gather around the wood. This gives rise to dampness in the wood causing growth of mold, mildew and bugs. As mold grows, it releases its spores into the air that increase the risk of asthma. This makes your crawl space musty and unhygienic, increasing the overall moisture content in the walls and the interiors of the structure. This is hazardous for the health of your family. It also lowers the comfortability of your home. Also your critical utilities like plumbing, electric wires which are placed in the crawl space may get affected due to excess humidity.
Lack of a vapor barrier
Most crawl spaces don’t have a true floor. The floors of the crawl spaces allow water vapor, odors and gasses to move from the ground into your home. The installation of vapor barriers can mitigate this.
Wind currents problem
The foundation of houses is not airtight. The wind currents blow pollen, dust and other particles from the atmosphere into your home. Your HVAC filters may help reduce these particles when it is actively running. But unmaintained crawl spaces become a home to such things.
Hence the crawl spaces need to be kept well maintained, clean and dry. It’s humidity must be addressed immediately to avert further damage to the building and its inhabitants. There are three ways to control crawl space humidity: vents, vapor barriers and insulation. Let us look at each of them in detail.
Crawl space vents
Earlier, builders installed air vents in crawl spaces to allow air circulation. Crawl space vents are also called foundation vents. They enable the outside air to circulate in the crawl spaces. These crawl space vents also serve following purposes:
Moisture control
They are kept open on the humid days to prevent moisture build up.
Preventing rot
Because of good air circulation key support structures like wooden beams can be prevented from rotting.
Health and safety
Mold growth in the crawl spaces may release spores into the house affecting the health and safety of its inhabitants. But foundation vents keep them at bay.
But you must note some important points about the vent installation in crawl spaces:
Placement of the vents
They should be placed at least 1 inch above the ground around the sides and back of the house. And they should be accessible for cleaning and maintenance.
Types of vents
Different types of vents can be installed:
- Perforated sheet metal plates, extruded load bearing bricks or hardware cloth wire are the options for smaller crawl spaces.
- Cast iron grills, corrosion- resistant wire mesh or even a dedicated ventilation system are the options for larger crawl spaces.
Whichever type of vent you choose, there are some peculiar problems with crawl space vents:
- Sometimes, mold is found growing even after fitting a vent.
- Open vents also promote rusting, corrosion and wood rot.
- Vents don’t filter or dehumidify air. Therefore, the temperature difference between the outside and the inside of the crawl space leads to condensation increasing dampness inside the crawl space.
- They also allow entry of insects and pests in the crawl spaces.
Due to these problems associated with the crawl space vents, vapor barriers and encapsulation are widely used for crawl space moisture control.
Crawl space vapor barriers
Vapor barriers are materials used to slow or prevent the absorption of moisture into a construction such as a wall or floor. In most US climates, vapor barriers should be a part of the moisture control strategy for a home. Vapor barrier reduces the rate at which water vapor can move through a material.
The ability of a material to retard the diffusion of water vapor is measured in units known as perms or permeability. The international Residential Code describes three classes of water vapor barriers:
Class 1 vapor barriers (0.1 perms or less)
- Glass
- Sheet metal
- Polyethylene sheet
- Rubber membrane
Class 2 vapor barriers (greater than 0.1 perms and less than or equal to 1.0 perms)
- Unfaced expanded polystyrene
- 30 pound asphalt coated paper
- Plywood
- Bitumen coated craft paper
Class 3 vapor barriers (greater than 1.0 perms and less than or equal to 10 perms)
- Gypsum board
- Fiberglass insulation
- Cellulose insulation
- Board lumbar
- Concrete block
- Brick
- House wrap
These vapor barriers help control moisture in:
- Basements
- Ceilings
- Crawl spaces
- Floors
- Walls
Along with the use of vapor barriers the air sealing of gaps in the structure is required for effective moisture control. The use of vapor barriers depends on the climate and construction of your home. Moisture or water vapor enters into building cavities in three ways:
- with air currents
- by diffusion through materials
- by heat transfer
A vapor barrier serves to reduce this problem. Vapor barriers slow the rate of vapor diffusion into the thermal envelope of the structure. Hence in the humid climates like Pennsylvania, the use of vapor barriers becomes essential. The interior vapor barrier is useful in heating-dominated climates like Pennsylvania while an exterior vapor barrier is useful in cooling-dominated climates.
Encapsulation
Encapsulation is another prevalent solution used for crawl space moisture control. Vapor barriers are only overlapped over the crawlspace floor, encapsulation systems cover the entire floor, all of the walls and wood framing. This creates a much stronger barrier that completely resists moisture, mold, mildew and pests. Encapsulation seals the crawlspace from the ground and air, preventing moisture from entering.
Though the budget for encapsulation may be little higher than vapor barriers, encapsulation will give you full protection from the moisture. This will keep your crawl space free of molds, mildews, pests making it hygienic. It will also help regulate home temperatures and decrease the energy bills. In the long run it will also help to protect the integrity of your structure.
Few factors have to be taken care of while you get the encapsulation done. These are:
- Address leaks, grade the soil and install vapor barrier.
- Encapsulate air circulation spaces and install dehumidifiers.
- Insulate the walls with spray foam.
- Get structural, foundation repairs done.
- Get pest control done.
- Regularly inspect and maintain your encapsulated crawl space.
You should hire a qualified, expert professional contractor who is familiar with Pennsylvania climate and regulation for all of this work including vapor barriers and encapsulation of your crawlspace. Basement Finishing Lancaster PA, offers you an expert hand to eliminate your problems with your crawl space.
Crawl Space Insulation
Encapsulation helps with the floor and the foundation leaks but not thermal transfer. That means you would still be stuck with cold floors and uncomfortable rooms if you don’t create an air seal. This is called insulation. The purpose of insulation is to address the problems like frozen pipes and cold floors above the crawl spaces. It involves adding insulation material to the crawl spaces. Spray foam insulation is the best insulation option for the crawl space since it creates that air seal.
How is crawl space insulated?
A combination of a 6 mil vapor barrier and a spray foam insulation kit is used to insulate the crawl space. Spray foam is a costlier option but it can uniquely attach itself to seal small cracks and effectively reduces airflow. The other types of insulations are:
Duct and pipe insulation
The exposed HVAC ductwork and pipes are insulated to improve energy efficiency in those systems. Use of aluminum barriers, pipe insulation tapes or adhesive pipe covers is done for this.
Fiberglass insulation
Faced fiberglass insulation is the most affordable type of insulation per square foot. But this can only be used in ventilated crawl spaces.
Rigid foam Boards
A number of foam board products are used to insulate between the floor joints and along the walls of your crawlspace.
Sometimes it is wiser to get professional help for matters that can turn worse overtime like crawl space humidity. It is better to address the issue immediately with the advice of experts like Basement Finishing.
Basement Finishing Lancaster PA: For all your basement needs
Basement Finishing is proud to be serving in the industry for the last 30 years. Founded by three friends in Lancaster, it has grown through mouth publicity by their happy customers. Starting the journey with a simple idea of turning forgotten places like basements into attractive and lively spaces, they have succeeded in transferring many once forgotten basements into attractive places that meet your lifestyle needs. With their long experience and expertise they have converted neglected basements into family retreats, home gyms and stylish entertainment hubs. They craft customized designs as per your preferences.
The Basement Finishing have their expertise in:
Structural modifications of basements
Reliable structural modifications to elevate your basements to higher level of comfort and utility.
Electrical and plumbing considerations
Installation and functionality of electrical outlets and plumbing for seamless utility.
Insulation and moisture control
They provide insulation and moisture control in your basements and crawl spaces to ensure a completely dry, comfortable and hygienic environment in your basement and crawl space. This enhances temperature regulation throughout your house, keeping it cozy and protecting your property from potential water damage for years to come.
Exterior wall sealing
To protect the exterior walls from deterioration due to sun, rain, ice, hail, pollution, storms, strong winds. This is done by addressing the cracks or gaps in exterior walls, cleaning the gutters, waterproofing, exterior insulation and finish systems, using vapor barriers and house wraps. They can also help you with foundation waterproofing of your property.
Basement waterproofing
Expertise in basement waterproofing, that consists of interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing, sump pump installation, basement sealing etc. to keep your basement dry,clean and hygienic.
Insulation of exposed copper pipes in the crawl space
During winter, exposed copper pipes can freeze due to extreme cold temperatures. Copper pipe insulation is the best way to prevent any freezing. At basement waterproofing your copper pipes are secured with the best insulated materials. Good quality products are used to ensure best results.
Crawl space encapsulation
Basement waterproofing offers their services in crawl space moisture control. Crawl space encapsulation is the best method offered by Basement Finishing to ensure effective moisture control in the crawl spaces.
What makes Basement Finishing, Lancaster the best choice?
- Professional experience in the field for more than 30 years
- Up-to-date with latest industry trends
- Expert and committed teams
- Skilled artisans
- Best practices
- Use of best materials
- Custom solutions tailored to your needs
- Assurance of completion of project to the highest quality and safety standards
- Guaranteed customer satisfaction
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What are vapor barriers?
A vapor barrier is a material that reduces the rate at which water vapor can move through a material. The ability of the barrier to retard the diffusion of water vapor is measured in terms of perms or permeability.
2. Is vapor barrier necessary?
Building codes require a vapor barrier on the interior or exterior of the insulation based on climate zones. Building scientists recommend applying vapor barriers with insulation to enhance your building or home’s indoor environment quality and energy efficiency.
3. What happens without vapor barrier to the crawl spaces?
Water vapor can penetrate through the floor and damage the main floor of buildings. The entry of moisture enhances the growth of molds, mildew and pests, making the crawl spaces untidy and unhygienic. Entry of water vapor also affects the temperature regulation of the house.
4.Which is a better option: vapor barrier or encapsulation?
Vapor barriers are only overlapped over the crawlspace floor whereas encapsulation systems cover the entire floor, all of the walls and wood framing. This creates a much stronger barrier that completely resists moisture, mold, mildew and pests. This helps in regulating the temperature systems better. Encapsulation is a better option.
5. Are vents useful in the crawl space or not?
Historically, builders installed air vents in crawl spaces to allow air circulation. It was thought that it will provide good ventilation keeping the crawl spaces dry and clean, preventing the growth of mold. But the mold was still found growing. In fact open vents also promoted rusting, corrosion and wood rot. This is because vents don’t filter or dehumidify the air. The temperature difference between outside and inside the crawlspace led to condensation increasing the dampness inside the crawl space. Vents also allowed entry of insects and pests. Studies showed that vented crawl spaces were not very hygienic and the dampness can be risky for the foundation.
6. Why is insulating the crawl spaces essential?
All of the insulation products are intended to help reduce the airflow and improve dryness and energy efficiency in the crawl space. It helps to regulate the temperature inside the home keeping it cozy. Insulation removes the dampness in the crawl space, avoiding the growth of mold, mildew, pests keeping your crawl space hygienic. This also helps maintain the integrity of the structure of your property.
Conclusion
Crawl spaces serve several practical purposes. They support a home’s foundation. Crawl spaces also serve as hubs for critical utilities like plumbing, electric wires, HVAC systems, making maintenance easier. They can be used to aid in moisture control. Properly ventilated crawl spaces are designed to help control moisture build up and reduce the risk of mold and structural damage. Therefore, moisture control and cleanliness in the crawl space is important. It can be done through crawl space vents, vapor barrier or encapsulation.
A vapor barrier is a material that reduces the rate at which water vapor can move through a material. It covers the flooring of the crawl space. Vapor barriers are only overlapped over the crawl space floor whereas encapsulation systems cover the entire floor, all of the walls and wood framing. This creates a much stronger barrier that completely resists moisture, mold, mildew and pests. This helps in regulating the temperature systems better. Encapsulation is a better option. Encapsulation helps with the floor and the foundation leaks but not thermal transfer. That means you would still be stuck with cold floors and uncomfortable rooms if you don’t also create an air seal. This is called insulation. Spray foam insulation is the best insulation option for the crawl space since it creates that air seal.
Pennsylvania’s humid climate provides ideal conditions for moisture accumulation in crawl spaces. If you are a homeowner in Pennsylvania and are tired of your moist and unhygienic crawl space, get professional advice and work done to rid of the dampness and get a well-insulated, encapsulated, comfortable and hygienic crawl space.
Basement Finishing Lancaster PA are the experts in providing their excellent services to solve all the problems of your basement and crawl spaces. Contact them today, for a hygienic, clean and dry crawl space!