Easy Tips For Maximizing Crawl Space Ventilation
When people think about crawl space ventilation, most people assume that it should be an extremely easy and straightforward mission to accomplish. In truth, it really is pretty simple, however it's not as basic as simply putting a hole in the entrance to an outdoor crawlspace and assuming that is going to get the job done. You need to take several different steps and you may need to adjust based upon where you live and your climate. Follow these easy, quick crawl space ventilation tips to make sure everything under your home is safe and sound.
You should see that your home already has some form of proper crawl space ventilation. That's because to keep up with building standards and codes it's a requirement, and you aren't supposed to alter anything drastically in terms of the flow or design of the ventilation or you could run afoul of those standards.
One of the reasons why these rules for developing a proper system is in place is because excess moisture here will quickly lead to wood rot that can damage the house's foundation. Additionally it can lead to rampant mold growth, which can be a health concern. Not to mention that you'll be attracting more pests all the meanwhile as well.
Knowing all of this, what kind of improvements or tweaks can you make to help improve the situation? One technique is to put in a mechanical, low power fan where the crawl space vent covers are. Sometimes even with openings for air flow, the air still remains stagnant. Therefore a low power fan that sucks air into it and blows it out will keep everything moving nicely.
Another step you can take is to add additional openings throughout the crawlspace. The problem with having just one is not only that it's small, but it could also be setup in the wrong spot for wind patterns. Therefore, having openings in multiple locations will ensure that air can be blown inside, moving everything about, at all times.
Additionally you should consider adding insulation to the walls, or at least some form of moisture blocking system over the ground. A lot of the moisture comes from the natural release of water from the soil. By laying over anything from a plastic sheet to a rubber membrane or anything else, you'll be preventing a lot of that extra moisture buildup.
You may also want to keep a closer watch on your ventilation during different seasons depending on where you live. There are some automatic systems that will adjust for more ventilation when it's warmer while reducing ventilation in the wet, cold months. Alternatively, you can simply make quick adjustments when the weather turns each year.
These are just a few of the quick and easy ways that you can improve and maximize your home's crawl space ventilation. Don't take this for granted, because many homes are woefully lacking in this regard despite the proper standards in place. Just make a few small changes though and it will be better than ever.
