Is It OK to seal off my crawl space from the elements? The short answer is yes. But you don't fix the crawl space moisture problem and create a crawl space odor or soil gas problem. Like most things in life, a balance is better than one extreme or the other. Michael Church's Crawl Space Repair Myths-Busted book was written to help you Avoid Bad Advice, Bad Decisions, & Bad Repairs. "This book is the Cadillac for crawl space information and Michael Church is your experienced driver. What can I say? It's just an amazing read." The real deal. Are sealed crawl spaces better than vented ones? In my opinion, Yes! Sealed crawl spaces, when combined with proper dehumidification and ventilation, are a more controlled environment. Research shows sealed crawl spaces are more energy efficient and have better air quality as well. Just like you would never leave your doors and windows open with the heat or air conditioning running. Leaving the crawl space door and vents open to the outside can welcome unwanted pests and moisture problems. What steps should I take to seal my crawl space? Crawl space encapsulation requires more than installing a vapor barrier. Every crawl space is different. Each crawl space presents unique problems that must come with a unique solution. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for crawl space repair. Here are 10 recommendations to sealing the crawl space and keeping it worry-free: Please contact us to schedule your assessment to fix your crawl space, basement issue. Do you need help with mold removal, crawl space encapsulation, crawl space insulation, vapor barrier, waterproofing, foundation repair, basement waterproofing, or controlling humidity in your crawl space? If you live in Georgia, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Kentucky, Crawl Space Ninja can help! Also, let us know in the comments below if you have an idea for a new blog topic. Perhaps you'd like to tackle your own crawl space repair. Visit our DIY Store. Learn about Crawl Space Ninja Franchise opportunities.
Is It OK to Seal Off My Crawl Space
Sealed Crawl Space vs Vented
Common Steps to Seal Your Crawl Space
Contact Crawl Space Ninja for Basement Waterproofing and Encapsulation
DIY Crawl Space Repair
Join Crawl Space Ninja as an Owner
Hello, I have a sealed crawl space. The access is in the basement. I have a Dehumidifier in the larger one. Im getting larger level of radon so installed a ERV. Still reading in the 2.8 zone of radon. Im guessing I should call and have a expert put in a mitigation system? The ceilings are open to my finished basement and my kids rooms are down there so I want it good quality. Thanks
Hi Logan, yes I’d recommend having someone take a look. Keep in mind radon levels are only measured in living spaces normally. Not sure if you are getting readings in the basement, crawl space or both. I agree do everything you can to lower radon levels for your kids and your health.
Hi. I have a crawlspace in my basement with soil the window to it it 5 ft 6 off the basement floor. There is a closed window block on the other side. No vent window in the glass block. This crawlspace is under an addition that was put on by previous owners. Recently we smelled a strong skunk smel!. No skunk. It’s coming from that crawlslace. There is no vent window or dehumidifier. 2 months ago we sprayed termite spray in there because there was termites on top of the soil where there was random piece of wood in crawlspace. Strong smell only covered by p!exiglass. What do we do? Do we get a glass block window with vinyl vent so we can vent to the outside? Let me know if you want pictures of the space. Thank you.
Hi Candace, many times the whisper fan we offer on our DIY store can be installed easier than a foundation vent fan. It can be ducted out of a dryer vent. It does require a 4-inch circular hole which may be easier to do than cutting or removing a block-sized hole. Here is a link to the fan and dryer vent https://diy.crawlspaceninja.com/panasonic-whisperline-in-line-fan-model-fv-10nlf1e/. Hope that helps.