A crawl space, also known as an inwards-outwards-in-wards unoccupied space in a residential building, is an unused, unfinished, usually narrow room inside an establishment, usually between the first and second floors. The term ‘crawl space’ is somewhat of a misnomer, as the building might have many other spaces which are commonly referred to as ‘crawl spaces’, but in this instance it is accurate. Also, the term ‘crawl space’ is not used to describe any part of a building which has been used for living, since a ‘home’ or ‘family’ would most likely be one of these rooms. Also, the term ‘crawl space’ is not used to describe any part of a building which is used for living, since a ‘home’ or ‘family’ would most likely be one of these rooms.
When it comes to homes with crawl spaces, the occupants may often suffer from structural problems brought on by the uninvited (or controlled) entry of excess moisture into the home. Moisture is a natural and necessary component of the process of wood burning, as it provides fuel through combustion. Unfortunately, moisture can also be a serious problem in uninvited crawl spaces, due to many factors. One such factor is the presence of insufficient ventilation. A full basement has proper ventilation; a crawl space would not be classified as having proper ventilation, since the walls are not ‘closed off’ from external air. This creates a breeding ground for excess moisture and can result in the growth of mildew, mold, and mildew-borne diseases.
In addition, since the floor of a crawl space is generally just a few feet high, condensation can form on even the least insulated floor levels, creating a very unhealthy environment. Condensation may even form on the ceiling, especially at night, resulting in moisture accumulating on the insides of the ceiling trusses and causing the same structural damage as that experienced above. The result is water leaking onto the floors, walls, or ceilings of the home, and that sort of thing does not have good results for anyone.
The best solution for all of these problems is a system that will elevate the home’s ceiling and therefore alleviate the negative effects of moisture on the interior of the house. A system that provides proper ventilation is required, because without proper ventilation, the presence of excess moisture will cause problems throughout the home. These problems, of course, cannot be ignored, and building owners must take active steps to control them. One way to accomplish this is to install a vapor barrier under the second layer of drywall.
There are many different solutions to the problem of inadequate ventilation in crawl spaces, and some of the better solutions include installing an insulated blanket or a vapor barrier under the second layer of drywall, as well as installing adequate insulation between the walls and ceiling. This last step is especially important in basements, where the walls and ceiling are typically concrete and bricks and have no type of insulation that exists in the traditional attic space. Attics are designed to retain heat, and while the exterior of an attic can be insulated, it is not recommended in a basement, because it can lead to moisture problems.
Another solution for heating and dehumidifying a basement comes in the form of an integrated whole-house HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system. This method is often times the most cost effective solution, because the entire house is included in the HVAC system, and not just one area. These systems are often powered by gas or propane, but they also have natural gas and oil options as well. When it comes to dehumidifying a crawl space, a natural gas powered dehumidifier is ideal, because it will eliminate the need for expensive heating and air conditioning unit, which can be very costly. In addition, natural gas is easier to find and is more affordable than propane, so this might be a better long term option as well.Dealing With a Crawl Space
A crawl space, also known as an inwards-outwards-in-wards unoccupied space in a residential building, is an unused, unfinished, usually narrow room inside an establishment, usually between the first and second floors. The term ‘crawl space’ is somewhat of a misnomer, as the building might have many other spaces which are commonly referred to as ‘crawl spaces’, but in this instance it is accurate. Also, the term ‘crawl space’ is not used to describe any part of a building which has been used for living, since a ‘home’ or ‘family’ would most likely be one of these rooms. Also, the term ‘crawl space’ is not used to describe any part of a building which is used for living, since a ‘home’ or ‘family’ would most likely be one of these rooms.
