Because there are so many variables at play, such as moisture mitigation, indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and gas appliance safety, it is essential to collaborate with a person who is familiar with the ways in which the many components of the home interact with one another. In most cases, the knowledge that a home performance contractor possesses on the interactions between these systems exceeds that of a crawl space specialist or a general contractor.

Should I install a vent in my crawl space?

In the summer, most building rules demand that the crawlspace have vents that are operational. This is done to allow for the circulation of outside air beneath the floor and to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can lead to the deterioration of wood through the growth of mold and mildew.

Is it possible to use drywall as a vapor barrier?

Unpainted drywall has a very high permeance, which ranges anywhere from 20 to 90, indicating that it is not at all effective as a vapor retarder. Under the same conditions, a sheet of drywall with a hole measuring one square inch can allow 30 quarts of water vapor to travel through the hole caused by air leakage. 

Does a vapor barrier need to be installed if blown-in fiberglass insulation is used?

Fiberglass, like other types of batt insulation, has an R-value that can be accurately predicted if it is not compressed, however it is difficult to maneuver around obstructions without creating gaps. In the majority of climates, a vapor barrier is required.

How do vapor barriers work?

These barriers are normally constructed out of thick plastic materials and are laid across the soil to prevent any moisture from the earth from ever entering the area. It is essential to understand that the only purpose that these barriers serve is to stop the movement of ground moisture into your crawl space and the rest of the building. It is still possible for there to be moisture in the crawl space region due to water runoff or leaking pipes, which is another reason why you should consider combining your barrier with a waterproofing solution.

How would installing a vapor barrier in my crawl space impact the living areas of my home?

The majority of homeowners don't pay a great deal of attention to what's going on down in their crawl spaces, and very few, if any, are enthusiastic about the thought of investing money to enhance their crawl spaces. Nevertheless, the crawl space is an essential part of the network of interconnected systems that, when functioning properly, make the house a pleasant, wholesome, and environmentally responsible place to spend one's life. The heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system, which is the single most expensive and complicated component of a home, is typically located in the crawl space. The entire house is constructed on top of the foundation as well as the piers that surround the crawl space. And whether it's pleasant to think about it or not, a considerable amount of the air that is considered to be "fresh" actually enters the home from the crawl area in the majority of homes. This is true whether or not the crawl space is accessible.