Are Crawlspace Vents Required?

The short answer to the question “are crawlspace vents required?” is no. While crawlspace vents are the traditional method of dealing with moisture in crawlspaces and aiding in air circulation, and the method long endorsed by building codes, most moisture management companies would argue that they are not the best method. This is especially true if there are no other moisture management solutions in the crawlspace such as a sump pump or dehumidifier. Since crawlspaces can have a huge impact on the indoor air quality and energy consumption in the home, we typically recommend crawlspace encapsulation as the best way to protect the home and the crawlspace. However, we do offer crawlspace ventilation services for those that want to take a different approach. 

The science behind crawlspace ventilation

As air rises in a house, it carries the air that was previously trapped in the crawl space with it. This includes moisture, mold spores, and anything else that could be in the air down there. When this air rises, it needs to be replaced. Unconditioned outside air enters through the vents and other leaks to make up this replacement air. The “stack effect,” which is similar to how a chimney works, is the natural upward air flow.

As a result, whatever is in the air at your home’s lowest point gradually rises into the living spaces. The crawlspace provides over half of the air we breathe on the first floor of our house. A dirt crawlspace with open vents provides an endless supply of moisture. Even if the dirt appears dry on the surface, digging a few inches down exposes damp earth. This means that there is moisture in the crawlspace being constantly released.

Mold growth, musty odors, and eventually structural damage are all caused by moisture, not to mention that insects and creatures prefer moist conditions. Furthermore, it can cause energy expenses to increase. Moisture wreaks havoc on homes by providing a breeding ground for mold and other fungus, as well as insects that wreak havoc on wood structure.

The dampness in the crawlspace area, as well as the mold and mildew that grow there, affects not only the floor system directly above it, but also the entire house. Water (moisture or high relative humidity), heat, and ultraviolet radiation are three things that damage organic materials like wood or insulation. Water is by far the most harmful of these.

Opening and closing vents

Working vents in the crawlspace are required by most building codes in the summer to allow outside air to circulate under the floor and avoid moisture buildup, which fosters wood damage through mildew and mold. The vents are closed in the winter, when the air is dryer, to prevent the pipes in the crawlspace from freezing. As a result, rather than electing to cover off crawl space vents entirely, we recommend that you open and close the vents in your crawlspace on a periodic basis.

At Jersey Shore Crawlspace Enhancement, we offer automatic temperature vents that handle this process for you. As the name implies, these vents open and close automatically with the temperature. They have a tiny bi-metal coil that reacts to temperature, closing when the temperature drops below 46 degrees and opening the same. 

Benefits of crawlspace encapsulation

Today’s crawlspace science is different than it used to be. While crawlspace vents were believed to offer the most crawlspace protection, a closed/sealed or encapsulated crawlspace is the preferred method. Encapsulated crawl spaces are consistently better at controlling moisture that enters from the damp earth or from warm humid air.

Crawlspace encapsulation is the practice of closing off your crawlspace to the environment outside and conditioning the space to adequately remove excess levels of moisture within your crawlspace’s environment.

Encapsulation is the most effective way to protect your home from:

• Mold
• Damp rot
• Structural damage
• Odors
• Excessive heating & cooling costs
• Poor indoor air quality
• Uncomfortable living environment due to a humid home
• Asthma and allergy symptoms caused by excessive humidity

Crawlspace services by Jersey Shore Crawlspace Enhancement

Whether you are looking to upgrade your current ventilation system or looking for a different approach such as crawlspace encapsulation, the pros at Jersey Shore Crawlspace Enhancement can help. We begin all of our services with a 22-point crawlspace inspection to evaluate the current conditions of the crawlspace and create an improvement plan. We then work with you, the homeowner, to develop a course of action to best meet your home’s moisture management needs.

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