Areas inaccessible/not visible due to height, design, materials: Some areas are inaccessible and/or not visible due to height, design and materials. Therefore, the inspection is limited.
Below-grade area includes exposed soil, may permit moisture/unwanted ground vapors: The below-grade area of the dwelling includes exposed soil. This condition may permit the migration of moisture and other unwanted ground vapors into the living area. This condition is conducive to pest infestation. Install a vapor retarder over the exposed soil.
No vapor retarder, no signs of excessive moisture, consider installing vapor retarder: The crawl space does not have a vapor retarder but there are no signs of excessive moisture. Consider installing a vapor retarder to continue to help keep the ground moisture away from house.
Close vents during colder months to avoid freezing temperatures below house, open vents during warmer months for cross-ventilation: Vents should be closed during colder months to avoid freezing temperatures below the house. Covers of rigid insulation or other materials can be used for such purpose. Vents should be reopened during warmer months for proper cross-ventilation.
Keep vents closed during summer months to keep warm, moist air out of crawl space: Foundation vents should be kept closed during the summer months to keep warm, moist air out of the crawl space and to reduce condensation on ductwork and other cool surfaces. Foundation vents can be opened during winter months to permit dryer winter air to ventilate the crawl space. Vents directly in front of plumbing pipes should always be kept closed to prevent freezing in winter months.
“Closed and conditioned” crawl space, to improve long-term moisture issues: This house features a “closed and conditioned” crawl space. This is an effort to improve long-term moisture issues that traditional approaches have not solved in humid areas. The closed and conditioned crawl space has no foundation vents or vents are sealed. The ground is covered and sealed at the walls and dehumidifiers occasionally are installed. HVAC registers are provided so that the space is heated and cooled. This makes the crawl space more of an extension of the conditioned interior of the home. While this appears to be a successful approach for many homes, there are some drawbacks. The primary one is that it is often not possible to inspect the walls and other spaces for evidence of insect activity. The space should be checked periodically for any leaks or water penetration. All of the basic surface water control features of good home construction must be maintained.
“Closed” crawl space, to improve long-term moisture issues: This house features a “closed” crawl space. This is an effort to improve long-term moisture issues that traditional approaches have not solved in humid areas. The closed crawl space has no foundation vents or vents are sealed. The ground is covered and sealed at the walls and dehumidifiers occasionally are installed. This makes the crawl space more of an extension of the conditioned interior of the home. While this appears to be a successful approach for many homes, there are some drawbacks. The primary one is that it is often not possible to inspect the walls and other spaces for evidence of insect activity. The space should be checked periodically for any leaks or water penetration. All of the basic surface water control features of good home construction must be maintained.
Crawl space vents installed in foundation walls permit moisture to be vented out of crawl space, keep vents open: Crawl space vents installed in the foundation walls permit moisture to be properly vented out of the crawl space. Trapped moisture promotes mold and mildew and could eventually result in structural deterioration. Therefore, it is important to keep vents open and unobstructed.