Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are Vents in a crawl space such a big problem?

Answer: Building codes required vents to be placed in crawlspaces beneath homes during the construction phase. Since then, building officials have realized this requirement is incorrect since vents allow hot and humid air to flow promoting condensation, wood rot and mold growth. In winter months, open vents allow cold frigid air to enter crawlspaces and flow unrestricted into the upper levels increasing heat loss and energy inefficiency. Building codes are changing. Soon a vented crawlspace will be a thing of the past. Keep in mind, sealing a crawlspace vent is just one of the two necessary steps toward improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality. The other vital step is encapsulating your crawlspace - separating your home from your moisture-laden soils below.

Advanced Building Solutions offers both the Cleanspace Encapsulation System and Crawlspace vent/door covers for a complete and permanent solution.

Q: How can closing my vents and encapsulating my crawlspace save 20% off my energy costs?

Answer: A vented crawlspace wastes an enormous amount of energy! Sixty percent (60%) of your first living space air comes from your crawlspace! Air readily moves through unseen holes in your home. Like it or not, what's in your crawlspace is in your lungs!

Houses with dirt crawl spaces have damp air. Damp air uses more energy to heat and cool, and this costs more money. Damp air puts more of a "latent " load on the HVAC system. Everyone knows they need to run their AC more on a humid day. But what about humidity from inside the building? Same thing. If you get rid of the humidity from your crawl space, you save money on heating and cooling costs. An independent study by Advanced Energy, a private non-profit organization funded by both public and private funds, has completed studies that revealed ..homeowners who properly fixed their vented dirt crawlspace can save 10-20% on their heating and cooling costs.

In addition to home energy savings, a properly encapsulated and sealed crawlspace prevents eventual wood floor joist replacement due to rot, costly mold remediation and eventual property value reduction.

Q: What are the proper steps to eliminate dirt crawl spaces from having any negative effects on the rest of the house?

Answer: There are four steps to totally eliminate the negative effedts of a dirt crawl space on the rest of the house.

• 1. Fix the water leakage (if there is any).
• 2. Isolate the house from the earth.
• 3. Seal the vents and other outside air leaks.
• 4. "Condition" or dehumidify your crawl space air.

Call us at 301-769-4500