Close those crawl-space vents to keep cold air out.
Even today, many homes don’t include a finished basement because of our damp, Southern soils.
What you will find is a series of vents along the foundation.
Credit:MikePanic / Getty Images
But what about when winter rolls aroundshould you close or cover your foundation vents?
Vent covers are placed over square or rectangular openings along the foundation.
Traditionally homes had metal grilles, but modern homes may use fiberglass or plastic covers.
They are also designed to release the buildup of dangerous gases like radon.
Closing vents also removes easyaccess for rodentsand insects seeking warmth in a dark, cozy space.
No one enjoys walking barefoot on a chilly tile floor.
But what if you have constant moisture, a musty smelling crawlspace, and mold and mildew problems?
In that case, you may want to look into a long-term solution and call the pros.
They may advise sealing and insulating your crawl space year round.
Don’t use plywood or other materials that have the potential to absorb moisture and rot.
Use weather stripping and spray foam to seal any gaps and holes in the foundation.
Remove the covers as soon as the weather begins to warmespecially when moisture or flooding are consistent problems.
Most crawl spacesneed a dehumidifierand vapor barriers installed to keep humidity to a minimum before they are closed up.
Automatic foundation vents typically close when the temperature drops to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some brands include a setting that allows you to change the temperature slightly.
These may be worth installing if you don’t want to worry about forgetting to close your vents.
However, you’ll need to inspect them to verify they are operating correctly.
Advanced Energy.Closed Crawl Spaces: An Introduction to Design, Construction and Performance.
JES Foundation Repair.Should I Open or Close My Crawl Space Vents in the Summer?
