In a home where the entire structure or part of the structure is elevated slightly above the ground but not over a basement, the gap between the bottom of the structure and the ground is known as a crawlspace. This type of foundation is common in warm, moist climates where it is advantageous to raise the structure slightly off the ground to raise it above moisture.
In order to avoid damage from moisture that might rot away beams, joists, and flooring, building codes have long required that crawlspaces be properly vented so that good airflow can help keep these spaces dry. This airflow is normally provided by a series of rectangular, screened vents inserted into the concrete foundations surrounding the crawlspace.
Ventilated Crawlspace Best Practices Best practices in terms of reducing potential problems which may arise from crawlspace ventilation include: 1) having a vapor barrier between the crawlspace and the earth, 2). having a vapor barrier between the crawlspace and the house, 3). appropriate passive ventilation, and, 4). consideration of adding active ventilation into the equation. We’ll discuss more on these four topics later in this article but first, the basics.
California Residential Code (CRC) Requirements In California, virtually all requirements regulating home construction are enumerated in the California Residential Code (CRC). Unless local ordinances, override them, the rules listed in the CRC are the basis for all code requirements for residential housing in California. The prescriptions for venting crawlspaces are contained in CRC Section R408, in several paragraphs. Here are some of the key elements of this section of the CRC:
Section R408.1, Ventilation The first paragraph of CRC section 408 provides the standard requirement for ventilating crawlspaces:
R408.1 Ventilation The under-floor space between the bottom of the floor joists and the earth under any building (except space occupied by a basement) shall have ventilation openings through foundation walls or exterior walls. The minimum net area of ventilation openings shall be not less than 1 square foot for each 150 square feet of under-floor space area, unless the ground surface is covered by a Class 1 vapor retarder material. Where a Class 1 vapor retarder material is used, the minimum net area of ventilation openings shall be not less than 1 square foot for each 1,500 square feet of under-floor space area. One such ventilating opening shall be within 3 feet of each corner of the building.
What this means, essentially, is that you need 1 square foot of screened vent space penetrating the perimeter foundation for every 150 square feet of space in the crawlspace. For example, if your foundation size is 30’ by 30’ you will need vents that have a combined square footage of 6 square feet. This could be achieved by six 1’ x 1’ vents, or three 1’ x 2’ vents. If, however, you cover the bare ground in your crawlspace with an approved vapor-barrier material, you only need 1 square foot of vent for every 1,500 square feet of space.
The Code also requires that there be one ventilated opening near each corner of the building. This is necessary to ensure good cross-flow of air.
Section 408.2, Ventilated Openings This second paragraph provides details of how these crawlspace vents should be sized and arranged:
R408.2 Openings for under-floor ventilation The minimum net area of ventilation openings shall be not less than 1 square foot for each 150 square feet of under-floor area. One ventilation opening shall be within 3 feet of each corner of the building. Ventilation openings shall be covered for their height and width with any of the following materials provided that the least dimension of the covering shall not exceed 1/4 inch:
Perforated sheet metal plates not less than 0.070 inch thick.
Expanded sheet metal plates not less than 0.047 inch thick.
Cast-iron grill or grating.
Extruded load-bearing brick vents.
Hardware cloth of 0.035 inch (0.89 mm) wire or heavier.
Corrosion-resistant wire mesh, with the least dimension being 1/8 inch thick.
Section 408.3, Unventilated Crawlspaces This paragraph makes provisions for situations in which builders and homeowner prefer to omit vents in crawlspaces, usually because they wish to prevent thermal heat loss or to prevent insects and other vermin from gaining access to the space. In the most recent edition of the CRC, builders are now allowed the option of creating non-vented crawlspaces, provided they conform to the prescriptions stipulated in the Section:
R408.3 Unvented crawl space: Ventilation openings in under-floor spaces specified in Sections R408.1 and R408.2 shall not be required where the following items are provided: 1. Exposed earth is covered with a continuous Class I vapor retarder. Joints of the vapor retarder shall overlap by 6 inches and shall be sealed or taped. The edges of the vapor retarder shall extend not less than 6 inches up the stem wall and shall be attached and sealed to the stem wall or insulation. 2. One of the following is provided for the under-floor space:
Continuously operated mechanical exhaust ventilation at a rate equal to 1 cubic foot per minute for each 50 square feet of crawl space floor area, including an air pathway to the common area (such as a duct or transfer grille).
Continuously operated mechanical exhaust ventilation at a rate equal to 1 cubic foot per minute for each 50 square feet of crawl space floor area, including an air pathway to the common area (such as a duct or transfer grille).
Conditioned air supply sized to deliver at a rate equal to 1 cubic foot per minute for each 50 square feet of under-floor area, including a return air pathway to the common area (such as a duct or transfer grille), Crawl space perimeter walls shall be insulated in accordance with the minimum insulation requirements established in the California Energy Code. Crawl space insulation shall be permanently fastened to the wall and extend downward from the floor to the finished grade level and then vertically and/or horizontally for at least an additional 24 inches.
Plenum in structures complying with the California Mechanical Code, if under-floor space is used as a plenum.
Ventilation Best Practice #1: Vapor Barrier Between Crawlspace and Earth: As we learned earlier, the first critical component is having a vapor barrier between the crawlspace and the earth.
Ventilation Best Practice #2: Vapor Barrier Between Crawlspace and House: Although not yet discussed, having a appropriate vapor barrier between the crawlspace and the home’s interior is absolutely essential to crawlspace ventilation best practices.
Ventilation Best Practice #3: Appropriate Passive Ventilation: CRC Section 408.2, which we’ve looked at, prescriptively describes minimal passive ventilation requirements. In terms of best practices, however, we need to recognize that CRC describes the code-minimum, but not necessarily the most foolproof solution to the problem of crawlspace venting.
Ventilation Best Practice #4: Add Active Ventilation: The Code elsewhere admits the prospect of adding active ventilation, i.e. using mechanical fan(s), into the crawlspace ventilation design solution. This is often considered the “nuclear” option, after running out of passive venting options. If superior crawlspace ventilation is the goal, consider voluntarily adding a low energy demand, relatively low-volume, thru-wall fan to pressurize the crawlspace and thus drive any air-borne water vapor out of the crawlspace.
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