What Is Your Crawlspace IQ?
Crawlspaces are an important design in construction. They elevate your home above the ground, helping protect it from moisture while allowing easy access to critical systems.
Most homeowners don’t know the condition of the crawlspace beneath their home, yet up to 50% of the air on the first floor can come from it. Keeping it clean, dry, and properly managed helps protect your home’s environment, structure, and systems.
What Type of Crawlspace Do You Have?
VENTED CRAWLSPACE
A vented crawlspace uses outside air to help manage moisture. Depending on the time of year and conditions, the vents will either be opened or closed.
Properly Vented Crawlspaces Include:
1. Foundation vents for airflow that are in the correct position
2. A continuous ground vapor barrier
3. Insulation attached to the underside of the floor
CONDITIONED CRAWLSPACE
A conditioned crawlspace is sealed and controlled like part of the home.
Properly Conditioned Crawlspaces Include:
1. Sealed or no outside foundation vents
2. Sealed vapor barrier on ground and walls (or encapsulated)
3. Managed airflow
What To Watch For
Both vented and conditioned crawlspaces can provide years of reliable performance when properly designed, constructed, and maintained. The key is understanding the unique challenges of each system and addressing them before they become costly problems.
VENTED CRAWLSPACES
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Damaged or improperly installed vapor barriers that don't overlap
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Water intrusion and signs of poor drainage
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Elevated humidity and wood moisture content levels
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Wood rot or moisture-related deterioration
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Blocked or damaged foundation vents
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Wet, damaged, or fallen insulation from the subfloor
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Microbial growth from compromised conditions
CONDITIONED CRAWLSPACE
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Damaged or improperly sealed vapor barriers
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Elevated humidity
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Water intrusion
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Dehumidifier or mechanical airflow system performance
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Gaps in air sealing around penetrations
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Wet or damaged insulation around the foundation walls
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Microbial growth from compromised conditions
The Crawlspace IQ Approach
At Crawlspace IQ, we don't advocate for one crawlspace design over another. Our goal is to help ensure that every crawlspace — whether vented or conditioned — is clean, dry, structurally sound, and performing as intended.
Our certification process identifies and corrects conditions that may impact the health, safety, durability, and long-term performance of the crawlspace.
Has Your Crawlspace Been Inspected In The Past Year?
