Did you know that mold growth can be prevented by keeping humidity levels below 50%? If you have a crawl space, ventilating it could be the solution to preventing mold growth.
Before you benefit from crawl space vents, you need to figure out if it is the right option for your home. So, what are the pros and cons of crawl space ventilation?
Keep reading to find out.
Crawl Space Ventilation
Crawl space vents are noticeable on the outside of the home. The number of vents you have depends on how small or large your home is. They might have wells surrounding them to prevent water from flowing in.
Pros of Crawl Space Ventilation
One of the main benefits of crawl space ventilation is that vents can prevent mold growth. Water in crawl space can cause extreme damages to the home.
Ventilating a crawl space might also be part of a building code. All modifications for the home should first get verified with local codes. You can purchase a crawl space ventilation fan, but crawl space vents are generally less expensive.
Cons of Crawl Space Ventilation
In humid areas, crawl space ventilation isn’t very helpful. Air from outside that is supposed to clear out the crawl space with open vents is just as humid as the air it should be replacing.
Because there is an inability to regulate humidity, moisture gets created and can lead to mold growth. Air drawn from the crawl space into the home can feel humid and moldy. The air quality in the home will suffer greatly.
Sealing a Crawl Space
Crawl space ventilation requirements might be different depending on your area. In some places, building codes require you to seal up the vents under your home.
Pros of Sealing a Crawl Space
Air quality inside the home will improve when the crawl space vents are sealed. If you still deal with humidity problems when sealing off your crawl space, you can use a crawl space vent fan.
With insulation, the homeowner can benefit from heating and cooling costs. The risk of mold growth is reduced along with the possibility of structural damage.
If your home has a lot of wood surfaces, sealing your crawl space can improve the longevity of your home. You’ll notice that the floor is warmer in the winter when the crawl space is ventilated properly.
Cons of Sealing a Crawl Space
A lot of homes have open crawl space systems which means a conversion process will be necessary. This process can get expensive and will require basic crawl space maintenance so that everything stays working as it should.
Although you should always keep an eye on your crawl space, maintenance is easier with an open system.
What Should You Do About Your Crawl Space?
Crawl space ventilation can be very beneficial to some homes, but others not so much. Deciding if you need crawl space ventilation might come down to the structure of your home and the area you live in.
If ventilating your crawl space doesn’t seem like the right move, sealing your crawl space could be a better option. Always check the building codes in your area to help you make a decision.
For more articles on the home, check out the other posts on our blog.
