Fully concreted crawlspaces... huh?

[bmwjohn]

I am not sure of the correct answer but know 2 points a. concrete slabs make underfloor repair - like pipes - very difficult AND soak up heat and radiate it outside on the edge unless carefully insulated there, and b. very recent experience w/ poorly vented crawl lead to excess humidity and effectively ALL my floor joists rotting out and walls shifting. A friend jacked the house up and replaced joists w/new style treated lumber and we added a TJENTEN? of Minn. dual vent fan w/temp and humidity controls to provide positive air flow and good ventilation until it gets cold. Lots of u-tube videos on crawl space and fans, etc. This was a new topic to me but rotted wood is apparently very common here in Indiana and the fan cost ran from $190 to low of $125 on e-bay - appears good quality. Chicago should be similar and dual small fans might be cheaper than constant de-humid. use. Just my opinion but dry air seems more important than heat efficiency unless you know you can get both.
bmw john in indy/avon

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: JustinH
...it was a SWAMP in the basement during the spring and summer. Replacing 8 windows with vented glass block windows made the basement as dry as a bone, and you do not need to even use a dehumidifier down there.

Good airflow is important.


Interesting. In my past and present home, if I open the basement vent windows during the warm and humid months, letting let that humid air into my nice cool basement, it stinks the place up something terrible in no time. If I keep the windows closed and keep a dehumidifier down there, it's awesome. It's like walking into an air conditioned room. Neither basement has any water seepage and the windows are glass blocked. First home was poured concrete walls (in W.Seneca no less). Present is block. I never understood people running dehumidifiers with the basement windows open! It's no different than running a/c with your windows open.

Joel

 

[mechtech2]

Vent the crawlspace? Often not necessary at all.
It depends on the house and where it is located.
All sorts of things.
I have one that is always perfect with no dehumidifying or ventilation whatsoever.
The concrete floor makes it nice for movement and storage, and insulation is always better than none.
But a huge selling point? Only to a seller.

 

[xsports33]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Vent the crawlspace? Often not necessary at all.
It depends on the house and where it is located.
All sorts of things.
I have one that is always perfect with no dehumidifying or ventilation whatsoever.
The concrete floor makes it nice for movement and storage, and insulation is always better than none.
But a huge selling point? Only to a seller.


The house is lake front on the chain of lakes in the North West Suburbs of Chicago. I just stuck a thermometer and hydrometer down there it is averaging around 70 degrees and 50-60% humidity. what do you consider "perfect" for your crawlspace? also, is it concreted and insulated?

 

[mechtech2]

Chicago suburb, 15 miles inland.
The crawlspace in partially concreted for ease of use.

Walls and foundations seem to be huge factors on crawlspace problems or success.
Some crawlspaces are rather crude appendixes to a house.
Our personal objectives and use of the space determines what level of condition we need.

 

[bigmike]

Houses up north are too complicated or I'm too stupid. Either view is acceptable for me in this scenario.