Open Crawl Space Vents

Previously thought to offer air-circulation benefits, open crawl space vents are now replaceable with more efficient and safer alternatives. 

These common features in homes with crawl spaces often contribute to the very problems they were intended to prevent, such as moisture and poor air quality. Ignoring open crawl space vents can result in dampness, mold, pest infestations, and more in your home. 

With extensive expertise, Foundation Systems of Michigan tackles these challenges directly. Our skilled team is adept at converting your crawl space into a secure, moisture-free, and energy-saving area of your home using our exclusive crawl space encapsulation products, assuring long-term comfort and stability. 

This page will walk you through the background of crawl space vents, their detrimental effects, and the advantages of professional and tailored repairs for your home. 

Open crawl space vents were originally established to meet building codes and stop moisture-related issues, based on past building codes. 

However, these vents often bring about more issues than they prevent. Open crawl space vents can result in: 

• Increased humidity 
• Water entry 
• Drainage difficulties 
• Elevated energy costs 
• Damp insulation 
• Mold growth 
• Stale smells 
• Insect and rodent invasions 
• Wood rot 
• Weakening floors 

These problems can pose serious risks to your home’s structural soundness and your health. If you observe these indicators or spot open vents on your house’s exterior, it’s crucial to reach out to crawl space professionals like Foundation Systems of Michigan promptly. 

Until the later part of the 20th century, incorporating vents into crawl spaces was widely acknowledged as a standard practice, believed to improve air flow and reduce dampness and excess moisture. 

This notion has been disproven over time. Presently, it’s understood that crawl space vents are more likely to exacerbate these issues rather than alleviate them. 

Studies in the 1990s demonstrated that these vents allow moisture entry and reduce a home’s energy efficiency, complicating the maintenance of a steady indoor climate. 

As a result, the use of crawl space vents has seen a significant decline in recent decades. Building regulations are evolving to include vent sealing and crawl space encapsulation. 

Now, sealing these vents is a recognized step in enhancing crawl space conditions. This method is seen as more advantageous, fostering a healthier environment within the crawl space, especially when combined with artificial air circulation. 

The most straightforward method to tackle open crawl space vents is through crawl space encapsulation. This process involves more than just blocking the vent or covering it. 

Foundation Systems of Michigan’s step-by-step crawl space encapsulation process includes: 

• Detailed crawl space inspection. 
• Sealing vents with custom-sized insulation panel blocks. Exterior vent covers are also available upon request. 
• Replacing access doors as necessary. 
• Installing crawl space drainage in the floor. 
• Connecting the drainage system to a sump system. 
• Laying drainage matting on the crawl space floor. 
• Affixing insulation panels to the interior walls. 
• Encapsulating the crawl space with a vapor barrier. 
• Setting up a crawl space dehumidifier. 
• Conducting annual maintenance inspections. 

By selecting Foundation Systems of Michigan, you choose a customized solution supported by our proprietary products, designed to surpass and outlive other options. 

If your home has open crawl space vents, don’t delay in addressing the issue. Foundation Systems of Michigan offers the necessary products, diagnostics, and expertise to fully encapsulate your crawl space. 

We will examine your crawl space, identify the root causes of damage, and provide long-lasting solutions customized for your home. Our proprietary products and comprehensive home approach distinguish us from standard encapsulation kits. Reach out to us today to arrange a free crawl space inspection and a no-obligation repair estimate.