Crawl Space Foundation

Crawl Space Foundation

A crawl space foundation is really a popular foundation choice compare to a cement slab foundation. It has a few benefits for you, the homeowner, especially if you have feet and back problems. The crawlspace foundation is similar to slab foundation in that cement provides the basic support system of the house. A sealed crawl space will perform in terms of both moisture and thermal issue climates. The following construction specifications supply a performance unvented crawl space foundation. In retrofit situations, steps as mechanical humidity may be necessary to ensure moisture control. Under no circumstances should a crawl space be sealed without having the use of a dehumidification system.

A crawl space has advantages. It gets the home's base almost 2 feet off the ground especially in moist or termite prone areas. With a slab foundation, you are essentially walking on concrete which can be painful over time on your feet and back. You have more support and more "give" with a crawl space or even a pier and beam foundation. You may have to put up with more creaks as you walk around the house but that may be minor compared to how much easier it is on your feet and back.

Crawl spaces tend to be less costly than basement and similar in price to a slab. Ducts for your heating and air conditioner and plumbing can run along in the crawl space, they're simple to work on and move around under the house. A crawl space is usually built with side wall cinder blocks. However, crawl space does has several disadvantages also. Crawl spaces have a never ending source of moisture in a home, simply because of contact with the ground soil.

Moisture ruins homes by providing an environment for mold, fungi, and insects that destroy wood. This is one of the cons of having a crawlspace. They need regular maintenance. You need to spray around your house for bugs especially termites. You need to keep the space free of moisture at all times to avoid damage to your home's foundation.

You can insulate the foundation walls by using insulated forms and by blowing or using fiberglass in the wall. As soon as the crawl space is vented, there could be efficient air movement which can reduce moisture. Insulation can maintain the temperature under your floors. Discuss with your contractor about choices for your house. Fiberglass is the simplest form of insulation used in flooring. It has following advantages: it's cheap, works well, and simple to install. You can wear long sleeve flannel to keep it off your skin.

If you find yourself in the position of needing to repair your crawl space foundation, there are many reliable foundation repair contractors in Texas who can provide a warranty and service guarantee for their work. Problems only get worse with time. Do it now before it costs you more money.