Superb posting, can you guys please help me crack this new Google code they used for their logo? It's in HTML5...

thanx for posting, love it as hell

Great subject , keep it up.

Sometimes I just wonder...

I like the idea, cool!

Good job guys!

Nice site, you know after 4 years of studies I guess I have to admit I was wrong about this. Thanks for opening my eyes!

Thanks for the response. This is very helpful. When I proceed, I'll need to insulate the crawl space walls, but I have a "pier and curtain" style wall construction for about 70% of the crawl space making it very difficult to use a rigid insulation due to the constant intrusion of the block piers. Any thoughts on the Johns-Manville product "Basement Wall Insulation" that is a fiberglass insulation with a Polypropylene-Scrim-Kraft facing. One contractor I know uses this and it would eliminate 1,000s of cuts for the boards. In humid NC climate would you place the liner on the wall side of the insulation or on the inside of the crawlspace or would you just go up several inches on the wall and have the insulation drape over the liner? Thanks for your help.

good blog love this stuff

Richard,

Thanks for the question!

The purpose of accuracy, let's discuss the code for a minute. Each region has, at it's discretion, the ability to adopt any new International Residential Code (IRC) changes or not. If a local building department is using the 2000 IRC then they will likely not know about a conditioned crawl space and claim you have to have vents.. This problem comes up a lot. The fact is, the code is the minimum requirement not the only way to do it. You are allowed to exceed the code and conditioning the space exceeds the code. The 2006 IRC clarifies your choices, you can use vents or you can condition. And most of the code books that call for vents either also allow for a conditioned crawl space or they are out dated.

As far as why hardware stores still carry replacement vents, well I suppose they will continue for as long as people keep buying them -due to being mislead by an ignorant person (with all due respect) about their choices on how to properly fix their crawl space. The research is in and conditioning the crawl space is the fix.

I know it seems like the information is hidden, but we are trying to change that. I hope this helps.



Matt

@chels I know what you mean, its hard to find good help these days. People now days just don't have the work ethic they used to have. I mean consider whoever wrote this post, they must have been working hard to write that good and it took a good bit of their time I am sure. I work with people who couldn't write like this if they tried, and getting them to try is hard enough as it is.

I really only have one question.I do not disagree with your total thought process but my question is why if crawl space vents are not needed in a home to vent to the out side of the house why dose the code in most parts of country call for them in their code books.I have friends all over the country in the building trades and most of them have a question or two about the crawlspace vents that are on the market also, but they all agree that in at least most of the country the code still calls for crawl space vents for homes that are built on a crawlspace. In addition all the hardwares and major building outlets still carry replacement vents.So why dose most of the code books still call for crawl space vents?

Rob,

Thanks for the question!

Some building code do not allow you to have insulation in both areas so check with your local building dept. to be sure.

I personally don't recommend it in a sealed crawl because:
1. the floor joist insulation is neutered by the wall insulation
2. The floor joist insulation will hinder any positive geothermal exchange between the home and crawl
3. The floor joist insulation makes a nice home for rodents (even if they come in from the house and not the crawl)
4. The fiberglass insulation holds odor from the problem crawl
5. By having insulation in both areas and your HVAC in the crawl space you will create a refrigerator in the crawl during cooling season.

So those are the top five:D

Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.

Matt

You mention that insulation should be on the crawl space walls and rim joist areas or in the crawl space ceiling/floor joists, but never both. Why is it so important to remove the floor joist insulation when adding wall insulation and conditioning the crawl space. My floor joist insulation has no backing and could offer some quietness to the floors. Our HVAC is in the crawl space and I feel certain it will be louder with the insulation removed.

found your site on del.icio.us today and really liked it. i bookmarked it and will be back to check it out some more later

i have enjoyed reading thank for sharing your story Greeting.

My friend suggested me to visit your blog. Very well explained. I would like to say that it is very interesting to read your blog.

I will use your advice from now on. Jaap

been following your blog for 3 days now and i should say i am starting to like your post. and now how do i subscribe to your blog?

thanx for posting, love it as hell