I have insulation between the floor joist over a crawl space, kraftface/vapor barrier toward the living area. The earthen floor of the crawlspace is covered with a vapor barrier. The 20X24 crawlspace foundation is vented with two vent blocks on each side. The problem is I have a considerable amount of condensation forming on the insulation and bottom of joists. According to the insulation manufacturer customer’s service personel, I have installed the insulation and vapor barrier correctly.
I’ve been told to open these vents in the summer and close them in the winter. Does this factor in?
I have carpeting awaiting insulation will the slight insulation property of padding and carpeting help or hurt this phenomenon?
We are located in northwest pennsylvania where this spring and summer has been damp. The cottage is nestled in the woods with a clearing of twenty yards around the house. The vent blockas are unobstructed.
Why the heavy condensation? Puzzled!!
Edited 7/29/2003 7:40:01 AM ET by hunter
Replies
Where are you located? What climate? That will make alot of difference in how you deal with this. What is your joist size?
2X8 joist 16"oc
Located in northern pennsylvania were the spring and summer has been more damp than usual.
Although the concrete block foundation walls are damp there is no standing water. The perimeter has a french drain.
Thanks
In some locations, what happenms is that warm humid air comes in through the vents in summer and hits the cooler surfaces under the house, condensing and giving you the problem you see.
Close the vents until fall when air is cooler and dryer, then close them again when frost hits.
Excellence is its own reward!
I agree with Piffin, if you have a problem with condensation after insulating properly, then only ventilate when weather is cooler and dryer.
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