Crawlspaces

A variety of codes exist across the International Residential Code (IRC) that address crawlspaces differently from basements, but what actually distinguishes the two?

A great choice for exterior foam on foundations is a borate-treated expanded polystyrene (EPS) that performs at a similar R-value to extruded polystyrene (XPS) but is much less environmentally unfriendly.

A crawlspace doesn't have to be the exact same temperature as the rest of the home. Instead, focus on controlling moisture accumulation.

Insulating concrete-block walls can keep a basement or crawlspace dry, but does preventing inward drying harm the concrete?

To avoid moisture problems, either seal and condition your crawlspace or isolate the space from the rest of the house.

Avoid rot and mold by sealing out moisture from above and below.

Building scientist Joe Lstiburek recommends insulating with rigid foam on the exterior.

Use a combination of batts, continuous rigid foam, and a vapor barrier to safely insulate this tricky space.

In this episode, host and managing editor Justin Fink talks with editor-in-chief Rob Yagid and associate editor Patrick McCombe about floor leveling, crawlspaces, and structural beams. The show is driven…

Properly designed unvented crawlspaces have a number of advantages compared to vented crawlspaces.