Crawlspaces: Insulated Nonvented vs. Noninsulated Vented

[Guest]

I am very interested to have a professional opinion on this subject. Is the vented and noninsulated crawlspace better than the insulated and nonvented? Why or why not? What are the pros and cons of each? Which is best in which types of climates? What types of improvements or problems are associated with each type?

Thank you in advance for any responses.

[Guest]

There has been a change in thinking about this subject in the last few years. In an earlier posting by our moderator TJ1962, he suggested reading the seminar at http://www.basementanswers.com. Click on the crawl space link on the left and then click on closed crawl spaces in the article section. If this information leaves you with any questions please let us know.

[JacobPM]

Circulation, Filtration and Encapsulation are your best methods in controling mold and moisture in a crawl space.

Encapsulation first: Closes off the crawl space from the moisture which casues the mold.

Circulation: Can be handled by a SantaFe dehumidifier which can also filter the air. By doing this you limit the amount of mold spores floating in the air, remove the moisture in the air and maintain the closed aspect of the crawl space.

Pumping outside air into the crawl space can only ad more moisture and mold spores into the space. This'll force you to run your dehumidifier longer and harder to keep up with the pollen/mold/spore production of the outside world.

My suggestion: Encapsulate, Circulate and Filtrate. Don't vent.