Introduction
A crawlspace is a shallow and
uninhabitable area, usually between the soil and the first floor of the
home. Crawlspaces usually provide access to the electrical, plumbing
and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems located below
the first floor. The following general guidelines are required in new
homes:
- Minimum access opening is 18 inches by 24 inches.
- Minimum access opening if mechanical equipment (i.e. if an
HVAC system is located in the crawlspace) is 30 inches by 30 inches.
- Minimum clearance between the soil and joists is 18 inches
and 12 inches between the soil and beams.
- Minimum ventilation, every 150 square feet of floor space,
requires a one square foot ventilation opening.
Wet Crawlspace
Water control and management in the crawlspace is essential
for maintaining a house. The most common problem associated with wet crawlspaces is
that moist conditions can lead to wood destroying fungus that deteriorates
exposed framing. In addition, excessive moisture is a conducive condition that can
lead to infestation of wood destroying insects, such as termites. In
exceptional cases, water penetration into a crawlspace can lead to the undermining of the
foundation. For more information on how to deal with wet crawlspaces, follow
the links below.
