February 2000
Read All About It: Crawlspaces,
Exterior Grading and More!
Everything you ever wanted to know about crawlspaces and
exterior grading/water control is just one click away--new technical
information has been added to the House Facts section of the U.S.
Inspect Web site.
Crawlspaces
are common areas where moisture can penetrate the home and lead to the
growth of unhealthy mold and fungus. Find out what the minimum
clearance and ventilation requirements are and how the installation of vapor
barriers and vents in crawlspaces can help eliminate that wet crawlspace
concern.
Surface water penetration into a home's
basement or crawlspace is most frequently attributed to improper exterior
grading. 
Water accumulation next to the home can lead
to water penetration problems such as structural damage to wood framing,
interior damage to finished surfaces and damage to the homeowners'
belongings. But a simple regrading of the soil, in conjunction with a
downspout and gutter system, can usually resolve one of the most frustrating
problems a homeowner may experience. Learn all about
controlling surface water before it becomes a problem.
U.S. Inspect's House Facts papers
incorporate digital pictures and graphics to complement the
technical information presented. Keep an eye out for future issues of
the Advisory Report, which will highlight new information that has
been added to U.S. Inspect's online technical library.
Other stories in this month's report:
