HVAC Contractors and Crawlspace Encapsulation

[shaac]

Just a word to my fellow HVAC contractors that the crawlspace encapsulation is a great way to add serious profits to your existing business. We have been involved since the first of the year and our business has really taken off. Please let me know if you have questions?

[ARPA]

I deleted your other thread on the same subject.
Please read the forum rules before further posting.

[donnybrooks]

What are you guys just airsealing crawlspaces??

[shaac]

Seal entire crawlspace with thick mil liner including foundation wall and pillars, install dehumidifier to control humidity levels in crawlspace, install pumps with drain systems to remove water from beneath the house if necessary. Cover pre-existing found vents and crawldoors to ensure no air infiltration from outside.

[donnybrooks]

So now..They can rent out there crawlspaces for people to live in..Holy Sh*t..Poeple go that far for crawlspaces and pay the money??

[shaac]

The whole idea is to stop the dangers that unhealthy air in crawlspaces can cause in the house itself. The encapsulation prevents moisture issues found in most crawlspaces (mold, mildew, etc.) A large percentage of the air that is breathed in the house originates in the crawlspace. North Carolina is the first state to write in to the building code the elimination of foundation vents. It is not necessary nor is it healthy. People pay money for the benefits of living in a healthy environment. This is the largest profit-maker our company is involved in.

[seatonheating]

Originally posted by shaac
The whole idea is to stop the dangers that unhealthy air in crawlspaces can cause in the house itself. The encapsulation prevents moisture issues found in most crawlspaces (mold, mildew, etc.) A large percentage of the air that is breathed in the house originates in the crawlspace. North Carolina is the first state to write in to the building code the elimination of foundation vents. It is not necessary nor is it healthy. People pay money for the benefits of living in a healthy environment. This is the largest profit-maker our company is involved in.

Sounds like a scam to me!!! :)

[Ed Janowiak]

Far from being a scam, it's a better way to treat a crawl space.

Do you vent basements?

No, if you have moisture issues in your basement you treat them at the source.

Ventilating a crawlspace doesn’t do much more than proved a constant source of moisture. With the exception of tidal zones, crawlspace vents are pretty much, if not completely worthless.

Google:

"advanced energy crawlspaces"

Lots of good info on the subject :)

[shaac]

seatonheating, I hope you are not so quick to judge anything you do not understand as being a "scam". Crawlspace encapsulation is a legitimate service that provides tremendous benefits to the homeowner. Maybe you should do some research and discover for yourself.

[jrbenny]

Originally posted by seatonheating
Sounds like a scam to me!!! :) You may want to educatue yourself a bit on healthy homes and new construction techniques. http://www.buildingscience.com would be a good place to start, too.

[cem-bsee]

so, do you apply insul to whole crawl wall?
how about the floor?

what do you do with regard to termites & other such critters?

[duxinaroe]

This is big issue in the coastal south where old leaky ductwork is in the crawl space. High moisture content, dew point, sweating duct, flood zones,AAAAH!

We're basically living in a swamp!

I need to do mine, I keep putting it off.
Thanks for the info.
Dux

[Ed Janowiak]

Originally posted by cem-bsee
so, do you apply insul to whole crawl wall?
how about the floor?

what do you do with regard to termites & other such critters?

This link will address all those questions

http://www.advancedenergy.org/buildings/knowledge_library/crawl_spaces/

[shaac]

The installation is done to accommodate the pest control companies so that proper inspection can be done. Please see the website at http://www.basementsystems.com for more information.

[teddy bear]

Originally posted by shaac
The installation is done to accommodate the pest control companies so that proper inspection can be done. Please see the website at http://www.basementsystems.com for more information.
Do you use the "basement systems" program? What about the dehumidifier? TB

[Pschneid]

It's interesting to note that this 10-15 year old engineering controversy has finally begun to affect the trades.
It's NOT that crawl spaces can't be a part of residential home design but crawl spaces should be treated as part of the conditioned space.

[drk]

Biggest problem I see in encapsulating the crawl is that moisture is still getting to the foundation. It will fall apart at some point in time. Try to take care of the problem before it gets to the foundation from outside.

[shaac]

Moisture to the foundation wall is not a problem. The liner is 20 mil that deters any moisture from entering the crawlspace and penetrating the liner. Done properly with a dehumidifier installed, we are able to precisely control humidity levels in the basement. Not only does this make for much healthier crawlspace conditions, it also contributes to more energy efficient conditions for your HVAC system.

[drk]

Foundation is a problem! nobody wont's a pool 6mil poly should be fine for a crawl.

[shaac]

drk, I respect your right to your opinion, but i totally disagree. Our system addresses standing water issues by installing a pump system designed to remove any standing water from beneath the house. This pump is not needed for all installations but it is available if needed. 6 mil is a waste of time for any crawlspace application. 6 mil is good for what it is actually designed for, a drop cloth for painters. Please see the Advanced Energy website for more information on encapsulation.

[drk]

6 mil Polly is not a drop cloth. They would not use it as a vapor barrier if it would not hold up. Why buy a Cadillac when a Taurus will work just fine. Their are many pumps in crawlspaces that work very good with just Polly. Are you could just spray foam all joist and decking for a lot less money and never have to worry about anything again.

[shaac]

drk, as much as I would like to engage your conversation, I realize that you have no idea what you are talking about. It seems the research of qualified people in various fields of study (building science, energy conservation, etc.) are not as qualified as you to determine what is best in residential applications. Please contact these experts to let them know how wrong they are.

[Balystic]

Originally posted by shaac
Seal entire crawlspace with thick mil liner including foundation wall and pillars, install dehumidifier to control humidity levels in crawlspace, install pumps with drain systems to remove water from beneath the house if necessary. Cover pre-existing found vents and crawldoors to ensure no air infiltration from outside.

What about ombustion air for an 80????

[Edited by Balystic on 10-11-2006 at 06:54 AM]

[Balystic]

Originally posted by shaac
The whole idea is to stop the dangers that unhealthy air in crawlspaces can cause in the house itself. The encapsulation prevents moisture issues found in most crawlspaces (mold, mildew, etc.) A large percentage of the air that is breathed in the house originates in the crawlspace. North Carolina is the first state to write in to the building code the elimination of foundation vents. It is not necessary nor is it healthy. People pay money for the benefits of living in a healthy environment. This is the largest profit-maker our company is involved in.

What about raedon (sp).

[Edited by Balystic on 10-11-2006 at 06:54 AM]

[shaac]

These things do not affect the effectiveness of the crawlspace encapsulation.

[cem-bsee]

I visited the sites listed, and did not see any accomodation for termite inspection -- I have been avocating leaving at least 4" of masonry exposed for that purpose -- probably best down low since that is most likely to be underground --

[shaac]

The installation is done to accommodate the termite inspection. The access is left at the "top" of the liner for the inspection to take place.

[docholiday]

The real problem is that crawl spaces in general are a bad idea unless they are built like a basement in the first place. Frankly, builders dont like basements because tit's extra work they have a hard time justifying the cost to to a resident who knows no better. Personally, if you are not going to put a basement in for what ever reason, either build the crawl like a real basment or assemble the sticks on a slab.

[drk]

spray foam on new constrution and you will never have to do anything in the crawl again.

[shaac]

drk, once again who have spoke and removed all doubt about your ability to discuss crawlspace maintenance. Please take your discussions to another thread.

[bonafide]

I will save this page and new knowledge for future use.
Do You use the Honeywell Whole Home Dehumidifier to aid in the moisture prevention or reduction?

GREAT IDEA!

[drk]

shaac
Sounds like You need to take a look at other options out their. Their are lots of products that can and do work if installed correctly. Your system can work. But very expensive. Insulating with closed cell foam is another way. Have decking and floor joist sprayed with 2in of closed cell foam, you will have R-14 plus air sealing all holes at the same time. 6mil poly close vents and dehumidifier works great to. Seams like to me that you think your (expensive way) is the only way to go. To many options out their for just one way. Give your customers options and let them make the choice on what they would like to spend their money on. We all don't get the opportunity to work with people with unlimited budgets.

[shaac]

drk, there are no studies that I am aware of that validates your claims. My claims can all be documented through extensive research by independent organizations such as Advanced Energy. My system also addresses a draining system to remove any standing water (ground or plumbing) that may occur in any crawlspace. The liner contains a anti-microbial agent that does not allow any mold or mildew growth guaranteed. The system may be more expensive but it is the only guaranteed way (25 year warranty backed by my 53-year old company). Will you back your spray foam installation this long. I will only offer my customers that which I can guarantee.