Moodboard #004 | Owner Build
INTRODUCTION
Being an Owner Build of your new home construction requires a lot of planning during the design phase. Therefore it is essential to consider all the building elements, such as insulation, waterproofing, and Sealant. These systems components will make your home last many years to come. In this blog, you be exposed to the benefits of designing a closed crawl space for your foundation. No worries if your home is already built and it's an open crawl space. You can transform it to become a closed crawl space. Before we jump into the advantages of a crawl space. Let's take some time to discuss what is a closed crawl space. You may be more familiar with it being called a condition crawl space. Basically, it's a secure crawl space fully encapsulated and sealed from the outside environment. During your owner-build research development, you may also come across the fact there are different types of foundations, such as slab-on-grade or piers foundations. So, do your due diligence on the best for your site location and soil code regulations. Also, a crawl space is relatively inexpensive for homes compared to other types. Later we will explore the main advantage, a "closed" crawl space best controls moisture levels. Whereas open-vented crawl spaces, the constant challenge is dealing with moisture problems, condensation, surface mold growth, and wood rot, which can lead to structural integrity failure of the home. We hope to expand your knowledge in this subject area and discuss the different building materials used to construct a closed crawl space to help optimize the energy savings of your overall home.
Common Problems
Most open crawl spaces lack the proper tools to control moisture, provide adequate insulation, and/or detect radon gas that can be lethal to homes and your health. One of the significant design questions designers/builders/architects address "What is the plan to keep the water away from your home?" By addressing that question, it creates a path for sustainable design choices and a quality built home. We know avoiding water is impossible, but being able to divert the water from your home can prevent the water from seeping into your home and prevent mold or mildew growth. The second challenge from open-vented crawl space is controlling the home's energy usage. Since the thermal barrier does not extend to the crawl space, where some call this natural ventilation. Most don't realize that leads to overuse of HVAC systems. By having more energy consumption at home can contribute to all large Global Warming, which is our it is our personal duty to help lower our individual impacts. The other primary concern from open crawl spaces is complications of respiratory health risks that stem from poor indoor quality. You probably wonder how one addresses these challenges with a more successful design. No worries, continue reading on!
Construction Detail of closed crawl space
Elements and Systems Components Breakdown
Refer to my sketch for visual reference. As an Owner-Builder, there are some small tool items to have available on the job site. Such as a dedicated Light source, Utility Knife, Knee Pads, Masonry Drill Bits for attaching insulation and/or exterior finishes, Measuring Tape, and a Marker (We firm believers in the motto "Measure Once, Cut Twice"). Lastly, Safety Gear, Work Gloves, protective Eyewear, Hard Hat, and Breathing Mask as needed. However, you are not limited to these suggestions. Every job site and project is different, so consider these as a road map to get you started. The following items are related to constructing a closed crawl space.
01 Insulation – Rigid Foam – Foamular NGX 400/600/1000
This is an extruded polystyrene (XPS) Rigid Foam Insulation. Foamular NGX, NGX stands for "Next Generation Extruded Technology," which is more environmentally sustainable. 400, 600, and 1000 refer to the insulation compressive strength in pounds per square inch (PSI). NGX 400 is recommended for residential construction applications like the crawl space. In the next section, I briefly review other types of insulation that can be used in this application of the home.
02 Termite Shield Sill
By TermiMesh
This product is a stainless-steel termite barrier system to deter concealed termite access from the ground. It is worth considering but not mandatory, but it is best practice if there has ever been a history of terminates being present. You can also treat and surround trees that are formula-based solutions based to protect your property.
03 Sealant and Adhesive
Note: Consider the compatibility of the different products with your choice of Sealant and insulation.
For Sealant - 3M™ Polystyrene Insulation Adhesive 78
By 3M
There are thousands of different types to select from. The 3M production information shows that it is designed specifically for bonding expanding polystyrene foams (EPS). It states that it will not dissolve or degrade polystyrene once applied.
For Adhesives
By 3M
There are three different types. One is a Tube or Sausage applied using a caulk or sausage gun. Two is a . Spray is available in canisters and applied using a spray/gun or wand. The third. Foam is available in canisters and applied using a gun to control the application. Tiy can visit the 3M website that best suit your preferences.
04 Importance of Slope away from the home
By CAT
As an Owner-Build, you will learn about the vast heavy equipment s needed to complete the job. Ultimately the finish grade of the home should be sloped away from the house. You can always lease this equipment which is recommended for one time build of your dream home. The second option is to outsource the foundation work to another subcontractor. Within my research I recommend the Caterpillar 305.5E2 CR, a compact excavator with a 53-horsepower engine. A maximum digging depth of 12.5 feet is suitable for residential new construction work.
05 Waterproof Protection – Bituthene 3000 and Bituthene Low-Temperature Membrane
BY GCP
This product is a self-adhesive, polyethylene waterproofing membrane. An extra step to be aware of during the application process is adding Bituthrnr Primer before using the waterproof membrane. As a result, the primer will increase the membrane adhesion to concrete surfaces.
06 Foundation Drain – NDS EZ-Drain Prefabricated French Drain with Pipe
By NDS
This is a unique component because it comes with two products. This combination reduces the labor force needed on-site and a shorter project schedule. In addition, the gravel and pipe are delivered as lightweight and more efficient. It claimed to have a 30% better flow rate.
07 Dehumidifier – Alorair
By Alorair
An Alorair dehumidifier is a device designed to reduce and control the humidity levels in a crawl space. It helps prevent moisture buildup, mold growth, and other moisture. This model is compact and portable. This is a key equipment for maintaining a healthy and dry crawl space environment.
08 - 20 Mil 14 ft. x 105 ft. Yellow Guard Vapor Barrier
By White Cap
In our construction detail for reference, a minimum 6-Mill vapor retarder should extend up the interior walls and columns at least 4 inches above the crawl space. The 20-Mill by White Cap is a high-quality and reliable product that can help to prevent moisture and air infiltration in crawl spaces and other areas. The thickness provides a durable and puncture-resistant barrier that can withstand harsh conditions. The Yellow Guard Vapor Barrier is also reinforced with a polyester scrim layer, improving its tear and tensile strength. In addition, the yellow color of the sheet makes it easy to identify and inspect during installation, ensuring that it is properly installed and sealed.
Closed Crawl Space Insulation Advantages
One of the major components is having proper insulation. To assist in keeping the home at a comfortable temperature all year long. Many different types of insulation can be used in your home, such as Spray foam, Fiberglass, Cellulose, and Rigid Foam Insulation. Spray foam can be expensive for installation; however, it has a high return on investment due to its excellent insulating properties. It is a liquid sprayed from the nozzle onto the exposed surfaces; the foams expand and harden, filling all gaps and crevices. Fiberglass, on the other hand, is less expensive in installation cost but may not be the best option because it can absorb moisture and is ineffective at preventing air leakage, which we do not want within our crawl space. Another insulation type is cellulose, which is made from recycled paper products. This is a more sustainable, eco-friendly option. However, like spray foam, cellulose can get into tight spaces how. Even though this insulation can absorb moisture, in some cases, it needs to be replaced over time which is not a good ROI. When it comes to Rigid Foam Insulation is made from polystyrene. This is commonly seen in blue (King Span, for example) or pink sheets in local home improvement stores. A great selection because it is moisture-resistant and can provide a high R-Value and more insulation per inch of thickness. Which aids in the reduction of your energy bill. Using a dehumidifier can limit moisture buildup and prevent the polluted air from seeping into your house.
Conclusion
Controlling moisture in the crawlspace is essential to prevent damage to your home and protect your health. Effectively avoiding condensation on the ductwork and other equipment. As well as preventing damp/ sagging insulation or insect infestations. So, with this information, Closed Crawl Space is for the Win! Are you in the process of building your own house as an Owner Builder?. After reading, you discovered many advantages to selecting a crawl space for your home. Note If your home is built, you can easily be converted to be closed. Plus, it's a great way to add value to your home and protect your dream home.
