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The crawl space has vents, 2 on eash end, 3 in the back, and 2 in the front. The 2 on the kithcen end have thermostatically controlled fans, but Im not sure what they are set at, They (the fams) were put in when the other work was done.
I feel pretty confident that that is your problem.
Since the crawl is encapsulated, there is no need for vents. And the fans are certainly not helping!
Warm moist air is probably being pulled into the crawl by the fans and/or negative pressure from the conditioned space- not to mention the possibility of prevailing winds. Which would also indicate that the penetrations in the flooring are also not sealed. Then there’s a strong likelihood that the boots are not properly insulated either.
Then there is the fact that you stated this just started happening- which would lead me to believe one of two things- one- it’s been doing this a lot longer than you thought, and you’re just now noticing it. Two- the fans have gone kaput(?). But, the fans are a pretty big No-No here in the southeast.
Time to do some investigating/research.
We did something really stupid... we parked a low cedar chest over a vent in our bedroom. We figured that the air would just blow out the front and sides. Not so! Well, it did, but moisture condensed under the cedar chest. When I moved the cedar chest after a year, I found wet, ruined hardwood. So, if you have anything that is obstructing the airflow from the vent, it could cause condensation.
I feel pretty confident that that is your problem.
Since the crawl is encapsulated, there is no need for vents. And the fans are certainly not helping!
Warm moist air is probably being pulled into the crawl by the fans and/or negative pressure from the conditioned space- not to mention the possibility of prevailing winds. Which would also indicate that the penetrations in the flooring are also not sealed. Then there’s a strong likelihood that the boots are not properly insulated either.
Then there is the fact that you stated this just started happening- which would lead me to believe one of two things- one- it’s been doing this a lot longer than you thought, and you’re just now noticing it. Two- the fans have gone kaput(?). But, the fans are a pretty big No-No here in the southeast.
Time to do some investigating/research.
I spoke with the guy who did all of tha twork yesterday evening and he said the way he did the plastic is perfectly normal. He said even though it shouldnt, "the film could form condensation, which could lead to mold, and that he did trim the underhouse vents properly." I trust him, he has never steered me wrong before.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dwhisent
We did something really stupid... we parked a low cedar chest over a vent in our bedroom. We figured that the air would just blow out the front and sides. Not so! Well, it did, but moisture condensed under the cedar chest. When I moved the cedar chest after a year, I found wet, ruined hardwood. So, if you have anything that is obstructing the airflow from the vent, it could cause condensation.
Fortunately, thats not an issue.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Coolair
Humidity and moistures is the reason. Are you considering doing it DIY. Because you are going to need some professional equipment to do it.
Do what?
Quote:
Originally Posted by southernnaturelover
Get under there and spray some foam around those boots. They are likely sweating when the a/c is running.
I mentioned it earlier, the boots are insulated, and after looking at them last night, I can confirm they have a layer of insulation inside the boots at the registers.
I spoke with the guy who did all of tha twork yesterday evening and he said the way he did the plastic is perfectly normal. He said even though it shouldnt, "the film could form condensation, which could lead to mold, and that he did trim the underhouse vents properly." I trust him, he has never steered me wrong before.
“…the film could form condensation…”
The problem with this response is, is the condensation on top of the encapsulation? If so, that means warm moist air is getting into the crawl space and condensing on the cool floor. Now, where do you think that moisture will eventually go?
“…trim the underhouse vents properly”
I have no idea what that means- but, the meer fact that there are vents for a “properly” encapsulated crawl is lunacy. And truly “encapsulated crawl space” is a “conditioned space”. You should have a dehumidifier along with a condensation pump (to extract the water from the dehumidifier to an exterior location).
You may feel you haven’t been steered wrong- but I would certainly disagree; especially due to the current conditions you are experiencing.
Here’s a read for you (just happens to be SC related-
Interesting. I may have misunderstood what the installer said, Ill talk with him again. For now, Im going to wait until the guys I have lined up to check the problem can come out after the first of the year. Hopefully any issues can all be addressed at the same time.
I had the needed repairs made and further work done in the crawlspace to help with moisture including a totally new encapsulation and dehumidifier, along with gutters to help move more moisture away. Now my floors are cracking apart and my kitchen floor is all buckeled and theres a large gap between the tub and floor in my bathroom. In short, I wish I had just saved my money and had the floors fixed and left what had worked for over 50 years alone.
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