Recommendation for sealing crawlspace and changing out insulation (appliances, home)

[Wheelwright]

I'm considering sealing in my crawlspace and changing out the bat insulation. My hardwoods were installed in the winter months when it was cold and dry and in the summer months they make cracking noises when walked on in spots. They don't squeak at all and there doesn't appear to be any flex. My hunch is the summer heat and humidity swell an already tight joint and creates the noise when walked on. The sound completely disappears when the cooler drier weather comes in.

Can anyone recommend a reputable company to seal a crawlspace? What would a rough estimate be to complete the job? Can anyone recommend another company to remove the bat insulation in my crawlspace and spray in sealant insulation? Pricing on that?

[sacredgrooves]

I will DM you.

[FauxPas]

Do you open your crawl space vents in the warm months?

[Wheelwright]

Originally Posted by FauxPas

Do you open your crawl space vents in the warm months?

I leave the vents closed all summer long and in the coldest months of winter. I leave them open only when it's dry and cooler.

[J. Trent Hicks]

There are many problems associated with high relative humidity and moisture in crawlspaces: mold, mildew, fungus, and algae growth that may affect occupant health; oxidation (rust) on metal surfaces causing premature failure; moisture absorption in wood framing increasing the possibility of rot, insect infestation, subfloor and hardwood flooring squeaks, splitting, cupping and buckling, etc.

We support our remediation recommendations with the science and research documentation conducted by NCSU for our geographic region that can be viewed at: http://www.crawlspaces.org

Water enters a crawlspace from FOUR (4) primary sources:

1-evaporation from the soil under the home
(CORRECTION METHOD: install a 100% moisture barrier, staked, and taped, addresses this issue)

2-migration through or under the perimeter foundation walls
(CORRECTION METHOD: install oversized gutters and downspouts with downspout extensions, ensure their proper operation to carry roof runoff a minimum of six feet away from the foundation; install exterior French drains or swales to redirect surface runoff and grade the landscaping to provide a positive slope away from the foundation)

3-condensation from cool surfaces in a humidity-laden environment inside the crawlspace- (CORRECTION METHOD: close foundation vents, install polystyrene to block foundation openings and seal the perimeter around the polystyrene to prevent moisture-laden air from entering the crawlspace from the outside)

4-leaks from plumbing or appliances (CORRECTION METHOD: check drains and supply lines to plumbing fixtures; check condensate lines from HVAC equipment, check water heater for leaks, etc.)

Our Standard Recommendations Include:

1-Close the foundation vents-
2-Permanently seal the foundation vents with polystyrene and sealants as shown in the photo below (white rectangles)
3-Install a 6 mil polyethylene moisture barrier that is taped, staked, and secured to interior foundation walls (as shown in the attached photos).
4-Wrap piers and seal within 3 inches of bottom plate to allow annual termite inspections (see photos)
5-Seal all foundation wall penetrations-
6-Install a dehumidifier with the drain line to the exterior of the crawlspace to condition the crawlspace so that humidity levels do not ever exceed 60% (to discourage condensation, mold, or mildew growth)-

<IMG_0837.jpg>
Sealed foundation vents shown as white rectangles-



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Moisture barrier attached to walls just under sill plate-
Annual termite inspections can be performed without removing the moisture barrrier from the walls-

<IMG_0836.jpg>
Synthetic materials (PVC) used for barrier attachment to masonry-



<IMG_0839.jpg>
Moisture barrier staked to prevent movement during service technician traffic-


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Supporting piers wrapped and taped-

There are many companies who offer a free crawlspace assessment including wood moisture content readings, relative humidity readings, and crawlspace temperature readings-

J. Trent

[NC gal (aka Oregon gal)]

PM me and I will give you a good recommendation.

[pkc789]

I can't load the pictures. We are in need of this information as well.

[builder24car]

Give Stream Residential a call if you're still looking.

Stream Residential Air & Energy Experts (http://www.streamresidential.com/page/home - broken link)

[sacredgrooves]

Mr. Hicks is 100% correct. If you need a company either pay twice as much as you need to or send me a direct message and I will give you the info.
Most of the companies out there will just try to sell you a fully sealed crawlspace for $6,000 to $12,000. The vast majority do not need anything close to that expense to cure their issues. It seems logic is thrown out the window with mitigation companies and it is all about revenue enhancement.

[mmaryk]

Originally Posted by sacredgrooves

Mr. Hicks is 100% correct. If you need a company either pay twice as much as you need to or send me a direct message and I will give you the info.
Most of the companies out there will just try to sell you a fully sealed crawlspace for $6,000 to $12,000. The vast majority do not need anything close to that expense to cure their issues. It seems logic is thrown out the window with mitigation companies and it is all about revenue enhancement.

do you know a company that will not try to sell you a $10,000 plus completely encapsulated crawlspace ?