Crawl space

Uses:
– Built when basement impractical
– Substitute for concrete slab foundation
– Access for plumbing, electrical, HVAC repairs
– Insulation installation possible
– Protective buffer from damp ground

Disadvantages:
– Not suitable for cold regions
– Less protection against natural disasters
– More expensive than slab foundations
– Leaks may go unnoticed
– HVAC less efficient in unconditioned crawl spaces

Designs:
– Actively or passively vented, or closed
– Vented crawl space allows gas escape
– Humid climate can lead to mold growth
– Encapsulation prevents air passage
– Flood risk mitigation measures

References:
– The Washington Post
– www.energystar.gov
– www.fema.gov
– BUILD YOUR HOUSE YOURSELF UNIVERSITY
– Health Physics journal

Additional Information:
– Encapsulation involves vapor barrier, insulation
– Sealed crawl spaces reduce energy use
– Crawl space access doors located inside
– Flooding risk mitigation strategies
– Crawl space wall materials include concrete

Crawl space (Wikipedia)

"Crawlspace" redirects here. For other uses, see Crawlspace (disambiguation).

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A crawl space or crawlspace is an unoccupied, unfinished, narrow space within a building, between the ground and the first (or ground) floor. The crawl space is so named because there is typically only enough room to crawl rather than stand; anything larger than about 1 to 1.5 metres (3 ft 3 in to 4 ft 11 in) and beneath the ground floor would tend to be considered a basement.