[Greenbuilding] CONDITIONED crawlspace ventilation

[John Salmen]

I would echo these comments. The only point of a crawlspace foundation that
I consider useful is access to wiring and plumbing but I don't think that is
a valid reason with some decent design decisions around those services. It
can also be useful in some siting situations but ...

The foundation/subfloor that I have been using consistently is 6" eps foam
on a prepared sand/gravel base with either sheathing laminated directly to
the foam with whatever flooring above or thin slab or tile on thickset as
finished floor. In other words no concrete slab. 

It makes a lovely floor I think with the cost of affective insulation offset
by the lack of slab.

John Salmen

TERRAIN E.D.S.
4465 UPHILL RD
DUNCAN BC
CAN V9L 6M7
PH 250-748-7672  FAX 250-748-7612 CELL 250-246-8541
terrain at shaw.ca 


-----Original Message-----
From: greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org
[mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org] On Behalf Of Rob Tom
Sent: November 22, 2006 7:30 PM
To: GB REPP
Subject: Re: [Greenbuilding] CONDITIONED crawlspace ventilation


Someone wrote:

> I am designing an addition to be built on a crawlspace foundation.
> I'd like to seal and insulate the crawlspace for energy
> conservation,but I think codes require some kind of mechanical  
> ventilation of
> the crawlspace.  Since my addition has no mechanical ventilation, I
> don't want to add a fan just for the crawlspace.


If this addition is still at the design stage, I'd look real hard at  
getting rid of the wood framed floor, fill the crawlspace up with stone  
and top it off with a 3" thick concrete slab or earthen floor.

If the crawlspace was in place initially to provide some space for  
mechanical equipment, maybe you just make a mechanical pit in a convenient  
location with access flooring over.

Similarly if there is underfloor plumbing, provide accessible-from-above  
chases.

With the persnickety problem of "crawlspace ventilation" eliminated, then  
the only real question is whether or not to take advantage of the thermal  
mass that the stone fill would provide. If "not" then I would insulate  
directly under the floor slab.
If "yes" then I'd insulate the stem wall and the earth before the stone  
fill is placed.

===* ===
Rob Tom
Kanata, Ontario, Canada
<archilogic at chaffyahoo dot ca>
winnow the chaff from my edress in your reply


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