Conditioned Crawl Spaces

My First Conditioned Crawl Space

In a very three-dimensional crawl space, with a trench and a gas furnace, Visqueen, 6-mil poly, whatever the cheap covering commonly available, does not suffice.

Here is a trial of 16-mil reinforced polyethylene called Goldentouch, from Americover.

All seams are strongly attached and sealed with tough 1 1/2" width double-back butyl tape. Topside overlap is dressed with 4" width "vapor bond" sealing tape, matching the tough Goldentouch white vinyl.

The material cost here was about $500. The fair installed cost is much larger. There is a lot of work in prep of foundation walls, for sealed ground cover attachment.

Work may involve much construction to control drainage. The foundation walls here are not yet insulated.

Although conditioning accommodated ducting and this old gas furnace, this house now relies on insulation, better doors, and a full-time slow glow of a gas-fired wood stove. The furnace has remained idle for a year.

My Own Conditioned Crawl Space

A photo album for the refinement and conditioning of my own crawl space is now posted at Google Docs. It is a very big job in progress. Yet, I think I have done things that set a good example. Please study, and comment at this blog post.

The attachments are cautionary for installations in the marine environment of the Pacific Northwest.