There are several different types of crawl spaces underneath homes all across the country, let alone Nashville, Tennessee. Some are “open” and some are “closed”, but all types can put a strain on the energy efficiency (and the well-being!) of your home if not properly sealed off from the outside elements.
One type of crawl space in particular might give off the impression that it may be more impervious than other types of crawl spaces towards intruding moisture. That type is a concrete crawl space, and it defines a crawl space that has had a large slab of concrete poured along the ground inside it. The idea is that the concrete will act as a barrier in and of itself against and moisture intruding into the crawl space from the bare earth below.
This is not the case, as the moisture can still permeate the concrete slab and make its way (and all of the moisture related problems along with it) into the air of the crawl space. To correct this problem, you need to install a thick and protective vapor barrier along the earth floor before laying down concrete.
Your vapor barrier will keep the moisture out and the concrete will not only ensure that it stays in correctly, but it also provides stability for creating a living space inside of the crawl space. Lastly, there are no foundational vents in a concrete slab crawl space, so homeowners turn to installing insulation to help prevent energy loss from below their homes.
If you have any questions, or are considering asking for help with your concrete slab crawl space, give Barrier Waterproofing Systems a call at (615) 257-1060.
