Overview of Crawl Space Encapsulation
Crawl space encapsulation may be one of the most debated and confusing topics within residential building construction. Everywhere you look, you can find another opinion, another study, or another warning. Therefore, a large part of this confusion is that crawl space encapsulation means many different things to many different contractors who all claim to be experts in this field. There are so many variations in encapsulations also referred to as closed or unvented crawl spaces.
Examples of variation within crawl space encapsulation:
- Insulation in the foundation ceiling
- Insulation on the perimeter walls
- Vapor barrier only on ground
- Vapor barrier fully taped and sealed and up the walls and piers
- Thickness and quality of vapor barrier materials
- Exterior waterproofing that has occurred
- Proper interior waterproofing and drainage through sump pumps or French drains
- No drying mechanism installed – just closed vents
- Drying with use of dehumidifier
- Drying with use of conditioned air from the living space
- Exhaust vent fans to outside
- Return air to living space
Is your head spinning yet? As you can see, there are many different methods to crawl space encapsulation. There are pros and cons to these different and combined approaches. Furthermore, every crawl space has different characteristics due to geography or construction. There isn’t a simple one size fits all.
Goals of crawl space encapsulation
There are different goals to crawl space encapsulation. Some are trying to make the house more energy efficient overall, and others are trying to reduce moisture in the crawl space by limiting ground moisture and limiting outside air. Benefits to different methods get “muddy” to say the least when we pick and choose only certain aspects of the overall crawl space encapsulation. There are many companies touting benefits yet also cutting corners. A closed crawl space can be an effective way to control moisture, but it isn’t simple and there are many things that need to be done correctly. Work with a reputable installer as you evaluate your options. We certainly know of many closed crawl spaces that have unintended problems.
ATMOX products are versatile and improve any crawl space.
ATMOX products are designed to enhance and improve any crawl space. The goal of the crawl space ATMOXsphere is always moisture reduction, energy efficiency and air quality. These are the guiding principles in all product development. Whether your crawl space is a traditionally vented space or an encapsulated crawl space, ATMOX products should be considered as part of your overall solution.
The core product is the ATMOX ACE crawl space controller. Specifically, this controller uses sensors to measure information on temperature and humidity.
Let’s explore all of the benefits and optional features that the ACE controller can bring to a closed crawl space setup. (Click each one for more info)
Monitoring and Notification
Monitoring of Temperature and Humidity
The ACE Controller has a small display screen that connects via cable so that it can be placed in a viewable location such as a garage or utility closet. As the homeowner, you can then easily see the conditions within the crawl space, the current operation of any installed components and notifications of any alerts. A crawl space is typically out of sight and out of mind, but with the display it can be in sight to give you peace of mind.
Monitoring and Notification of Wood Moisture Content
With the optional wood moisture sensor, you can get a true representation of the condition of your crawl space. Actually, wood moisture is what you really care about in a crawl space. Keeping it low will help avoid the issues of wood rot or fungal growth. The ATMOX controller will also provide a notification alert if wood moisture sensor reading gets too high.
Notification of Water
With the optional water alert sensor, the display shows a notification alert if there is water build up in the location of the sensor. As an example, the sensor is most typically used with sump pumps or condensate lines to let you know if there are any back ups or issues.
Notification of Average High Relative Humidity
The ACE Controller has a unique relative humidity alert setting that will show on the display if turned on. The relative humidity alert is based on an average over time instead of a one-time reading. Relative humidity sometimes varies as temperature change which can cause temporary and short spikes in relative humidity. These are often of no concern so the notification will not trigger immediately.
Improved Dehumidifier Use
Operation of Dehumidifier
When incorporated, the ACE controller improves the operation of a crawl space dehumidifier. A wide variety of dehumidifiers can be used with an ATMOX controller.
Most dehumidifiers have a relative humidity sensor within the unit to direct it to turn on and off based on humidity levels above set point. With the ATMOX controller, the operation will be determined based on the ATMOX inside sensor which will be placed in a more central or neutral location. The area directly around the dehumidifier is often the most dry and not always representative of the entire crawl space. The ATMOX controller will also ensure that the dehumidifier is only running within its operational temperature range.
Circulation Fans
All ATMOX fans are low-voltage for easy wiring from the controller without the use of an electrician or separate electrical outlet. Fans are also extremely energy efficient using only 10-15 watts of power when running depending on model.
The circulation fans are generally joist-mounted fans used to circulate air within the crawl space or to move air from any dead areas or sections. The ACE controller can direct these fans to run with elevated relative humidity to keep air from getting stagnant and reduce chances of condensation.
In a crawl space (especially when it has a low height), a dehumidifier struggles to dry the air in the space evenly. Furthermore, the dehumidifiers have a tendency to dry the areas near the dehumidifier very well or almost too much. At the same time, far reaching corners of the crawl space may not be getting the beneficial air exchanges to and from the dehumidifier. The ATMOX circulation fans greatly enhance the effectiveness and range of the dehumidifier.
Improved Air Quality
Forced Ventilation Fans
A key component to air quality is fresh outside air. This only happens by exchanging the air in the crawl space to keep it from getting stagnant. Closed crawl spaces often suffer from odor buildups from either soil gasses or other materials. With no ventilation to the outside, these odors creep up into the living space.
The ACE controller has an optional setting to intentionally run fans with outside air periodically. Unlike other fan setups, it is not a simple timer. Specifically, the forced ventilation setting will incorporate minimum temperatures, duration and run times since last operation.
All ATMOX fans are low-voltage for easy wiring from the controller without the use of an electrician or separate electrical outlet. Fans are also extremely energy efficient using only 10-15 watts of power when running depending on model.
Continuous Ventilation Fans
Closed or encapsulated crawl spaces are all set up differently as highlighted above. For example, some situations call for a continuously running fan to the outside to create a slight negative pressure on the crawl space. The ACE controller has an option to wire an exhaust fan in a constant power port that will keep it consistently in operation.
All ATMOX fans are low-voltage for easy wiring from the controller without the use of an electrician or separate electrical outlet. Fans are also extremely energy efficient using only 10-15 watts of power when running depending on model.
LED Lighting
LED Crawl Space Lighting
You and your service providers will love not crawling through the dark in the crawl space. ATMOX LED lights can be incorporated with the ATMOX controller. The ACE display box has an easy on and off button so you can turn them on before every getting into the crawl space. They even have an automatic shut off in case you forget to turn off.
The ATMOX LED lights are a bright 600 lumens. The lights are low-voltage for easy wiring from the controller without the use of an electrician or separate electrical outlet. Additionally, the LED lights are also extremely energy efficient using only 10 watts of power when turned on.
