Crawlspace Problems

Common Problems:

• Lack of cross-ventilation.
• Insufficient ventilation openings in surrounding walls.
• Inadequate clearance between earth and wood components.
• Water entry into Crawlspace.
• Lack of code-required access to Crawlspace.
• Exterior grade slopes toward the building.

Resultant Damage:

• Mildew, mold and high ambient moisture due to lack of ventilation.
• Wood rot and structural damage.
• Ponding against building.
• Water through foundation wall.
• Water in Crawlspace.

Proper Design:

• Provide proper clearances between earth and wood components per the Uniform
• Building Code (UBC), Chapter 25.
• Provide adequate ventilation openings per UBC, Chapter 25.
• Slope grade away from building.
• Provide cross ventilation per UBC, Chapter 25.
• Provide Crawlspace access per UBC, Chapter 25.