crawlspace

This paper deals with field experience of airborne moisture transfer problems in houses. Two types of phenomena are discussed in more detail; the infiltration of moist air from crawl spaces and the propagation of moist air produced in kitchens. A modified depressurisation test is described to determine the air tightness of ground floors. A case study is briefly discussed where different remedial measures have been tested to evaluate the moisture removal effectiveness in kitchens.

This paper is concerned with natural air flows between major construction cavities in New Zealand houses. A two tracer technique was developed to measure infiltration rates in the subfloor (crawl space), the living space and roof space, together with air flow rates connecting these zones. Five experimental houses were chosen to represent expected extremes in air flow resistance between subfloor and roof space.

Investing in insulation is a good way to reduce energy consumption in the home. The homeowner must determine where adding insulation will be most cost effective. Attics are usually the place to start, followed by floors and walls. Since there is a wide variety of material on the market, thedo-it-yourselfer must choose carefully and install them with proper regard for ventilation and vapour barriers. Even if the work is performed by a contractor, the informed homeowner will benefit by his knowledge of materials and procedures.