A crawlspace is a foundation structure that creates a space between your house and the ground below.
- Limited Height — Crawl spaces are just that: spaces where you can crawl through to get from one side of the room to another or to access plumbing and other utilities.
- Ventilation — Many crawl spaces have ventilation to the outside, which helps to keep moisture from building up and growing mold and mildew.
- Access Point — These access areas are used for plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems which makes the maintenance easier without disturbing main living areas.
- Insulation — Proper insulation and appropriate vapour barriers can help improve energy efficiency and protect against moisture and pests.
How to Make Use of Your Crawl Space?
Though it may not serve the same utility as your full basement does, a crawl space can be quite a multi-purpose asset. You cannot permanently live in a crawl space, but here are some potential uses:
- Storage: If your crawl space is well-insulated and you have installed measures for humidity control, you can use it as an occasional storage area for items that are not affected by temperature changes or dampness.
- Work Area: Hobbyists would love this so that they can use the crawl space as a workshop with lighting and power. This would give hobbyists a place for projects that don’t need standing height.
- Utilities Hub: Crawl spaces are perfect for stashing mechanical systems, storing water heaters, and enabling the running of plumbing and acorn networks that can’t be easily gotten to any other way.
How to Convert Your Crawl Space into a Basement
- Consultation and Planning: If converting your crawl space is the route you want to take, be sure to start by planning with a contractor who has experience in building basements. Hire a structural engineer to draw up detailed conversion plans.
- Permits and Design: Make sure your design is okay with local building codes and apply for the proper permits. This is especially important with the specific rules we have in Toronto for basement waterproofing.
- Exterior Excavation: Explore the layout of your respective residence so as to take care of exteriors. Use ¾″ gravel backfill to promote drainage away from your foundation.
- House Lifting: Use specialized equipment to lift and temporarily support the house while work is done on the foundation. It is a very important process and should be done only with the help of a professional.
- Foundation Work: Build a new foundation wall by pouring concrete or constructing with cinder blocks. Build forms with plywood, set rebar, and pour the concrete.
- Basement Flooring: After the dirt is removed, we have someone pour concrete to make a solid-level floor root up against some solid wall barriers.
- Drainage & Waterproofing: Install a complete drainage solution to efficiently drain the water and prevent future leaks. Concrete a slab for a waterproof basement floor.
- Interior Setup: Polish off the interior space, add stairs, lighting and basically everything to make sure it works.
- Interior Finishing: Finish the interior of your basement by using drywall, painting walls, and adding any flooring that you choose.
Turning a crawl space into a waterproofed basement involves great precision, and the process must comply with building standards.
Crawl Space — Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy Access: Offers easy access to plumbing, electrical and HVAC repairs.
- Cost-Effective: It is usually cheaper to construct than an entire basement.
- Energy Efficiency: Insulation of the foundation to reduce energy consumption, although not as effectively as a fully sub-grade basement.
- Prevent Flooding: Sitting higher off the ground, reducing the risk of flooding.
Cons
- Pest Risk: As covered earlier, dark and damp areas can invite pests.
- Comfort Issues: The cold floor above may be harsher if not insulated properly.
Types of Crawl Spaces
- Ventilated crawl spaces: These spaces are fitted with outside vents that allow outdoor air to cycle through, keeping humidity levels low. Firstly, strict insulation will reduce humidity while damp climates may require added moisture barriers.
- Conditioned crawl spaces: These spaces are sealed and climate-controlled like the main house, providing substantial benefits in energy efficiency and air quality but requiring an upfront investment in insulation and HVAC integration.
What is a Vapour Barrier?
A vapour barrier is an integral portion of the insulating material employed to prevent moisture from seeping into the form space. Laid out across the floor and up the walls, they are constructed using puglia (a heavy-duty polyethylene) and provide an effective barrier against dampness. This ward keeps moisture in check, protects the structural integrity of your home, and reduces the growth of mould to make air quality easy.
Why wait? Get in touch with Umbrella Waterproofing now! We have competitive pricing and a lifetime transferable warranty. Opt for Umbrella Waterproofing and benefit in terms of both protection & quality. Call us now for a free quote!
