How to insulate a crawlspace / Guides

...and provide only an anecdotal overview of how to deal with radon gas . We would recommend having your air tested for radon, and if it is above Health Canada’s recommended safe levels ( 200 Bq /m³), please see our pages on radon gas mitigation in crawlspaces . Fixing a dirt floor crawlspace: All too often a crawlspa...

...ase raw wood and apply a non-toxic natural wood finishing oil . So, now you know why we suggest choosing a slab-on-grade foundation instead of a crawl-space , read more about how to build a slab on grade here , how to build a basement properly here , how to insulate a crawlspace here , or all about removing radon gas...

...are so accustomed to a house having a basement that the idea of building a slab-on-grade creates an instant sense of fear and doom in many. We assure you this is not new, and it works. The reason we build basements and stay 4 to 5 feet below grade is to avoid frost heave, using dirt to insulate. With a slab-on-grade,...

...ase raw wood and apply a non-toxic natural wood finishing oil . So, now you know why we suggest choosing a slab-on-grade foundation instead of a crawl-space , read more about how to build a slab on grade here , how to build a basement properly here , how to insulate a crawlspace here , or all about removing radon gas...

...a fantastic way to start a passive solar home , as your entire floor surface consists of several inches of thermal mass to absorb heat. A slab is a great place to bury electrical work, plumbing, central vacuum tubes, phone and internet lines, speaker wires, and most importantly, tubing for radiant floor heat . A slab...

...ahoney is a radon mitigation specialist in the National Capital Region and sits on many advisory boards including the Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists , Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program , Canadian General Standards Board and CGA Standards (Compressed Gas Association). He worked with...

...atures. Since this creates additional floor area underground, it is a natural desire to claim that space, and so born is the basement rec room or man-cave - and it's important to understand how to choose between a crawlspace or a slab foundation too. Whether you start construction with a slab-on-grade or a foundation...

...to factor space for that in your new plans. Radon protection as well as radiant floor heating can be done at this time also. If the floor joists are in reasonable condition and you want to keep using the crawlspace for storage and mechanical systems, see our page on how to insulate crawlspaces . Repairing foundat...

...ater towards the street, and that’s better than towards your house. But on a grand scale, directing water to hard surface municipal water runoff has negative ecological consequences of its own. Best is to learn how to manage stormwater runoff and actually use that water to your advantage; read more here . Once you ha...

...ant to carefully seal air-barriers in homes , paying special attention to joins and breaks in the membranes – especially where secondary trades have passed after air-barriers were fitted - and by using specialist sealing tape that stays stuck down properly. Last but not least – if you live in a cold climate area that...