3 Things to Know When Looking for a Crawl Space Fan

Crawl spaces have limited access and low clearance. As a result, they are susceptible to poor air circulation, high humidity levels, and stagnant air. A common misconception is installing a fan in the crawl space is a viable solution. However, it is not recommended.

On this page, we’ll cover some important things to keep in mind if you are looking for a crawl space fan and which encapsulation methods prove more effective.

Schedule Free Inspection

What is a Crawl Space Fan?

A crawl space fan is a type of ventilation fan specifically designed for use in crawl spaces beneath buildings. They come in various types, including exhaust fans, which are believed to draw air out of the crawl space, and ventilation fans, which circulate air within the space. Some crawl space fans are designed to be installed in the foundation vents of a crawl space, while others are standalone units that can be placed inside the crawl space.

While it’s commonly believed they improve air circulation and ventilation, crawl space fans are ineffective in removing moisture and maintaining proper humidity levels.

3 Things to Keep in Mind

Before buying a crawl space fan, there are several factors you should keep in mind:

Ineffective at Eliminating Moisture: Contrary to popular belief, a crawl space fan does not dry out standing water or prevent crawl space moisture. These issues may require more comprehensive solutions such as a dehumidifier, drainage systems, or vapor barriers.
Promotes Mold Growth: Instead of eliminating moisture issues like mold, crawl space fans can increase their growth. The air circulation they create spreads mold spores instead of eliminating them.
Fails to Address Core Issue: As mentioned above, crawl space fans are ineffective in preventing the reoccurrence of moisture in the crawl space. Without proper solutions like a dehumidifier, the core issue will remain. This means that moisture issues will continue to reoccur.

A crawl space fan is not a recommended solution for your crawl space. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision before purchasing a crawl space fan.

Overall, a crawl space fan is ineffective in keeping your crawl space dry. Instead, we recommend installing a dehumidifier. Our Crawl Space Dehumidifier maintains proper humidity levels and ensures your crawl space stays free of harmful moisture problems.

It’s also important to use it as part of a comprehensive approach to encapsulating your crawl space. These are other solutions to consider when dealing with moisture issues in the crawl space:

Because the crawl space can be a dangerous place to traverse on your own, it’s best to reach out to crawl space encapsulation experts like those at Tar Heel to schedule a free inspection of your crawl space. They will thoroughly assess your crawl space and determine the necessary encapsulation measures.

Our Crawl Space Encapsulation Process

While our process varies depending on the situation, it generally looks like this:

Initial Inspection: Our professional from Tar Heel Basement Systems will conduct a thorough inspection of the crawl space to assess its condition and identify any issues such as moisture problems, mold growth, or structural concerns.
Moisture Control: When moisture is a concern, the crawl space usually requires the installation of drainage systems, sump pumps, or dehumidifiers to manage water intrusion and humidity levels.
Structural Assessment: Any structural issues such as sagging floors, or deteriorating supports may need to be addressed before encapsulation can proceed.
Encapsulation: The encapsulation process typically involves the installation of a durable vapor barrier to completely seal off the crawl space from the surrounding environment.
Insulation: Depending on the climate and specific needs of the crawl space, insulation may be installed to help regulate temperature and improve energy efficiency.
Finishing Touches: Once encapsulation is complete, any access doors or entry points to the crawl space are sealed or insulated, and the area is cleaned up.

When it comes to moisture issues in the basement, you’re not alone. At Tar Heel, we are committed to transparent quotes, thorough inspections, and expert solutions.

Trust Tar Heel with Your Crawl Space

Don’t let mold and moisture impact your crawl space any longer. Tar Heel offers effective crawl space encapsulation solutions to ensure it remains a dry and healthy space. Reach out today to schedule a free inspection.

Schedule Free Inspection

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for almost 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.