My crawlspace is 1800 sq ft. It’s 3’ to about 14 inches. I can’t even roll over on the low end. My house was like a pond when it rained. I’m done with all the electrical, the French drain, sump pump, and 2 downspout drains. My French drain was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I can’t wait until I’m done with this project.
Quality companies do not worry about such things as giving secrets and helping others learn how to do what they do, because they still know they are the best and will always have good business for the work they are doing. While the rich will always pay for the quality... So when you see companies like this, you can feel good about trusting them! Keep it up Crawl Space Ninja and DIY'ers
Love Ryan's description of the project need and the video rabbit hole.. I'm SO GLAD I found these videos!! I've only got 400sf but still had to learn ALL the steps for my crawlspace encapsulation... I wish I was in TN to hire you guys.. need to make a Tshirt!
I’m ab to do a crawlspace for a previous boss of mine, and I absolutely love this video. I’m a musician, and I’ve done a bunch of have work, actually am hvac certified. And was a little apprehensive ab doing this job, but I also, am a musician. So I really appreciate this. Ab to become a diy ninja, myself🤙💪💙
I’m glad I found your videos as well. We stopped by your place and purchased the supplies and dehumidifier. We just finished this week. Quite a job with not being able to even sit up straight under there. My Wife and I did it and I can completely understand why it costs. We are in coastal S.C. and it is humid. Except for my crawl space!
That is great to hear! We'd love to talk with you about your experience like we did with Ryan in this video, if you're open to it. Reach out to us on Ask a Ninja and we can set up a call! crawlspaceninja.com/ask-a-ninja/
We have been battling mold in our crawlspace for almost 15 years. Thank God, for your videos because we now feel we are on the right track. The problem is we are in our sixties and being in a small crawl space trying to work feels like a death sentence.
Hey Michael, Thanks for all your videos, they've been invaluable as I've been completing my encapsulation down here in Sanford NC (we are just outside your Raleigh service area). I noticed that Ryan used Lowes XPS foamboard as insulation (which is what I used). Building code here in NC requires a fire barrier (like drywall) when any (regardless of type) foam board is used in the crawlspace. I know the board you guys sell in your DIY store is fire resistant but I'm curious how your Raleigh franchise adjusts to meet code here. Hooyah, Wes
I can't DIY due to my disability, but this has been an awesome endorsement of your channel. I feel so much better being educated by you before the folks working for the state programs come in to do my work. Thank you.
From what I have researched Crawlspace Ninja has better prices than I have found elsewhere so: 1. everything in one place, 2. Free training, 3. Great pricing !
Hello Ninja Michael! I am an DIY enthusiast and absolutely love your videos and appreciate the DIY store so much I can't explain it. I had rats in my crawlspace that had dug down under the foundation and had probably been down there for 10-15 years before we got the house. They were inside of all the ducting and insulation so I ripped all of it out and am replacing it all right now. I have already done a lot of electrical and installed lights and a bunch of hard ducting. I disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled as much as possible and am routing it so it's off the ground as much as possible. I have already ordered several things from the DIY store and will be purchasing more soon, but I originally wasn't going to enclose my crawlspace until recently. I live in Seattle, am remodeling a house built in 1992, and I have some questions if you don't mind. I know there are many variables you can't consider without seeing it (professionally I am a technical skills instructor) but a nudge in a right direction will really help me out. I will definitely send you guys photos when I am done too. I know you recommend to have both a dehumidifier and vent, but I have an opening of 20" x 31" to work with unless I do some extensive rework to make it bigger. So if I don't have a humidity problem, can I get away with just a vent? If I still need a dehumidifier, what size do you recommend for a 1200sq ft. crawlspace? or is there something I need to calculate in order figure that out? (I have been monitoring our Radon and it has a long term average of 0.29 PCi/L. ) Do I need to dig a perimeter drain before installing the sump pump, or can I just put it in the lowest spot of my crawlspace? When I am finished installing foam and sealing the foundations perimeter, do I need to reinstall fiberglass or spray foam under the subfloor? I have watched so many of your videos it's sometimes hard to remember what I need to keep and what I should forget. I think it would be really helpful for you DIYer's to have a series of videos that go into more depth and are in order of how to redo your crawlspace. I would actually pay a membership/subscription fee if you wanted to keep those videos to your subscribers. Thank you again, Michael. You are a life and money saver. #respect ~ Ace (Crawlspace Ninja Trainee)
Hey Ryan first let me say I couldn’t believe my eyes when I found this video. I’ve been researching crawl space encapsulation for the past month and have watched a lot of crawl space ninja video. Yesterday I saw this one for the first time. When It first started, I thought to myself that looks like the singer from Max Impact and guess what it was. I called my wife to the computer and look who is in this video. We’ve seen Max Impact at least 10 times in the DC area you ROCK. So I’m building an addition on the back of my house (36x24), the crawl space will be 30” high and need some clarification. 1. Should I have vents in the crawl space, if so how many, and should I have exhaust fans? 2. The floor is dirt. Do I need the dimple underlayment? 3. Should I use the foam board or the insulation vapor barrier on the walls
Hey Bob! So glad you found this video helpful and love Max Impact! To answer your questions, if you use foam board to insulate the walls, building code requires that you seal the vents. When sealing vents, we recommend leaving 1 vent open to install a vent fan blowing out of the crawl space. If your crawl space floor does not have a lot of rocks or anything that could poke through it, then you should not need the dimple underlayment, unless you just want to add it! Hope this helps.
Hey Bob! This is awesome! Thanks for your support... I hope your addition and crawl project goes well! Truly hope to see you at another show sometime soon!
Great video guys. I saw the "Send Me" video-- It had my attention on the first second since I'm a C-130J driver... Anyway, very good information. I'm currently planning out my project for whenever I get home. I plan on getting lots of things corrected in my crawlspace. Duct repair and re-insulation, new air handlers, water mitigation, soda blasting (as there is some mold down there) some possible leveling of the dirt underneath, foundation insulation and encapsulation. At this point, I'm just trying to figure the best order in which do some of these things. Is there a video you've produced where this is addressed?
Thanks for watching! We talk about steps some in past videos. We do have a DIY Specialist available who can answer any questions you have about DIY crawl space encapsulation in further detail. You can reach out to her at 865-357-3627 or by requesting help here: diy.crawlspaceninja.com/contact/.
Hey Michael and Ryan...loved the video. I am just starting my crawl space transformation in upstate SC. Ryan...would you mind sharing your checklist? Michael...do you have a general order of work checklist? Thanks in advance.
Question, must you use a vent fan on all encapsulation? I also live in Maryland about 10 ft above sea level. No Radon issue. I plan on doing the entire project soon.
2018 International Residential Building Code R408.3 technically says you can have either continuous ventilation blowing out or the dehumidifier removing up to 70 pints per day per every 1000 sq'. We would still recommend having both in most situations if you are closing all vents.
Here is what I used. Durablow MFB M2D-SH Air-Out WiFi Smart Home Remote Crawl Space Ventilator, Humidity, Radon Mitigation, Compatible with Alexa, Google Home www.amazon.com/dp/B07HHSG95V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.tb5EbFX1VB2J
(0% humidity... that is my case...=) Now, if my crawl space was this high I would do it myself... But my crawl space is very low and with back problems, seems I will need to hire someone...=(
You could if you needed to reach a certain R-value. We recommend insulating the walls of the crawl space with foam board if you're encapsulating though.
Sadly I need much more than just a encapsulation at this point, I have to remove rotted wood and completely level up all of my floor joist, my space is 1150sq ft and only about 2ft in height. I debating just moving and turning the home over to a investor or tear it down and starting all over. I estimate at least $20k in repairs and that's just in the crawl space alone. Market prices in my neighborhood range from $130's to $170's. Just don't know it this home is worth it?
Billy, homeowners who own mobile homes or manufactured homes need to be extra careful when choosing heat tape. Water line materials and electrical systems need to be considered when renovating older mobile homes. Even the lowest heat tape temperatures can damage some old school water feed lines in mobile homes (before PEX). You will need a low-temperature heat tape that is approved for rigid plastic piping if you have the older piping. It is also recommended that mobile home owners only use heat tape that is specifically rated for the electrical needs of their homes. The majority of lightweight and thermostatically controlled heat tapes are not designed for use with older manufactured homes. It is recommended to use only brands that have been approved by the UL for use in manufactured homes. The majority of manufactured homes today have plastic-like water lines such as PEX or PVC. Be sure to select heat tape and insulation that is approved for your application. We hope this helps. Thanks for watching! Have a happy and blessed day!
Hey JC, typically we see this if you have a brick foundation. We recommend using spray foam in that situation. If you have cinderblock, you should not have this issue. Just make sure you avoid shooting into any of the joints!
@@CrawlSpaceNinja Just want to make sure of what you are stating in regards to a brick foundation... Are you saying to use spray foam applied directly on that brick and not use the foam board at all? How would you recommend attaching the vapor barrier that runs up/around the crawl space perimeter?
DesignKoogle, great question. These membranes' superior water and vapor barriers also make them highly flammable. The International Building Code has mandated NFPA 285 for wall assemblies containing foam insulation or combustible cladding for many years. Thanks for watching. Have a happy and blessed day.
@@CrawlSpaceNinja Thanks for the reply. If it is flammable then is the vapor barrier required to be covered by a non-combustible material? If not, then why not? Does it make a difference whether it is in new or existing construction as to whether it needs to be protected with a non-combustible material?
My crawlspace is 1800 sq ft. It’s 3’ to about 14 inches. I can’t even roll over on the low end. My house was like a pond when it rained. I’m done with all the electrical, the French drain, sump pump, and 2 downspout drains. My French drain was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I can’t wait until I’m done with this project.
It is a tough job. Great job on doing it yourself.
Another great video. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you
Quality companies do not worry about such things as giving secrets and helping others learn how to do what they do, because they still know they are the best and will always have good business for the work they are doing. While the rich will always pay for the quality... So when you see companies like this, you can feel good about trusting them! Keep it up Crawl Space Ninja and DIY'ers
Love Ryan's description of the project need and the video rabbit hole.. I'm SO GLAD I found these videos!! I've only got 400sf but still had to learn ALL the steps for my crawlspace encapsulation... I wish I was in TN to hire you guys.. need to make a Tshirt!
I’m ab to do a crawlspace for a previous boss of mine, and I absolutely love this video. I’m a musician, and I’ve done a bunch of have work, actually am hvac certified. And was a little apprehensive ab doing this job, but I also, am a musician. So I really appreciate this. Ab to become a diy ninja, myself🤙💪💙
Been working on our crawlspace/basement for a while and I love the tip about rolling up the fiberglass rolls! 👍
Glad it was helpful!
What's the best way to go underneath a trailer and fully winterize it pipes and heat tape a double wide
Thank God for the good insight keep feeding it
Send me tips on mobile homes please double wide patchwork and clean up and outskirting to keep it rodents out please
This is great, I am motivated !. I have been watching your videos for the past 4 hours. Thank you!
Thank you so much for this video and all the others. I am about to take on the same project and this is an amazing resource. Thanks so much!
I’m glad I found your videos as well. We stopped by your place and purchased the supplies and dehumidifier. We just finished this week. Quite a job with not being able to even sit up straight under there. My Wife and I did it and I can completely understand why it costs. We are in coastal S.C. and it is humid. Except for my crawl space!
That is great to hear! We'd love to talk with you about your experience like we did with Ryan in this video, if you're open to it. Reach out to us on Ask a Ninja and we can set up a call! crawlspaceninja.com/ask-a-ninja/
We have been battling mold in our crawlspace for almost 15 years. Thank God, for your videos because we now feel we are on the right track. The problem is we are in our sixties and being in a small crawl space trying to work feels like a death sentence.
@Benedict Davion Thanks, but what does that have to do with fixing our crawl space?
Hey Michael,
Thanks for all your videos, they've been invaluable as I've been completing my encapsulation down here in Sanford NC (we are just outside your Raleigh service area).
I noticed that Ryan used Lowes XPS foamboard as insulation (which is what I used). Building code here in NC requires a fire barrier (like drywall) when any (regardless of type) foam board is used in the crawlspace. I know the board you guys sell in your DIY store is fire resistant but I'm curious how your Raleigh franchise adjusts to meet code here.
Hooyah,
Wes
I can't DIY due to my disability, but this has been an awesome endorsement of your channel. I feel so much better being educated by you before the folks working for the state programs come in to do my work. Thank you.
So glad you've found it helpful!
From what I have researched Crawlspace Ninja has better prices than I have found elsewhere so: 1. everything in one place, 2. Free training, 3. Great pricing !
Thank you so much!
Hello Ninja Michael! I am an DIY enthusiast and absolutely love your videos and appreciate the DIY store so much I can't explain it. I had rats in my crawlspace that had dug down under the foundation and had probably been down there for 10-15 years before we got the house. They were inside of all the ducting and insulation so I ripped all of it out and am replacing it all right now. I have already done a lot of electrical and installed lights and a bunch of hard ducting. I disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled as much as possible and am routing it so it's off the ground as much as possible. I have already ordered several things from the DIY store and will be purchasing more soon, but I originally wasn't going to enclose my crawlspace until recently. I live in Seattle, am remodeling a house built in 1992, and I have some questions if you don't mind. I know there are many variables you can't consider without seeing it (professionally I am a technical skills instructor) but a nudge in a right direction will really help me out. I will definitely send you guys photos when I am done too.
I know you recommend to have both a dehumidifier and vent, but I have an opening of 20" x 31" to work with unless I do some extensive rework to make it bigger. So if I don't have a humidity problem, can I get away with just a vent? If I still need a dehumidifier, what size do you recommend for a 1200sq ft. crawlspace? or is there something I need to calculate in order figure that out?
(I have been monitoring our Radon and it has a long term average of 0.29 PCi/L. )
Do I need to dig a perimeter drain before installing the sump pump, or can I just put it in the lowest spot of my crawlspace?
When I am finished installing foam and sealing the foundations perimeter, do I need to reinstall fiberglass or spray foam under the subfloor?
I have watched so many of your videos it's sometimes hard to remember what I need to keep and what I should forget. I think it would be really helpful for you DIYer's to have a series of videos that go into more depth and are in order of how to redo your crawlspace. I would actually pay a membership/subscription fee if you wanted to keep those videos to your subscribers.
Thank you again, Michael. You are a life and money saver. #respect
~ Ace (Crawlspace Ninja Trainee)
Hey Ryan first let me say I couldn’t believe my eyes when I found this video.
I’ve been researching crawl space encapsulation for the past month and have watched a lot of crawl space ninja video. Yesterday I saw this one for the first time. When It first started, I thought to myself that looks like the singer from Max Impact and guess what it was. I called my wife to the computer and look who is in this video. We’ve seen Max Impact at least 10 times in the DC area you ROCK.
So I’m building an addition on the back of my house (36x24), the crawl space will be 30” high and need some clarification.
1. Should I have vents in the crawl space, if so how many, and should I have exhaust fans?
2. The floor is dirt. Do I need the dimple underlayment?
3. Should I use the foam board or the insulation vapor barrier on the walls
Hey Bob! So glad you found this video helpful and love Max Impact! To answer your questions, if you use foam board to insulate the walls, building code requires that you seal the vents. When sealing vents, we recommend leaving 1 vent open to install a vent fan blowing out of the crawl space. If your crawl space floor does not have a lot of rocks or anything that could poke through it, then you should not need the dimple underlayment, unless you just want to add it! Hope this helps.
Hey Bob! This is awesome! Thanks for your support... I hope your addition and crawl project goes well! Truly hope to see you at another show sometime soon!
Great video guys. I saw the "Send Me" video-- It had my attention on the first second since I'm a C-130J driver... Anyway, very good information. I'm currently planning out my project for whenever I get home. I plan on getting lots of things corrected in my crawlspace. Duct repair and re-insulation, new air handlers, water mitigation, soda blasting (as there is some mold down there) some possible leveling of the dirt underneath, foundation insulation and encapsulation. At this point, I'm just trying to figure the best order in which do some of these things. Is there a video you've produced where this is addressed?
Thanks for watching! We talk about steps some in past videos. We do have a DIY Specialist available who can answer any questions you have about DIY crawl space encapsulation in further detail. You can reach out to her at 865-357-3627 or by requesting help here: diy.crawlspaceninja.com/contact/.
G Hughes thanks for your service, sir! Best of luck on your project... you can do it!
Hey Michael and Ryan...loved the video. I am just starting my crawl space transformation in upstate SC. Ryan...would you mind sharing your checklist? Michael...do you have a general order of work checklist? Thanks in advance.
Hello and thank you for watching. We have this available on our site, hope it helps. diy.crawlspaceninja.com/resources/
Question, must you use a vent fan on all encapsulation? I also live in Maryland about 10 ft above sea level. No Radon issue. I plan on doing the entire project soon.
2018 International Residential Building Code R408.3 technically says you can have either continuous ventilation blowing out or the dehumidifier removing up to 70 pints per day per every 1000 sq'. We would still recommend having both in most situations if you are closing all vents.
For what it’s worth, I installed two, at opposing sides of my crawl. Works like a champ!
Here is what I used.
Durablow MFB M2D-SH Air-Out WiFi Smart Home Remote Crawl Space Ventilator, Humidity, Radon Mitigation, Compatible with Alexa, Google Home www.amazon.com/dp/B07HHSG95V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.tb5EbFX1VB2J
Where can i find the link for the soda blaster? Also how do you keep the plastic tight to the foam board?
All of the products mentioned are linked in the description! We use a Hilti gun to mechanically attach the vapor barrier to the wall.
Quick question my foundation is made of limestone approximately 2x3 foot blocks. There is no drilling into it. Would you suggest the butyl tape
(0% humidity... that is my case...=)
Now, if my crawl space was this high I would do it myself... But my crawl space is very low and with back problems, seems I will need to hire someone...=(
We wish you luck! A dehumidifier is also to regulate the humidity and keep it low if you ever have heavy rains. Mold can grow within 24 hours!
What did he insulate the walls with before putting on the barrier?
Hi Michael, Can you do both foam board and fiberglass between the joists?
You could if you needed to reach a certain R-value. We recommend insulating the walls of the crawl space with foam board if you're encapsulating though.
I believe the foam board on the wall is also important to provide a thermal break to help prevent condensation building on the plastic.
Sadly I need much more than just a encapsulation at this point, I have to remove rotted wood and completely level up all of my floor joist, my space is 1150sq ft and only about 2ft in height. I debating just moving and turning the home over to a investor or tear it down and starting all over. I estimate at least $20k in repairs and that's just in the crawl space alone. Market prices in my neighborhood range from $130's to $170's. Just don't know it this home is worth it?
I'm so sorry to hear you're having to deal with that. We see situations like this and it normally is quite expensive to correct.
👍
Thanks for watching!
How do you fully want to rise crawl space under a double wide trailer with heat tape
Billy, homeowners who own mobile homes or manufactured homes need to be extra careful when choosing heat tape. Water line materials and electrical systems need to be considered when renovating older mobile homes. Even the lowest heat tape temperatures can damage some old school water feed lines in mobile homes (before PEX). You will need a low-temperature heat tape that is approved for rigid plastic piping if you have the older piping. It is also recommended that mobile home owners only use heat tape that is specifically rated for the electrical needs of their homes. The majority of lightweight and thermostatically controlled heat tapes are not designed for use with older manufactured homes. It is recommended to use only brands that have been approved by the UL for use in manufactured homes. The majority of manufactured homes today have plastic-like water lines such as PEX or PVC. Be sure to select heat tape and insulation that is approved for your application. We hope this helps. Thanks for watching! Have a happy and blessed day!
Hey, I heard using those fasteners blow out the inside of the blocks causing serious damage to your wall. Any truth to that?
I personally did not see or experience that. I had zero problems with the fasteners, they worked great.
Hey JC, typically we see this if you have a brick foundation. We recommend using spray foam in that situation. If you have cinderblock, you should not have this issue. Just make sure you avoid shooting into any of the joints!
@@CrawlSpaceNinja Just want to make sure of what you are stating in regards to a brick foundation... Are you saying to use spray foam applied directly on that brick and not use the foam board at all? How would you recommend attaching the vapor barrier that runs up/around the crawl space perimeter?
Is the white plastic vapor barrier combustible?
DesignKoogle, great question. These membranes' superior water and vapor barriers also make them highly flammable. The International Building Code has mandated NFPA 285 for wall assemblies containing foam insulation or combustible cladding for many years. Thanks for watching. Have a happy and blessed day.
@@CrawlSpaceNinja
Thanks for the reply.
If it is flammable then is the vapor barrier required to be covered by a non-combustible material?
If not, then why not?
Does it make a difference whether it is in new or existing construction as to whether it needs to be protected with a non-combustible material?
How many square feet did you do? What was the cost?
About 2400 sf. Under $3K!
Sorry! 1500sf
Would Ryan be willing to share his checlist or do ninjas have one
Gah, waht i would do to have that amount of room under my house!
GOD bless the internet....