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Community and Q&A

Windows and Insulation in a Crawlspace

suchal | Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on

We are building a tight house using EPS panels in Zone 6. Due to water table and frost wall issues we decided to build a crawl space, rather than a full basement, for access to the utilities.
Our first question is, should we put windows in the crawl space? Our foundation contractor recommended them, but they don’t seem to make sense to us.
Our second question is what parts of the crawl space should be insulated, and what types of insulation would you recommend?

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Replies

  1. Expert Member
    MALCOLM TAYLOR | | #1

    Suchal,

    I can't think of any reason to add windows to a crawlspace.

    You can find answers to your questions here: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/building-an-unvented-crawl-space

    1. suchal | | #3

      Thank you. The article was really helpful.

  2. charlie_sullivan | | #2

    I agree, no need for windows in the crawlspace. It can be nice, for someone working there, to have some natural light, but that's rare enough that it's really not worth planning for! Maybe if you are planning for hiding fugitives in your crawlspace, windows would make their life down there more pleasant. If you do that, make sure they have good blackout shades so that lights at night don't give them away.

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