Hello dear forum members!
My girlfriend and I recently had a child and have now found a farm in a small village that is idyllic in every way that we are considering buying. On the farm, there are two residential houses (one larger and one smaller), a large outbuilding, and an earth cellar. The idea would be to live in the small house while we renovate what needs to be renovated in the larger one.
The problem with the larger house has been dry rot, but it has now been remediated. Apparently, it was built with sawdust directly on the ground. To me as a layman, this sounds completely incomprehensible, but there may be a good explanation for it. Some old method, I guess.
The current owner has dug out the foundation a lot. Apparently, it's enough that it doesn't need more excavation to build anew. The foundation wall with the house is still there but is "hollowed out" inside
I have read and read, but there seem to be divided opinions on things, so it's hard to grasp what is right and correct. So now I thought I'd hear from you and see what you have to say.
Question 1: If you insulate internally against the foundation wall and the ground in the crawl space, should you then have ventilation in the crawl space or not? I would prefer to do it in a way that reduces the risk of having to install a dehumidifier.
Question 2: If I still have to install a dehumidifier, should the foundation then be completely sealed, or does this entail other complications? From what I understand, it's useless to have the "openings" open if you have a dehumidifier because then the dehumidifier also has to dehumidify the outside air that comes into the crawl space.
Question 3: Is this procedure correct:
1. Make sure that the ground slopes somewhat from the middle of the crawl space out towards the sides.
2. Fill with gravel 150 - 200 mm above the highest point.
3. Lay some form of plastic (0.2 mm).
4. Insulate against the foundation wall and ground.
5. Put up joists, add the subfloor, insulate, and lay down a solid oak floor.
I'm also going to cast some kind of concrete beam (I don't know the name) "along the long side" in the middle of the house since the distance would be too long otherwise (I think). It feels like it provides more stability in any case.
It should also be added that I'm not a building professional, as you might notice. But I've taken on tasks before, and it usually goes well as long as you have a vision, some curiosity, and friends who can help you.
Comments and opinions?
If I've placed the thread in the wrong subforum, some administrator can move it.
Thanks in advance!
Best regards,
Mikeson
My girlfriend and I recently had a child and have now found a farm in a small village that is idyllic in every way that we are considering buying. On the farm, there are two residential houses (one larger and one smaller), a large outbuilding, and an earth cellar. The idea would be to live in the small house while we renovate what needs to be renovated in the larger one.
The problem with the larger house has been dry rot, but it has now been remediated. Apparently, it was built with sawdust directly on the ground. To me as a layman, this sounds completely incomprehensible, but there may be a good explanation for it. Some old method, I guess.
The current owner has dug out the foundation a lot. Apparently, it's enough that it doesn't need more excavation to build anew. The foundation wall with the house is still there but is "hollowed out" inside
I have read and read, but there seem to be divided opinions on things, so it's hard to grasp what is right and correct. So now I thought I'd hear from you and see what you have to say.
Question 1: If you insulate internally against the foundation wall and the ground in the crawl space, should you then have ventilation in the crawl space or not? I would prefer to do it in a way that reduces the risk of having to install a dehumidifier.
Question 2: If I still have to install a dehumidifier, should the foundation then be completely sealed, or does this entail other complications? From what I understand, it's useless to have the "openings" open if you have a dehumidifier because then the dehumidifier also has to dehumidify the outside air that comes into the crawl space.
Question 3: Is this procedure correct:
1. Make sure that the ground slopes somewhat from the middle of the crawl space out towards the sides.
2. Fill with gravel 150 - 200 mm above the highest point.
3. Lay some form of plastic (0.2 mm).
4. Insulate against the foundation wall and ground.
5. Put up joists, add the subfloor, insulate, and lay down a solid oak floor.
I'm also going to cast some kind of concrete beam (I don't know the name) "along the long side" in the middle of the house since the distance would be too long otherwise (I think). It feels like it provides more stability in any case.
It should also be added that I'm not a building professional, as you might notice. But I've taken on tasks before, and it usually goes well as long as you have a vision, some curiosity, and friends who can help you.
Comments and opinions?
If I've placed the thread in the wrong subforum, some administrator can move it.
Thanks in advance!
Best regards,
Mikeson
Outdoor air-ventilated crawl spaces, also known as torpargrunder, have been used for hundreds of years without problems. The reason they worked was significant heat leakage from inside the house, both through limited insulation in the floor structure and because the chimney base was in the crawl space. With today's high demands for thermal insulation and the discontinuation of fireplace use, crawl spaces no longer function effectively. The problems are primarily associated with certain times of the year. To counteract the issues, a dehumidifier can be used. It's preferable to lay a plastic sheet on the ground; otherwise, you're dehumidifying a larger part of nature. Heat can also be added in an appropriate way. The crawl space ventilation should then be limited.
An alternative is to convert the foundation into a warm crawl space by insulating the foundation walls and ground. In that case, the space should be ventilated with indoor air.
An alternative is to convert the foundation into a warm crawl space by insulating the foundation walls and ground. In that case, the space should be ventilated with indoor air.