Rochester Homes builds modular homes throughout the Midwest where the terrain and soil can vary greatly. After an assessment, our licensed building professionals often deem that the modular home cannot be built upon a concrete slab and must be placed on either a crawlspace or basement foundation. Basements completed by the builder make up most of the homes built by Rochester, but in some cases where there are higher water tables, a crawlspace may be appropriate.
What is a Crawl Space?
A crawl space is an unoccupied, unfinished space between the ground and the first floor of a modular home. The height of a crawl space usually ranges between three and four feet. A modular home builder may opt for a crawl space if the build site receives high amounts of rainfall to keep the home above wet, unstable ground.
Crawl spaces can also be a strategic option for homes built in hilly terrain, as they would require less excavation than a concrete slab. Your modular home builder will only need to dig into the ground for walls, rather than leveling and excavating for the complete concrete slab.
Vented vs. Conditioned Crawl Spaces
When preparing to build your modular home and choosing your layout, it’s important to discuss with your builder the two types of crawl spaces: vented and conditioned.
Vented Crawl Spaces
Vented crawl spaces are commonplace and generally comply with local and state building codes. These types of crawl spaces are vented, or open to the outside, which allows air and water to pass through beneath the house. In the past, vented crawl spaces were perceived as a buffer or protective space from water and humidity. However, in recent decades, builders know that vented crawl spaces actually trap humidity and air.
Vented crawl spaces accumulate stagnant air, mold, and mildew, which can leak into openings within your modular home. As a result, vented crawl spaces pose a risk for moisture problems and even pest infestations. It’s not uncommon for wildlife to seek refuge in an open, vented crawl space, which can prove to be a nuisance for many homeowners.
Conditioned Crawl Spaces
Unlike vented crawl spaces, conditioned crawl spaces are protected enclosures. Vented crawl spaces usually are exposed to raw earth, whereas conditioned crawl spaces are seamed and taped with a 10-mil vapor barrier used to cover the ground to suppress moisture. Insulated polystyrene foam panels are installed and affixed along the inside perimeter walls. Supply and return air registers are located at opposite ends of the crawlspace to maintain proper climatic conditions.
Why Conditioned Crawl Spaces Are Important for Your Modular Home
Also known as unvented or sealed crawl spaces, conditioned crawl spaces completely eliminate the risk of moisture damage. When it comes to building your modular home, conditioned crawl spaces are preferred, as they protect the home from humidity. Additionally, sealed crawl spaces protect the indoor air quality in your home’s living space as well as lead to further deterioration of your property.
Ultimately, a conditioned crawl space can make all the difference for your home in the short-term and long-term future. Our licensed building professionals are more than happy to discuss the building process with you and ensure that you get a home that lasts through the decades.
Build the Home of Your Dreams
Since 1972, Rochester Homes has been the choice builder when it comes to modular homes. Contact us today to discuss how you can build your dream home with peace of mind that, down the road, it will serve you and your family in the years to come.