NJB999
07-05-2006, 06:31 PM
Not necessarily a crawl space by definition, but I thought I would ask the question here anyway. I recently purchased a small 3 season cottage. The back half sits over a small basement, while the front half is built on concrete pillars. There was dirt banked around the front half of the structure, limiting any ventilation. I dug away the dirt to provide some ventilation and to have a look. Very musty and earthy odor. The prior owner must have tried to insulate the floor from below, utilizing celotex panels over what looks like cellulose insulation (fluffy gray material). Many of the panels are sagging and some are down. Since I intend to only use the cottage three seasons, I am wondering if I should tear out the remaining panels and insulation, since they will hold moisture (what a mess!) or try and repair what is remaining? Should I put a vapor barrier over the dirt? What sort of insulation could be used in this environment. The cottage is in New York and it does get very cold and snowy. This is not a sealed crawlspace, so I am thinkink it should be well ventilated with lattice work along the perimeter. Any suggestions? The cottage does have a damp basement (water seeping through the concrete block on one wall (no standing water). Thanks.