Foundation Vents: Keep them screened to deter unwanted guests

Foundation Vents: Keep them screened to deter unwanted guests

In Northern California, specifically Sonoma County, most foundations for single family residences consist of a concrete perimeter with post and pier at regular and equal intervals in between. What this means is that there is a crawlspace under the house, the access door usually being a pull-up panel in the floor of a hall or bedroom closet. Inspectors get to crawl around in said crawlspace before a house is sold. Ewwwww.

The foundation, needless to say, is critical to the integrity of the home. This makes it necessary to provide sufficient ventilation to alleviate built-up moisture that could lead to mold, mildew and termites.

This is where foundation vents come into play. Foundation vents allow air to circulate under the house, and in extreme cases, flood water. The vents are screened to allow air and water to flow, but to keep guests out.

What kind of guests? Anything small enough to crawl in to stay warm and dry. Some crawl in to die, which is what a lot of critters will do. Cats, small dogs, skunks, rodents, raccoons ... get the picture? That is why keeping screens secure on foundation vents is a must.

The foundation vent photo at the top of this blog post is typical. The one at the bottom isn't. Someone got creative and placed an ill fitting heat register cover over the opening. Clever ... not very funny to the buyer I was showing homes to, but clever.