Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Dec 09, 2005 01:20am | #1

   If there are pipes in the space and you live in a climate where the temperature goes below freezing, especially for days at a time, then yes, you could have problems with the pipes freezing.

   Whether or not you would actually have a problem depends on the details of the situation.  You could always close the opening off and install a remote sensor thermometer to monitor the temperature at the pipes, but if you miss a sudden temperature drop, and the pipes freeze and break, the hassle and expense of the repairs will probably far exceed the fuel savings.

   John W.

2. 
   seb | Dec 09, 2005 05:35am | #2

   Probably only if your crawl space is vented to the outside.

   In the winter I seal my crawl to the outside and it does not get close to freezing...last nite it was -10..

   Bud

3. 
   SteveSchoene | Dec 09, 2005 05:09pm | #3

   Crawl spaces are required to be vented so that moisture can escape.  (Some research is challenging this necessity but that is a different issue.)  The ventilation makes them colder, and therefore can't help prevent pipes running through that space from freezing. They need to be insulated in a way that lets some heat from the conditioned space keep them warmed.  To keep the cold crawlspace from making rooms above it cold, you need to insulate the floor above the crawl space rather than closing off the ventilation.  The floor of the crawlspace itself should have vapor barriers too in order to limit moisture rising from the ground as well.  Not sure I have understood your situation so if not--sorry. 

4. 
   jimstock1 | Dec 09, 2005 09:13pm | #4

   Dan,

   You need to visit the Building Science Corporation website for the latest thinking on handling crawl spaces.  I'm confident you'll find all the answers and more at this site- it's excellent.  http://www.buildingscience.com

   Jim

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Dec 10, 2005 12:54am | #5

   This is the kind of research I was speaking about.   The problem comes if you have to bring a building inspector into the picture.  Not all codes or inspectors buy into it yet, regardless of correctness.