This is super helpful, thanks for laying it out. I’m in the middle of tackling our crawlspace and honestly, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the little steps. The moisture thing especially—I almost missed a damp spot behind some old insulation. Glad you mentioned rim joists too, because that’s where I found a ton of cold air sneaking in. I’m definitely learning that sealing everything takes way longer than expected, but it’s worth it. Makes me feel better knowing it’s not just me that doesn’t get perfect results right away.
I get what you’re saying about sealing every nook and cranny, but sometimes I wonder if it’s possible to go overboard. I spent ages trying to make my crawlspace airtight, but then I started having musty smells—turns out I’d cut off too much airflow and trapped moisture. Ended up adding a vent back in and it balanced out. Maybe it’s not always about making things 100% tight, but finding that sweet spot where air can move just enough. It’s a weird balancing act, honestly.
Maybe it’s not always about making things 100% tight, but finding that sweet spot where air can move just enough. It’s a weird balancing act, honestly.
I get what you mean about the musty smells, but I kinda lean the other way. I sealed up my attic and crawlspace pretty tight and haven’t had any issues—if anything, my energy bills dropped. Maybe it depends on the climate or how old the house is? I’m still figuring it out, honestly.
I sealed up my attic and crawlspace pretty tight and haven’t had any issues—if anything, my energy bills dropped.
Funny how it works out differently for everyone. I tried sealing everything up once and ended up with condensation on the windows and a weird damp smell. Maybe my old house just likes to breathe a bit more than yours does...
I tried sealing everything up once and ended up with condensation on the windows and a weird damp smell. Maybe my old house just likes to breathe a bit more than yours does...
That’s wild—my place is older too, but I guess every house has its own quirks. I did some weatherstripping and added insulation, but I held off on sealing every single crack because I was nervous about exactly that—trapping moisture. Did you ever try adding a vent or something to help with the airflow? I’ve read that some folks put in those little trickle vents or even just crack a window now and then to keep things from getting too stuffy.
Curious if you ever figured out what caused the damp smell? Sometimes I wonder if it’s just old wood or if there’s something lurking in the walls... Houses sure keep us guessing.
