Crawlspace Venting in Flood Zone
Hello,
I’m building a house in a coastal area flood zone. The finished floor is raised a couple of feet above the flood level, but the crawl space will surely become flooded at some point. The zoning requires enclosed crawl spaces with walls (cannot be open on piers). Everything these days is pushing unvented crawl spaces, but I feel like in a flood zone that would be a bad idea. I’m currently planning a regular vented crawl space with spray foam at the floor framing. Flood vents are required to allow flood water to escape the crawl space. Any recommendations or similar experience with this situation? Would a vapor barrier help or hurt to have on the crawl space floor? It seems like drying out the crawl space after a flood would be key. (Climate zone 2A)
Thanks
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Replies
I can relate to your concerns. I live in a flood zone too. In fact, the aftermath of Ida flooded my basement and I have been working to dry it out for a month. Check out this article: Best Strategy for a Crawlspace in a Flood Zone. Also, no piers? I can't help but think that's the way to go after seeing my neighbor's house on piers stand high and dry.
Thanks for the link to the article, super helpful!