Do I need to close the vents in the foundation for the winter and how to do it?

Homeowners frequently question whether they should seal their foundation’s vents as winter draws near. Although these vents are meant to promote airflow and inhibit the accumulation of moisture, they may also allow freezing temperatures to enter during the winter. What then is the best way to deal with them in the winter?

Closing foundation vents is usually a good idea in cold climates to prevent potential damage to your home. Pipes can burst in freezing temperatures, which can result in other problems. You can help maintain a more stable temperature and lower the likelihood of these issues by shutting off the vents.

So what’s the best way to approach it? To seal off the openings, use insulated panels or vent covers. To keep the warmth in and the cold out, make sure they are firmly in place. It’s a good idea to periodically inspect the seals to make sure they remain functional throughout the winter.

Why are vents needed in the foundation

You must first comprehend what vents are and why you need to use them. A vent is a tiny opening in the foundation that leads outside and lets air flow through the basement or subfloor. They can be constructed to resemble a pipe that ascends from the subfloor to the roof. The pipe’s primary function remains unchanged: it organizes air circulation.

There are various reasons why the basement and subfloor need to be ventilated.

1. Firstly, no matter how well the waterproofing of the concrete foundation is done, it still absorbs moisture. This is a physical feature of concrete. And from water it begins to rapidly deteriorate, as a result the house can skew to one side, which can simply collapse. Thus, constant ventilation is a must for the basement.
2. Secondly, ventilation helps to remove harmful fumes from the soil from the basement. For example, breathing radon vapors is considered extremely dangerous to health. You should also remember that mold and other types of fungi that destroy concrete quickly develop in stale air.
3. Thirdly, ventilation allows you to maintain the recommended temperature in the basement – above 0 degrees. This is necessary to preserve the concrete and wooden floor elements.

Do you need to plug them for the winter

The winters in some parts of Russia can be so harsh that heat from the house is transferred through the floor to the basement, which can freeze through an open vent. Thus, the answer is unquestionably yes when it comes to plugging the vents for the winter. However, the temperature differential between the street and the basement must be considered when doing this. After all, if it is too big, condensation will start to build up on the basement’s walls and inside the floor, which will once more cause the wooden components to rot.

Adjustable "plugs" should allow you to control how much fresh air comes in from the street.

It’s crucial to think about whether to close your foundation’s vents as winter draws near. By shutting these vents, you can lessen the chance that chilly air will get inside and harm your foundation. Use easily installed and removed insulation or vent covers to complete this task correctly. By taking this easy precaution, you can shield your house from below-freezing temperatures and keep your foundation stable all winter long.

When to insulate?

When the outside air drops below -15°C, you need to insulate the basement by plugging the vent. If not, there will undoubtedly be a layer of condensation on the walls, followed by a thin layer of ice. However, the vents should be kept slightly open even in extremely cold temperatures—-15 or -25°C—if the owners only visit the house on weekends or even in the spring.

What can be used to close the vents in the foundation

How the foundation’s vents are closed for the winter is up to each owner. You can use any type of heat-resistant material for this. For instance, foam rubber or polystyrene. By the way, cutting vent plugs from them is very handy. All you have to do is cover the vent with an old rag.

Some owners use construction foam to plug the gaps in the foundation. However, keep in mind that these holes will need to be opened in the spring, and it will take time and effort to remove the foam from them.

Hardware stores sell special plugs that fit vents with the necessary diameter. Once you have installed them, you won’t need to deal with this problem again because they have adjustable valves.

How to properly close the vents

Generally speaking, there are no unique guidelines for sealing the air holes. Making sure that water does not enter is the most important thing to do. A flood is threatened if snow or rain—especially rain—can flow into the vent. In order to remove water from the wall where the ventilation is located, you must dig a drainage ditch. To keep the hole dry from rain, it is a good idea to construct a shield over it.

It’s imperative to consider foundation protection when winter arrives. It may be possible to lessen the chance of damage from chilly air entering the foundation by sealing off vents. This step helps keep the crawl space or basement at a constant temperature, which can be particularly crucial in regions that frequently experience freezing temperatures.

To effectively close foundation vents for the winter, you have several options. Using foam board or plastic covers can provide a quick and easy solution. Just ensure they are securely attached to prevent any gaps. For a more permanent fix, consider installing vent covers or sealing vents with weather-resistant materials.

When the weather warms up, don’t forget to take off or modify these coverings to prevent moisture accumulation and other problems. By following these precautions, you can protect your foundation from the harsh winter weather and maintain the condition of your house all year long.

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