Can you tell me roughly how long it would take 2x16 floor joists to begin to rot in an unvented crawl space, 2" over a dirt pad. The joists are holding up a Florida room addition to my home. I live in northern Delaware.
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There are too many variables to give you an easy answer. Amount of moisture present- proper amount of airflow-type of wood and its quality, etc.
The crawlspace should be vented. There should be a layer of polypropylene (min. of 3 mils) placed over the dirt (gravel to hold it in place). Keep all water away from the crawlspace. Do this and the joists should outlive you.
The crawlspace should be vented. There should be a layer of polypropylene (min. of 3 mils) placed over the dirt (gravel to hold it in place). Keep all water away from the crawlspace. Do this and the joists should outlive you.
