I put a new Premiertech filter in a new septic tank on a ' 1/2 full' old clay tile bed. The inspector 'didn't see' the filter or the tile bed, but acknowledged that 'filters might be part of the next code revision'(I had to cover up the fiter - put the cover on the tank!) I also installed an inspection 'T', and should have been able to secure sediment from the old tile bed. One year later, there was no sediment at the entrance to the clay tiles. The filter I used, had the largest area of any available, at the time. It was also 'cleaned' but I will likely clean it again with a longer interval.

You mention warm moist air coming in crawl space vents contacting ducts used for air conditioning and causeing them to sweat. If the ducts were insulated and the floors were insulated there would be no condensation. Of course it would cost more to do it that way. But it would make a better job. Ed PS I am in and have been in code enforcement for 20 years.

Good morning,Marjie

I agree. As a former employee of BOCA and ICC {International Code Council) developers of the predominent codes used in the U.S. I have found that many code officials are reluctant to change. This stems from many sources including funding by the local government agencies. While Police and Fire have accessto funding for training many communities do not put the same efforts forward when it comes to the building Departments, thus we have code officials that are faced with the challenge to stay current and not always given the time, funding or encouragement to do so. Education goes a long way and we need to help them gain access to it.

I also have served as a Building, Planning and Zoning Official and Real Estate Development and Building, so I have a basic understanding of the situation. Additionally, I would be happy to assist when possible

Thank You,

Bill Schomburg
209 S. Hickory St.
Frankfort, Illinois 60423
815-464-3580

P.S. Feel free to contact me.

I recently built a home on a crawl space foundation. We attempted to meet the criteria for energy tax credit by exceeding code by 50%. To accomplish this we proposed to insulate the floor and the crawl wall. The building department would not allow us to use that specification in our RESCheck and reasoned that it was not cost effective. We had to insulate the crawl wall after the CO was issued.

Mr. Smith stated that if the ducts and floor are insulated there will be no condensation in a vented crawlspace. I have seen many spaces with the ducts insulated to R-8 and the floors to R-19 that are a dripping mess. I'm afraid that, as much as we'd like it to not be so, when moist air comes in contact with a surface that is below its dew-point, it WILL condense. Interestingly, the floor insulation actually increases the likelyhood of condensation (and mold growth) taking place. In blunt terms, we should no longer accept vented crawl spaces - they are a stupid idea.