Close up crawlspace vents for winter

Tom Hanks, owner, 24/7 Express Handyman Service · Updated September 2026

24/7 Express Handyman Service closes crawlspace vents in Salt Lake, Park City and Heber. 1 square foot of vent opening per 150 square feet of crawlspace is the baseline IRC ventilation ratio, and operable louvers are allowed. (2012 International Residential Code Section R408 Under-Floor Space (Georgia Department of Agriculture))

What crawlspace vents costs

Salt Lake City & Millcreek	from $205
Park City & Summit County	from $225
Heber Valley & Wasatch County	from $225

Crawlspace vents in Salt Lake City & Millcreek starts at $205: the 2-hour minimum at $95/hour ($190) plus the $15 fuel surcharge, with no dispatch fee. Time past 2 hours is billed in 30-minute steps. Larger parts are billed at cost plus 25%.

Full price sheet and estimator

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24/7 Express Handyman Service confirms the address, the zone rate and the dispatch fee, and takes a card, before rolling.

Quick answers

Should I close my crawlspace vents in winter?

Temporarily covering or closing crawlspace vents is a recommended step against frozen pipes in a vented crawlspace. Open them again in spring so moisture can escape. If a fuel-burning appliance in the crawlspace draws combustion air through those vents, leave them open and ask an HVAC pro.

How many crawlspace vents does a house need?

The model residential code calls for at least 1 square foot of vent opening for every 150 square feet of crawlspace, with one opening within 3 feet of each corner. Less is allowed when the ground is covered by a vapor retarder.

What mesh should cover a crawlspace vent?

Code-listed coverings include hardware cloth and corrosion-resistant wire mesh, with openings no larger than 1/4 inch. That keeps out rodents while still letting air through when the vents are open.

A cast-iron foundation vent grille set into a stone crawlspace wall — Photo: User Michiel1972 on nl.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

What 24/7 Express Handyman Service does on site

Fits removable or hinged covers over foundation vents for the cold months.
Replaces broken or missing vent screens with 1/4-inch hardware cloth or metal mesh to keep rodents out.
Marks and schedules the covers to come back off in spring so the crawlspace can dry out.

How it works

Count and measure each foundation vent and note any that are broken or blocked.
Check the crawlspace for standing water or exposed pipes before closing anything.
Install covers or close operable louvers, and replace torn screens.
Referred out: crawlspace encapsulation, moisture problems, and any furnace, water heater or dryer that draws air from the crawlspace go to a licensed HVAC or foundation contractor.

When to stop and call

If there is standing water, a gas or sewage smell, or a fuel-burning appliance in the crawlspace, don't seal the vents until it's checked. 24/7 Express Handyman Service will leave the vents open and refer you to the right licensed trade.

What happens next

The written scope and price come first; after approval, vents are closed and you get a reminder of when to reopen them.
Photograph the damage before anything is moved and keep every receipt; 24/7 Express Handyman Service provides an itemised invoice your insurer may ask for. The dispatch fee and job cost are paid by you on the day.

Every job 24/7 Express Handyman Service takes on is under $3,000 including labor, materials and any change orders (Utah Code §58-55-305); a change that would push a job over that line is referred to a licensed contractor, not written up as a second job. plumbing, electrical, HVAC, gas appliance / combustion system work is referred to a licensed trade.

Sources

2012 International Residential Code Section R408 Under-Floor Space (Georgia Department of Agriculture) — retrieved 2026-09-23
Defend Against Frozen Pipes (FORTIFIED, a program of IBHS) — retrieved 2026-09-23

All sources