Insulating Crawl Space Floor

In those days common building practice was to insulate the floor above the crawl space and to leave the crawl space s wall vents open so any moisture buildup would vent to the outside a.

Insulating crawl space floor.

Unless there are excessive moisture problems in the crawl space use unfaced fiberglass batts to insulate the walls. Fiberglass insulation batts or rolls are the most economical and easiest diy choice for insulating between the floor joist in a crawl space. This type of crawl space also allows insulation with an r value of 19 installed in the floor joist if the crawl space and has a permanently installed dehumidifier. Where winter temperatures are extreme opt for insulating the walls and sealing off the crawl space entirely.

Proper crawl space insulation also can prevent your crawl space from becoming a moist environment that grows and harbors mold and mildew controlling crawl space temperature and moisture is a dual process that works toward a common goal. Be sure to. That s especially true when heating ducts or pipes pass through the space. A crawl space under a house helps protect against certain pests but a crawl space with abundant moisture can invite problems including mold wood rot and vermin.

However the insulation needs to be treated with a fire retardant. Department of energy recommends r 11 3 insulation under floors in warm climates and an r 25 6 to 8 in cold climates. This type of insulation allows for conditioned air to be introduced into the crawl space. A temperate lower area that will keep upper floors warm while your home s foundation remains in sound condition.

Insulation also helps to preserve the air quality and reduce energy costs. Crawl space insulation as a part of overall home air sealing and insulation helps maintain your entire home s energy efficiency without insulation heat and cool air are easily lost through the floor. To take the chill out of a crawl space it s usually best to insulate the exterior masonry walls rather than the underside of the floor above.