Uncomfortable indoor temperatures, such as cold floors in winter or excessive heat during Virginia’s summer months, are often signs of poor crawl space insulation. Fortunately, this issue is both common and fixable.
This page explores the various types of crawl space insulation, the benefits of proper insulation in improving comfort, and how it can help reduce energy costs over time.
When you think of a typical “nasty” crawl space, does moldy, sagging fiberglass insulation come to mind? Well, that’s often the reality in a crawl space that has zero protection from moisture.
Fiberglass insulation was likely installed by the person who built your home. It’s a cost-effective insulation option that’s easy to install, making it ideal for homes that need to be constructed within a specific timeframe.
Unfortunately, Virginia’s high humidity means that it doesn’t take long for fiberglass insulation to become damaged. As shown in this image, typical fiberglass insulation sags as it becomes wet, creating a perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and pests.
Removing and replacing wet insulation is the only effective solution to the problem.
Before work can begin, it’s best to clean the crawl space of old building materials and trash. Existing damaged insulation should be bagged and removed. Make sure to call a professional for this job, as fiberglass insulation can cause injury without the proper equipment and protection.
Once the insulation is removed, it’s time to start addressing the cause behind moisture in your crawl space. One of the best ways to do this is by installing crawl space drainage. Installing a full drainage system includes drainage matting, a sump pump, and a crawl space drain. JES can install all of these water management tools for you—it’s best to work with a professional.
While open crawl space vents were originally thought to be a helpful design, we now know that isn’t the case. Instead of allowing optimal airflow, vents actually lead to moisture issues. Building America researched crawl spaces and found unvented crawl spaces use 15% to 18% less energy and reduce humidity by 20%. Because of this data, the next step is to seal any existing vents with airtight material.
JES installs rigid closed-cell foam board insulation with an R rating of at least 10. The board also has a radiant barrier, meaning it reflects heat into the crawl space. These Insulation panels are installed on the walls of the crawl space using a mechanical fastener. Building code requires an opening near the top of the wall to check for termite activity. Since each city has different regarding requirements, it’s best to work with a company like JES with certified installers.
With the new insulation installed, you can encapsulate the crawl space to create a controlled environment. Usually, this involves installing a vapor barrier and dehumidifier that block and remove humidity from the crawl space. You might also consider installing crawl space support jacks for sturdy floor support. With all of these tools installed, you won’t deal with damaged insulation again!
While insulating your crawl space is just part of the encapsulation process, it is a very important part. Insulation regulates the temperature throughout your home, making it feel warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This translates to lower energy bills year-round. Class A Fire rating insulation is also highly resistant to fires, an important trait during hot Virginia summers.
Keeping the space beneath your home warm also means your floors stay warmer during Virginia’s chilly winters. One of the biggest advantages, however, is frozen pipe prevention. Warming the area means your pipes are less likely to freeze, saving you a big headache.
JES has been transforming homeowners’ crawl spaces since 1993. Working with JES means you’ll get professional repairs and quality customer service. If you want to install crawl space insulation, contact us today. We’ll make sure your home stays protected for years.
Selecting the right insulation for a crawl space is unique to any other area of your home. Look for a ridged, closed-cell foam that provides a thermal barrier and has at least an R-10 value.
Absolutely. Insulating your crawl space saves money by creating a warmer and more even temperature both in the crawl space and the living area of your home.
Insulating the floor over your crawl space isn’t necessary if the crawl space is properly encapsulated. Insulation on the walls and a vapor barrier on the floor seal out outside air, keeping the temperature stable.
Adding insulation to the floor would only increase the cost.
Groundworks Editorial Team
