Insulate Floors Crawl Space

Floor insulation for moderate climes popular reads.

Insulate floors crawl space. This type of insulation allows for conditioned air to be introduced into the crawl space. Unlike fiberglass rigid foam insulation does not absorb water support mold or allow air to pass through providing that joints between boards are sealed with tape. A temperate lower area that will keep upper floors warm while your home s foundation remains in sound condition. Department of energy recommends r 11 3 insulation under floors in warm climates and an r 25 6 to 8 in cold climates.

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. Insulation also helps to preserve the air quality and reduce energy costs. 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. 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.

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. In moderate or dry climates without the threat of sustained subfreezing temperatures insulation between floor joists makes sense. Instead of installing the foam insulation between floor joists in the crawl space the foam board is installed against the crawl space foundation walls. That doesn t mean it s a problem but it isn t needed.

However the insulation needs to be treated with a fire retardant. Insulation is to keep heat from moving from one place to another so if the crawl space is heated then the insulation is not needed. Where winter temperatures are extreme opt for insulating the walls and sealing off the crawl space entirely. Fiberglass insulation batts or rolls are the most economical and easiest diy choice for insulating between the floor joist in a crawl space.