Does your home have a little-used or -visited crawl space? Crawl space construction became rather popular after the Second World War. This building method reduced the cost of new homes by providing an innovative space for storage—without the need to invest in full basement walls and floors. Nevertheless, many homeowners continue to pay the price now. These mini basements often grow humid, turn out moldy, or become infested by small critters due to a lack of quality insulation.
Are you asking yourself, “what kind of insulation should I use in my crawl space, then?” Never fear—we’ve put together a general guide on the subject matter. Here’s what you need to know to seal out undesired air and moisture adequately.
Why Insulate: An Enclosed Thermal Sphere
Why does a crawl space need properly installed insulation in the first space? Your crawl space is a critical component of the comprehensive building envelope and shouldn’t be ignored. Fully insulated crawl spaces create top-notch comfort, durability, and energy efficiency. A clean, efficient, and maintained crawl space is a key element of a healthy home.
This space affects your adobe’s entire conditioned interior. Interestingly enough, over 40 percent of the air breathed within your interiors stems from the crawl space. Ergo, the right insulation usage provides an enclosed thermal sphere to reduce temperature fluctuations throughout the seasons. You can rest easy and comfortably with the knowledge your home will stay cool on hot days and warmer on cold days.
What To Use: Individual Needs vs. Local Environment
What kind of insulation should I use in my crawl space? The right choice ultimately depends upon your individualized crawl space and the needs of your environment. Ventilated crawl spaces are the ideal, as they already assist in moisture elimination. But not all of these mini-basements are one-and-the-same.
For quality insulation, fiberglass is a general option that’s well-known for fitting securely between joists. All the while, spray foam is an alternatively wonderful choice for a continuous vapor barrier, as it is water- and mold-resistant. This type of insulation makes sense due to its high R-value, quick installation, and ability to expand to fill up any cracks, holes, and awkward crannies efficiently.
How To Know: Air Sealing and Insulation Assessment
Inadequate insulation levels showcase visible and tangible symptoms, such as frozen pipes, water inflation, discoloration due to mold and mildew, or cold flooring or rooms above the space itself. Keep an eye out for these common symptoms of a poorly insulated crawl space. Other expert evaluations can help you identify problems and select the best insulation solution for your needs.
For a professional assessment, turn to Greenlink Energy Solutions. We offer a complete 360-degree approach through a whole-home energy audit that assesses its performance. Get in touch with us today for an energy evaluation or free insulation installation service estimate.Our team is here to provide a wide array of improvement opportunities or upgrades that offer the highest efficiency.
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