A lot of homeowners don’t think about the crawl space, but it can have a big impact on your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. If you leave it uninsulated, outside air will leak into the area, causing moisture problems and raising your heating and cooling costs. However, properly insulating your crawl space can help protect against mold and mildew, keep pipes from freezing in the winter, improve indoor air quality and increase your home’s value.
indiana crawl space insulation is a good DIY project if you’re comfortable working in tight spaces and getting dirty. The process starts with removing old traditional insulation and cleaning the crawl space to eliminate any pests, mildew and rot that have formed in the space. You can choose to have a professional remove the insulation, or do it yourself using a hand saw, utility knife, staple gun, power drill and a dust mask.
After the space is clean, a vapor barrier should be laid down. This will prevent moisture from entering the space, and helps to keep humidity levels low in the area. Then you can choose between a variety of types of insulation. For vented crawl spaces, foam board insulation is recommended. If your crawl space is unvented, a qualified insulation contractor will use fiberglass insulation between the floor joists. It is important not to block vents in ventilated crawl spaces, and a 2-4 inch inspection gap should remain open to allow for future repairs.
There are three types of rigid foam boards that are popular for insulating crawl spaces: polyisocyanurate, extruded polystyrene (XPS) and expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam). Polyiso is the most expensive, but offers R-6.8 per inch, XPS is in the middle at R-5 per inch, and Styrofoam is the least expensive with an R-value of 3.8 per inch. A professional insulation installer will know which type of insulation is best for your crawl space based on its condition and local codes.
In addition to keeping outside air out, the right insulation will also insulate your crawl space’s joists and prevent them from conducting heat into living areas above. This can save you a significant amount on energy bills and prevents the spread of allergens and moisture throughout your home.
Insulating the crawl space can be an important investment for your home, and a great way to lower your monthly energy costs. The cost of the insulation will be quickly offset by the savings on your energy bills. Contact Groundworks to learn more about crawl space insulation and how it can benefit you. Our qualified insulation professionals are always happy to answer any questions you may have about the proper R-value for your crawl space. We can even provide a free estimate for you to review at your convenience. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
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