Crawl spaces may always be out of sight, but they should never be out of mind. A well-insulated crawl space is the cornerstone of an energy-efficient and comfortable home. In this article, we’ll explain the purpose of crawl space insulation and how you can benefit from having it installed.
What Is a Crawl Space?
A crawl space is an unoccupied and often unfinished area between the ground and the home’s first floor. About 27 million U.S. homes have crawl spaces. If you have an elevated foundation, your house is likely to have a crawl space.
While this area is often neglected, it houses some of the most critical systems of your home—plumbing, HVAC, and even electrical systems. So, don’t be like most homeowners and ignore this area.
What Is the Purpose of Crawl Space Insulation?
Crawl space insulation refers to the insulation material installed on the walls, floors, or ceilings of a crawl space. It helps keep a home’s temperature stable and comfortable by preventing outside heat or cold from getting in. Insulating the crawl space can also keep moisture out, which prevents problems like mold and rot that can damage a home’s structure.
Benefits of Insulating Your Crawl Space
Have you experienced ice-cold floors, unusually high energy bills, or a damp smell? These are some telltale signs that your crawl space needs some insulation. Insulating your crawl space may feel like throwing money down the drain, but the benefits far outweigh the costs.
Here are some reasons why you should insulate your crawl space:
Lower Energy Bills
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that 9 out of 10 homes in the country have insufficient insulation. This means that the majority of the country wastes energy without even lifting a finger.
Sealing air leaks and adding insulation can save you up to 10% on your annual energy bills. Insulating areas like attics, crawl spaces, and basements can also reduce heating and cooling costs by 15%.
The crawl space is located right below the ground floor. If it’s not insulated, the cold from the ground can make the floors chilly. This makes the heater work extra hard to keep the house warm, which costs more money.
Additionally, the HVAC system is usually in the crawl space and because of this, the state of the crawl space impacts the HVAC system. If the crawl space is cold or poorly insulated, the HVAC system must deal with those conditions. In other words, it won’t be as effective or efficient at controlling the temperature in your home.
Prevention of Moisture and Mold
Most molds are found outdoors; they live in the soil, plants, and decaying matter. They can enter your house through flooding, leaks, damp areas, and condensation.
Mold needs three things to grow: humidity, warm temperature, and a food source. If you have moisture problems, you must deprive the mold of one of these things.
According to the National Insulation Association, insulation is your first defense against moisture problems. A well-insulated crawl space can help block moisture from seeping in, especially when this space is exposed to the ground where mold resides.
Improved Air Quality
Reducing the risk of mold and excess moisture helps improve a home’s overall air quality. There is enough evidence to link upper respiratory tract symptoms to exposure to mold indoors. Insulation can help fill unnoticed gaps, cracks, and holes where air pollutants may enter the home.
Increased Home Value
Homes with good insulation are energy-efficient. Insulation also helps reduce noise pollution. It blocks out the sounds of traffic, construction, and other loud noises that may be present in the neighborhood. It is a feature that appeals to potential home buyers, increasing your home’s value.
Better Pest Control
Insulation can act as a barrier, deterring pests and rodents from entering your home through the crawl space. This can help prevent damage to your home and reduce the risk of infestation.
However, different types of insulation offer varying levels of protection. Before installing insulation, it’s essential to consider the kind of pests in your area.
Common Types of Insulation Materials Used in Crawl Spaces
Not all insulating materials work the same, and not all materials suit the conditions of a crawl space.
Let’s look at the common ones to help you choose the most suitable insulation material.
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass is a traditional insulation material that has been used since the 1930s. It is an affordable option and one of the easiest to install. While fiberglass is a good insulation material for other parts of your home, many experts do not recommend it for crawl spaces. It has a low R-value and can easily absorb moisture, promoting mold growth. This material is also warm, which can attract pests and rodents.
Foam Board Insulation
For this type of insulation, the foam board is wrapped in reflective foil that prevents water, mold, and air from seeping in. It has one of the cleanest looks among all insulation types. However, foam boards can’t seal most gaps, cracks, and holes. It can also be complex to install, especially if your crawl space has a lot of obstacles. Foam boards have a higher R-value than fiberglass.
Closed-Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Closed-cell spray foam is a denser, more rigid type of insulation than fiberglass. The foam is sprayed and expands to fill in gaps, cracks, and crevices, forming an airtight and watertight seal.
This material is fast and easy to install, but it is more expensive than fiberglass and requires a professional installer. Closed-cell spray foam has a higher R-value than fiberglass and foam boards.
Once installed, the insulating material will be challenging to remove, which makes it a permanent insulation option.
Factors to Consider Before Insulating Your Crawl Space
A higher R-value does not necessarily mean it’s the best insulation material. There are other factors to consider before installing insulation in a crawl space. Here are some of them:
Type of Crawl Space
- Vented Crawl Spaces: Vented crawl spaces have openings to the outside. The idea is that the natural airflow dispels moisture. In reality, open vents allow warm, humid air to flow in and condense on cooler surfaces. So, we recommend closing crawl space vents. However, if you have a vented crawl space, the insulation is typically installed under the subfloor between the floor joists.
- Sealed or Encapsulated Crawl Spaces: In sealed or encapsulated crawl spaces, the insulation is typically applied to the crawl space walls and subfloor.
Insulation Material
The R-value indicates how well a material or a system of materials can resist heat flow. The “R” stands for resistance. Higher R-values mean greater insulation effectiveness.
Different materials will have different R-values per inch of thickness. For example, fiberglass batts, foam board insulation, and spray foam insulation each have specific R-values.
The optimal R-value for a property depends on factors such as the local climate, the type of HVAC system used, and the part of the building being insulated (e.g., roof, walls, floors).
Accessibility and Safety
Not all crawl spaces are the same. Some crawl spaces have inaccessible areas that might render some material less effective.
For instance, if the crawl space is too small for a person to fit in, it might be challenging to install foam board insulation. Spray foam or fiberglass is a better choice in this case.
Cost, Durability, and ROI
The insulation cost depends on the type and quality of the material used. While some materials are affordable, they may not always be the best investment if they don’t last as long or provide a high level of insulation.
How to Insulate a Crawl Space: DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Once you take into account these factors, you can begin to insulate the crawl space. In general, here are the steps you’ll take:
- Dress in old clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty, bring a flashlight and thoroughly inspect the space.
- Remove any clutter, outdated insulation materials, and debris.
- Identify and seal any leaks, cracks, or openings, including vents, and do necessary repairs.
- Thoroughly dry the entire area.
- Lay down a vapor barrier.
- Install the insulation material. Each material requires a different installation method. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
While the DIY route might seem appealing, seeking professional help is advisable. A pro can guide you on the most suitable materials for your needs and get the job done right the first time.
Signs Your Crawl Space Needs Insulation
How do you know if your crawl space needs insulation? Ask yourself the following questions:
- Are your utility bills higher than expected?
- Do areas in your home have varying temperatures?
- Is the floor above your crawl space unusually cold or hot for the season?
- Do you notice drafty areas in your home?
- Have you experienced allergic reactions or respiratory issues recently?
- Do you notice bad smells in your house that you can’t pinpoint?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, your Charlotte, NC crawl space might need to be insulated. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation.
