Insulate A Floor Overa Crawl Space

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.

Insulate a floor overa crawl space.

Insulation on the dirt floor may be useful but in tennessee we find this not to be so. 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. 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. Remember up to 50 of the crawl space air can transfer into the living space.

However the insulation needs to be treated with a fire retardant. When insulating the floor above a crawl space. The goal however is the same. Insulation also helps to preserve the air quality and reduce energy costs.

You can also insulate the floor of the crawl space and the sub floor of the crawl space if you live in a cold environment. A temperate lower area that will keep upper floors warm while your home s foundation remains in sound condition. It will also help to stop that echo that can be heard when you walk on the floors suspended over a crawl space. There are two types of crawl spaces ventilated and unventilated and each requires its own form of insulation.

Fiberglass insulation on the floor joists in a crawl space will help keep the floor above warm. That way plumbing pipes and hvac ducts are protected from freezing temps helping to conserve energy. Fiberglass insulation batts or rolls are the most economical and easiest diy choice for insulating between the floor joist in a crawl space. Cold air that sweeps through a crawl space meanwhile can lead to cold floors inside the home whether or not the space is wet.

Cover the ground in the crawl space with 6 mil thick plastic to reduce moisture problems under your home. Use insulation support wires to hold the insulation in place. To enclose the space in a thermal envelope. In a cold climate the most efficient technique is to insulate the walls of your crawl space and close it off from the elements by sealing all air leaks.

This type of insulation allows for conditioned air to be introduced into the crawl space. Proper crawl space insulation also can prevent your crawl space from becoming a moist environment that grows and harbors mold and mildew controlling crawl space temperature and moisture is a dual process that works toward a common goal. However in a moist ventilated crawl space this insulation will eventually rot and become soaked with moisture this will cause it to fall off the ceiling and on to the floor. Without insulation heat and cool air are easily lost through the floor.