Crawl space is never a place a homeowner wants to look into and clean. The dirt, rubbish, and sometimes even mold would scare off anyone. Hence, crawl space is almost always overlooked and left forgotten. But our Envirosmart experts will convince you otherwise. There are a few reasons why you should invest in improving your crawl space, and all for the sake of your house’s energy efficiency and your family’s health.
To lower the energy bills and enhance comfort levels, we recommend installing insulation in the crawl space. Envirosmart Solutions has helped countless homeowners, and each of our customers is more than happy with the results.
This blog will teach you everything you need to know about crawl space insulation and how to DIY this project.
Does Installing Crawl Space Insulation Make a Difference?
Without second thoughts – yes! At Envirosmart Solutions, we know for a fact that installing insulation in the crawl space not only keeps the whole area cleaner but also doesn’t let cold air enter your house.
Since the crawl space is what separates your house structure from the ground, and more often than not, the area is “naked” or unfinished, it welcomes dirt, moisture, and humidity to enter. As a result, homeowners are often baffled by discovering spreading mold, nasty odor, and even spotting damaged joists that actually keep your house from falling down. Cleaning the crawl space is truly hard work and sometimes can only be done with proper equipment.
Insulation can maintain consistent temperatures in the living space and, hence, reduce energy consumption because you no longer need to run your heating system at the maximum capacity to stay warm. Moreover, insulation protects pipes in winter, which is especially beneficial for cold regions where pipes tend to crack.
When Is the Time to Start Insulating Your Crawl Space?
There are a few warning signs that can indicate it is time to insulate your crawl space. Before you have to gear up and go down the rabbit hole that is your crawl space, try standing on the floor that is right above the crawl space. If you notice that the subfloor is considerably colder than other floors, this means the current insulation, if there is any, is failing at its job.
Another method of checking the condition of your crawl space is for the bravest – actually going down the house structure with a flashlight and investigating how damaged or wet the insulation of the crawl space is. Unfortunately, if the insulation is wet, it will have to be replaced. The same goes if your crawl space is wet, as it leads to foundation cracks and may attract rodents.
Finally, the easiest way to make sure your insulation is in good shape is to hire a professional team like Envirosmart Solutions. We offer annual check-ups and inspections of your crawl space and attic in one package to give you peace of mind and ensure your family stays healthy and warm.
Can You Insulate a Crawl Space Without Prepping It First?
Insulation in the crawl space will work to your benefit only when it’s installed properly, meaning in the clean and dry crawl space. Before we get to the installing guide, make sure to remove excess water and moisture, mend leakages from pipes, if any, and clean the area from debris, mold, and infestation.
In case the workload is too much for you and you require professional help, Envirosmart Solutions offers a crawl space clean-up service for an affordable price.
How to Install Insulation in a Crawl Space: Step-by-Step Guide
Now, to the most important part – a step-by-step guide on how to install insulation in the crawl space. We highly recommend not skipping any step in the DIY project to have the best final results.
- Choose insulation material: This can be anything from fiberglass batt, rigid foam board, or closed-cell foam insulation.
- Remove the existing insulation: Gear up with protective gloves, mask, and goggles, and scrap the damaged insulation from your crawl space.
- Remove water and moisture: As we’ve mentioned earlier, prepping your crawl space before installing new insulation is very important. You can use fans or heaters, which can do wonders when removing excess water.
- Install a vapor barrier: A vapor barrier will protect the crawl space from moisture coming from the ground. Envirosmart Solutions can take this task off your shoulders and install a vapor barrier so that it prevents mold and fungus from damaging the house foundation.
- Install insulation in the crawl space: To properly insulate your crawl space, make sure to cover the entire area, especially around the joists, pipes, and wiring. The layer of insulation should fit snugly but not too tight.
Remember to wear protective gloves, a mask, and eye goggles at all times! Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you need professional help with any of the steps. Our experienced team will gladly help you with insulating your crawl space.
Why Choose Envirosmart Solutions for Crawl Space Insulation?
Installing insulation in the crawl space is not a one-day work when you take on a project by yourself. Choosing quality materials and installing the layer so that it doesn’t get damaged in the long run is another worrying issue many homeowners face.
Consider hiring a team from Envirosmart Solutions. Our experts, with a wealth of experience, have helped countless homeowners with insulating their crawl spaces. Be the next one to use our solutions, and you won’t regret the results!
We guarantee customer satisfaction, top-tier materials, and efficient completion of services.
Ready to lower electricity bills and foolproof your crawl space? Get in touch with us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does crawl space insulation last?
When properly installed and maintained, the crawl space insulation can last up to 25 years or even more. It’s a great investment that always pays off in the long run.
How to hang insulation in the crawl space?
When you install insulation in the crawl space, make sure to cut pieces of it and attach them to the space crawl wall and ceiling with the latex adhesive.
If you have wood-framed walls, consider attaching the insulation with cap-head screws or long roofing nails. In any case, make sure to seal any gaps to protect the crawl space from water damage.
If you notice the insulation in the crawl space falling, you can also use wire fasteners to keep the insulation in place.
Should I remove insulation from the crawl space?
Yes, old insulation may lead to mold formation and harbor water, possibly leading to damage to the new insulation and spreading bad odor inside the house.
How to insulate a crawl space floor with concrete floors?
If your crawl space comes with concrete floors, you should first brush off the debris and then glue the panels to the walls. In case of any gaps, apply foam to seal them.
Bibliography
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/insulation/21019347/insulating-a-crawl-space
https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/diy-repair/insulating-crawl-space/
