Crawl Space Insulation

Ways to Insulate Crawl Space 

A crawl space can be referred to as an unfinished accessible area just below a building’s first floor. The primary objective of crawl space insulation is to wrap the living space in a thermal envelope. Hence, it is very necessary for the floor or walls of any unconditioned space to be insulated.

There are two types of crawl spaces namely; vented and un-vented.

• Vented crawl space: This space open towards the outside
• Un-vented crawl space:   This is an integral part of the basement.  

It is very important to insulate the under floor in case of a vented crawl space. The ceilings should not be ignored either. The insulation can be done prior to or just after the addition of the sub-floor.

Insulating a vented crawl space:

In case, the sub-floor is placed the insulation can be easily installed from below just as it is installed in ceilings.

• You need to cover the ground with six-mil plastic film sheets. Make sure that the sheets overlap each other by 12 inches approximately. You can also extend a few inches upwards the walls.
• Now, tape the film securely at the walls and hold all the seams in place with the help of tape, rocks or scrap lumber. Once the ground is covered, you can easily install the crawl space insulation.
• The insulation need to be fitted is to the joists with the help of kraft-paper vapor retarder that faces against the sub-floor. You also need to assure yourself that the insulation fits the space properly and there is no space for air between the insulation and the flooring.
• The insulation flanges need to be stapled securely to the bottom or sides of the joists.  

During the crawl space insulation process, you need to utilize wire-lacing, stiff or screen wire fastness in order to make sure that the insulation is firmly held in place. These fasteners should be held at least 6 inches from the end portion of each baffle. However, also make sure that these are not more than twenty-four inches apart.

Insulating an Un-vented crawl space:

The basic rule to insulate an un-vented crawl space is to focus on insulating perimeter walls. This totally banishes the requirement to insulate the heating ducts and water pipes individually.

It is important to cover the ground with six-mill plastic film sheets. Make sure that the sheets overlap each other by about 12 inches and extend some inches up the walls.

·        Make sure you tape the film in place over the walls and hold all the seams in place with the help of a tape nock or scrap lumber. The installation process can take place as soon as you cover the ground.

·        You also need to find out the header joists that run across the floor joists ends. You must need to measure and cut pieces of un-faced insulation. Thereafter place them against the header joists amidst floor joists.

·        Install standard baffle lengths.

·        Anchor the insulation as close as possible

·        Find out stringer joists that run parallel to floor joist.  

For more information on crawl space insulation, consult your local home improvement center.

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