How To Insulate A Crawl Space

Use our complete step-by-step guide below to properly insulate your crawl space.

Materials And Tools Needed

Have the following materials on hand prior to installation:

• Construction adhesive.
• Silicone caulk.
• Expanded polystyrene foam board.
• Latex adhesive for foam board.
• Poly PVC tape.
• Foam insulation.
• Polyethylene plastic.
• Double-sided butyl tape.

The following tools will be needed for this task:

• Utility knife.
• Caulking gun.
• Flashlight.
• Fine-toothed saw.
• Rake and shovel.

Steps To Insulating A Crawl Space

Use this step-by-step guide to insulate your crawl space.

Step 1. Prevent Moisture From Entering Crawl Space

• Evaluate the crawl space and locate any pooled water or moisture that is present.
• Redirect downspouts that could be forcing water to collect alongside foundation walls.
• Regrade soil banked up against the outside of the house with a shovel and rake.
• Move the water away from the structure.

Step 2. Evaluate Interior Sources Of Moisture

• Use a flashlight to look for water drippings around the underside of the house.
• Check the pipes running through or within the joists.
• Pay closer attention to areas that produce moisture, such as bathtubs and sinks.

Step 3. Seal Crawl Space Vents And Doors

• Seal up any doors, vents or hatches that open into the crawl space from outside.
• Insert extra-grade caulk into any cracks and holes.

Step 4. Seal Rim Joists And Sills

• During daylight hours, turn off the flashlight and examine rim joists and sill areas for any outside light shining through.
• Seal up any cracks with silicone caulk.
• Use low-expansion foam insulation for larger cracks.

Step 5. Insulate Walls

• Cut some rigid foam pieces to size with a saw.
• Attach these pieces to the inside of the crawl space walls using a latex adhesive.
• Install large sheets of foam.
• Seal the seams between the boards using PVC tape.

Step 6. Lay Vapor Barrier On The Ground

• Lay the vapor barrier across the entire ground of the crawl space.
• Make cut-outs for every protrusion, including piers and posts.
• Run the barrier up against said protrusions, sealing them tightly with butyl tape.
• Seal seams between separate barrier sheets.

Step 7. Seal The Vapor Barrier

• Run the vapor barrier about 12 inches up the newly insulated walls.
• Tape the edges to the wall insulation.

Why Should You Insulate Your Crawl Space?

Insulating your crawl space will ultimately reduce your energy consumption. The air inside your crawl space will not affect your home’s temperature, resulting in huge energy savings over time. In fact, insulating your crawl space can save homeowners up to 15 percent on energy bills. You will also use less energy during any extreme heat or cold periods.

Insulated crawl space can undoubtedly save you money in the long-term. Homeowners will notice lower energy costs due to the conditioned air being restricted between the home’s walls. Clean the crawl space prior to installation if any mold or mildew is visible. Contact the professionals for this service!

While most homeowners worry about outdoor air quality, it really is the indoor quality that should be a main concern. Homes can typically have poorer air quality than outdoors. Crawl spaces allow for unfiltered air to enter the home. Insulating this area can reduce pollutants and improve overall air quality.

Crawl spaces are an easy and all-too-common access point for pests to enter your home. Pests love areas that are damp, but with insulation you can reduce the amount of places they’ll have to hide. Make sure you seal the gaps on the walls where rodents typically invade. Pests infestations are extremely stressful for homeowners, so make sure you take every step possible to avoid this situation.

Insulating crawl space can increase your home’s overall value. Most buyers value crawl space for its energy-saving benefits. Insulation in the crawl space indicates that the home is well-maintained. This insulation can increase your home’s value by up to 10 percent.

Schedule Your Insulation Services Today!