Should I Insulate the Crawl Space?
Crawl Space Insulation is Key to Energy Efficiency
When I meet with clients to discuss working on their crawl space, the question of whether or not to insulate the crawl space is always a topic of discussion.
If they have met with other crawl space encapsulation contractors there is normally a look of too much information and even distrust on their faces because they called three different companies and got three different answers about what to do in their crawl space.
I can’t address all the crawl space confusion in this article but I would like to discuss crawl space insulation and whether you should or shouldn’t insulate your crawl space.
Insulating Your Crawl Space is the Right Decision
The short answer is YES!
You should insulate your crawl space IF you want to make your home MORE energy efficient. So, why do so many homeowners tell me that the last crawl space waterproofing company said they don’t need insulation?
The key to that is the word “need”.
If you think about it, you don’t need attic insulation either. Of course, it is local code that you have it during the building of your home but if you have an older home with inferior insulation to today’s standards no one will come and inspect your attic.
Climate Factors Determine Your Need for Crawl Space Insulation
The Department of Energy recommends that you have a properly insulated crawl space. So what does that mean?
The way you insulate your crawl space is determined by many factors. If your winters are harsh and there is low humidity where you live the insulation you choose is different versus a very humid climate with milder winters and hotter summers.
Since I am located in Tennessee I will be discussing types of insulation and insulation R values for the Southeast.
Types of Crawl Space Insulation
We mainly use three types of insulation when it comes to crawl space insulation in the south.
- Fiberglass Insulation
- Foam Board Insulation
- Spray Foam Insulation
Please understand there are many types of insulation and even sub types within the types of insulation I listed above.
For example, in the fiberglass insulation category there is:
- batt insulation
- unfaced insulation
- faced insulation
- foil faced insulation
- and even mineral wool insulation which is not fiberglass but is comparable
Most homes in the Southeast especially Tennessee have been built with these types of insulation.
Foam board insulation and spray foam insulation are becoming more popular especially with the introduction of crawl space encapsulation. Both types of insulation will work in a crawl space with a vapor barrier as long as certain project and all three types will work with a vented crawl space depending on where the insulation is applied.
When deciding whether to insulate or not, here are some factors to consider:
Type of crawl space: vented (open) versus non-vented (closed)
- Height of crawl space
- Climate
- Budget
- Access size
- Square footage
- Time in home
- Return on Investment
- Comfort
- Air Quality
Let’s look at crawl space height. If your crawl space is really short or really tall the type of insulation you choose will vary.
Foundation insulation may not be cost effective on a crawl space with twelve to sixteen foot walls or walls that are extremely short and difficult to get to. Also, if the door access is small this can hinder the type of insulation used.
Contact Crawl Space Ninja for Crawl Space Insulation!
Please contact us if you have problems controlling humidity in your crawl space or basement. Our team of professionals can determine your humidity level, and help you decide the right course of action for your home.
Give us a call at (888) 541-1998 or find your local Crawl Space Ninja experts.
