Choosing the Best Insulation for Your Crawl Space
Did you know that a crawl space with the right insulation can improve the energy efficiency of your home as well as your own comfort? Proper insulation will not only regulate temperatures indoors, but also reduce energy costs and protect your home from the harsh weather outside. Additionally, the right amount of insulation can prevent moisture buildup – those reducing the possibility of mold and mildew buildup. However, there are 15 different main types of insulation, so choosing the right kind for your crawl space might be overwhelming.
But don’t worry, this guide will show you the best materials to insulate your crawl space to ensure you have a comfortable and healthy home year round.
Why Does My Crawl Space Need to be Insulated?
We’ll cover the details of insulation, but it’s helpful to know first why insulating the crawl space is an important part of your home’s health.
A properly Insulated crawl space and create a barrier of heat and cool air, preventing loss of each in the summer and winter months. if your goal is to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature this will reduce your energy consumption. not only will that be less wear and tear on your units, but your heat and air conditioning bill will thank you.
A second reason to have the right amount of insulation in your crawl space is for moisture control. insulation helps control the moisture level in your crawl space. lower moisture levels result in a reduced risk of mold and damage to your floor joists.
A third reason is to improve the quality of your air inside your home. a good portion of the air we breathe comes from the crawl space. if you notice extra allergies or sickness in your home you may have mold which you are breathing in as well.
Another reason to have the right amount of insulation in your crawl space is because it will actually increase the value of your home. when the crawl space is healthy and dry the whole just feels and looks better.
What Are the Best Insulation Materials for My Crawl Space?
There are several different Insulation types that are perfect for your crawl space depending on how you use it. Fiberglass batts are the most popular to go in the floor; they are affordable and easy to install and provide a decent amount of thermal resistance. However, be careful installing fiberglass insulation. This can create irritation on your skin so wear gloves and gloves when handling them with care.
Another popular insulation type is rigid foam boards. They provide excellent thermal resistance as well as being extremely durable. While they are more expensive than traditional fiberglass and might be more challenging to install, homeowners find them to be very efficient.
Yet another type of insulation is spray foam insulation. Spray foam insulation is applied as a liquid and expands to fill cracks and crevices. This provides a great barrier to the outside elements and is utilized commonly when encapsulating your crawl space.
Choosing the Right Insulation
The right insulation for your crawl space this depends on several factors including the type of home that you have, the current conditions of your crawl space, your overall goals and your budget.
At Vance insulation, we pride ourselves in providing Common Sense solutions for crawl space needs. give us a call if you have more questions.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively insulate your crawl space and improve your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and overall value.