Crawl space floor insulation can do wonders for keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. However, what do you do when your insulation breaks down in some way?
Simply put, if your crawl space insulation is compromised, you need to think about replacement options. Compromised insulation is bad for your household’s health, your home’s structural integrity, and your budget.
What is the Most Common Insulation for Crawl Space Floors?
When you need to insulate a crawl space floor, encapsulation is the best method to use. This insulation is installed between the joists above your crawl space. One of the things that this method can do very effectively is to keep air from escaping.
Encapsulation contains materials that are effective for repelling moisture. One of the advantages of using this type of insulation is that it can fit crawl spaces of any size.
R-19 insulation is the most common type of insulation used for crawl space floors. This grade of insulation helps provide some of the best protection for crawl spaces.
R-30 insulation that provides greater protection is also an option for many crawl spaces. Most contractors charge extra fees for using R-30, but the advantages are worth the cost.
What is an Ideal Lifespan for Crawl Space Floor Insulation?
Crawl space floor insulation should last for a long time. Ideally, the minimum lifespan should be at least ten years. In optimal conditions, the insulation could last 15 years or more.
Buying the right materials from your contractor will help ensure that your encapsulation lasts as long as possible. Another way to maximize the lifespan of the insulation is to make sure the crawl space area is prepared properly.
What is the Best Way to Prepare Your Crawl Space for Insulation?
One of the most important things to do before insulating your crawl space is to remove all standing water. If there is any standing water present, it will put contractors at risk and potentially help prevent a seal from forming.
Because crawl spaces seldom have any natural light, you’ll need to make sure this area has proper lighting. Encapsulation can be performed more easily when the area has proper lighting.
If there are any sharp objects or debris, these need to be removed before encapsulation. Otherwise, the encapsulation material could rip and fail to provide the protection needed.
You should also make sure your wood framing, plumbing, and wiring are all undamaged. Plumbing leaks or electrical problems could lead to difficulties that prevent the encapsulation from working as hoped.
If your humidity levels are less than ideal, you’ll need to use dehumidifiers and fans to help bring the humidity down to manageable levels. You’ll need to make sure contractors can easily work around these items.
What Are the Benefits of Long-Lasting Encapsulation?
Encapsulation involves a lot of time and money, making many homeowners wonder if this insulation is worth the effort. Your property will see improvement from these changes being made.
You’ll see reduced energy costs while enjoying more comfortable temperatures. The air quality in your crawl space and the rest of your home will improve.
The house will stay more structurally sound because there will be fewer opportunities for mildew and mold to grow. Pest infestations will also be substantially less likely.
Crawl space encapsulation will be one of the best investments you make in your home. When you work with the best professionals, you will see much better results.
Contact Falcone Crawl Space for more information about crawl space floor insulation.
