Insulating your crawl space can save you a considerable amount of money. A crawl space that’s not properly insulated can let your home’s air escape through the floor. That not only leads to higher energy bills but also shortens your HVAC system’s life span due to the system having to work harder to keep your indoor temperatures consistent. Below are expert recommendations on proper crawl space insulation.
Eliminate Water Sources
You don’t want to leave your insulated crawl space vulnerable to flooding. Therefore, you should start by getting rid of sources of water. Make sure you maintain gutters, extend downspouts, and regrade patios, garden beds, and sidewalks to make them slope away from your home. To ensure peace of mind, install a sump pump or basement waterproofing system.
Use Water-Resistant Insulation
Fiberglass is a fairly inexpensive insulation option. Unfortunately, it tends to absorb moist air. Additionally, rodents like taking shelter in it. Rigid board insulations, especially polyisocyanurate, work well in crawl spaces.
Seal All Openings
You can purchase vent covers to seal your vent openings or make your own covers using plywood and install them with caulk. Seal the hatchways leading to the exterior with a premanufactured hatchway or heavy-duty weatherstripping. The joints between crawl space walls and sills will also need to be sealed. For that, you can use foam sealant or caulk.
Install Vapor Barriers
Give your crawl space maximum protection by installing a vapor barrier on top of the floor and taping it to the insulation.
When insulating your crawl space, it’s crucial to know what you’re doing and use the right materials. As a result, it’s best to leave the job to professionals. For more information on insulating crawl spaces, contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide expert assistance with all home-comfort and energy-efficiency issues Lorain homeowners may experience.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area