Crawlspace Insulation
Solving multiple issues through proper insulation.
Why is my floor cold?
Are your floors cold but the air in your house humid? It may be due to a non-insulated crawlspace. Insulating your crawlspace is a great way to lower your energy bills and keep your feet warm in the winter. It can also help reduce mold and rotting wood, while preventing termite and carpenter ant infestations. Be assured, ’58 Foundations has the insulation solution for you.
Crawlspace without Insulation
Why Choose Us
Strongest Crawlspace Warranty
Our warranty offers the highest level of protection available. Our crawlspace encapsulation system is protected for 30 years.*
Money-back Guarantee
If we can't fix it, we'll return your money.* That's how confident we are that our crawlspace waterproofing system will solve your problem.
Hundreds of Thousands of Satisfied Customers
Since 1958, we've been delivering on our promise of healthier crawlspaces with integrity, deep industry knowledge, and fair pricing.
More Affordable than Ever
Financing to fit your budget.* Crawlspace solutions designed with your needs and budget in mind. No high-pressure sales.
Taking a Look At Your Crawlspace
A crawlspace is the area under your home that is not livable. It can be anywhere from 2 to 10 feet in height but is typically around 3 to 4 feet. A crawlspace is different from a slab foundation or a full basement in that it is defined by an unfinished dirt floor. The space offers builders an area for plumbing, wiring, ductwork, and heating or cooling equipment.
For decades crawlspaces were built with vents to the outside so air could circulate throughout. Most building codes required such ventilation. However, over time, studies have shown that a crawlspace that is closed – that doesn’t allow the inward migration of exterior air – is better for the home.
Mold Growing on Crawlspace Joist
Moving away from vents
Vents allow moisture into the crawlspace, particularly in hot, humid climates. The moist air condenses on the wood framing and causes mold and mildew. As warm air rises in your home, over 50% comes from this damp, moldy area. If there is HVAC ductwork down there that is colder than the ambient air, you get condensation and ‘rain’ in the crawlspace. In the wintertime, air from the outside cools the floor and makes cold to the touch – in turn you use more heat to compensate.
Builders have tried a variety of innovative measures to improve the air quality and efficiency of the crawlspace, but soon determined that sealing the vents not only avoided moisture problems, but also made homes generally healthier and more comfortable.
Moving away from vents
Vents allow moisture into the crawlspace, particularly in hot, humid climates. The moist air condenses on the wood framing and causes mold and mildew. As warm air rises in your home, over 50% comes from this damp, moldy area. If there is HVAC ductwork down there that is colder than the ambient air, you get condensation and ‘rain’ in the crawlspace. In the wintertime, air from the outside cools the floor and makes cold to the touch – in turn you use more heat to compensate.
Builders have tried a variety of innovative measures to improve the air quality and efficiency of the crawlspace, but soon determined that sealing the vents not only avoided moisture problems, but also made homes generally healthier and more comfortable.
Mold Growing on Crawlspace Joist
Crawlspace insulation – key to the solution
Sealing and closing the crawlspace is simply the first step. Maintaining a consistent, moderate temperature is the key to cutting your heating costs. Crawlspace insulation can help. And the value of good insulation, from the human perspective, is that the floors will stay much warmer.
There are two basic types of crawlspace insulation – fiberglass batting and foam board. Each is designed to reduce the temperature differential between your home and the crawlspace. ‘58 Foundations is experienced at installing both.
Fiberglass batting is a more traditional and less expensive approach. This type of crawlspace floor insulation is placed between the floor joists at an ‘R’ value appropriate for your geographic location – typically an R19. Properly affixed, the batting offers significant protection and has more R-value per cubic inch than foam board. However, if the crawlspace dirt floor remains uncovered (not encapsulated) moisture may infiltrate the batting over time until it pulls away and requires replacement.
’58 Foundations recommends stiff 2-inch thick foam board an alternative to traditional batting. This rigid material is cut to fit and is mechanically fastened to your foundation walls around the entire perimeter. 2-inch foam board meets today’s building codes and remains viable and water/moisture resistant for 100 years.
Closed cell spray foam is a third option and can be sprayed onto your crawlspace foundation walls to a depth of 2-inches.
’58 Foundations experts will inspect your crawlspace to determine what option is best for you.
Other crawlspace considerations
While crawlspace insulation is a critical element in the management of your home’s heating efficiency, it works best in combination with crawlspace encapsulation and dehumidification.
Not only should your crawlspace be insulated against variations in temperature, but it also needs to be dry. By encapsulating the open dirt floor with a 20-ml, class A poly-woven vapor barrier, you can reduce moisture and help prevent mold and rot in your floor joists. Humidity is further reduced and maintained at a comfortable level with the installation of a dehumidification system. This system keeps the humidity level below 50% so mold, which begins to grow at 60% humidity, cannot take hold.
Other crawlspace considerations
While crawlspace insulation is a critical element in the management of your home’s heating efficiency, it works best in combination with crawlspace encapsulation and dehumidification.
Not only should your crawlspace be insulated against variations in temperature, but it also needs to be dry. By encapsulating the open dirt floor with a 20-ml, class A poly-woven vapor barrier, you can reduce moisture and help prevent mold and rot in your floor joists. Humidity is further reduced and maintained at a comfortable level with the installation of a dehumidification system. This system keeps the humidity level below 50% so mold, which begins to grow at 60% humidity, cannot take hold.
’58 Foundations has over 60 years’ experience in tempering the crawlspace environment. If your home can benefit from warmer floors, reduced drafts, less dust, fewer pests, and more stable indoor relative humidity, then call us. Our commitment to you is a professional job done efficiently and effectively.
