Crawl Space Insulation

The foundation of a house plays an important role in energy performance. If your house has a crawl space foundation, contact Dr. Energy Saver today and receive a FREE estimate on a number of upgrades that your crawl space can make to save energy. Making a crawl space more energy efficient offers other benefits as well, like solving moisture problems, improving building durability and eliminating moldy, musty odors.

Many homes have crawl space foundations. By definition, this type of foundation has short masonry walls that elevate the home's first floor several feet above the ground. As shown in the drawing, additional support for the first floor joists is usually provided by a pier-and-girder (post-and-beam) framework installed between the perimeter walls. Most crawl space foundations have dirt floors, and are ventilated so that outside air can circulate beneath the house.

It's also typical for fiberglass batt insulation to be installed between the floor joists in an effort to slow energy loss. Unfortunately, all of these details can cause problems with energy efficiency and building durability. Insects, moisture and hazardous radon gas can move freely from the exposed earth into the crawl space area. When floor joists and other framing material absorb moisture, mold begins to grow and wood begins to rot. Wet insulation loses most of its insulating value, and often sags or falls from between floor joists. Moisture will also damage ductwork, plumbing lines and equipment like water heaters or furnaces that are located in the crawl space.

If your crawl space suffers from any of these problems, Dr. Energy Saver can perform a series of repairs and upgrades that will transform a damp, dirty, energy-wasting crawl space into a clean, dry, energy-efficient foundation.

The improvements that Dr. Energy Saver recommends will depend on conditions in your crawl space and on your budget. Here are some of the improvements Dr. Energy Saver may recommend:

• Air sealing Leaks around the perimeter of the foundation can allow outside air to infiltrate into your living space, compromising comfort and energy efficiency. Dr. Energy Saver can seal these leaks using spray foam and other sealants.
• Crawl space insulation Dr. Energy Saver may recommend removing ineffective old insulation installed between floor joists and installing new rigid foam insulation against foundation walls.
• Crawl space waterproofing This will be necessary if there is standing water or constantly wet soil in a crawl space. Dr. Energy Saver can solve moisture problems by installing drain lines, a sump pump, moisture barriers and (if necessary) a dehumidifier.
• Crawl space encapsulation The "encapsulation" strategy for a crawl space combines air sealing, insulation and waterproofing techniques to completely seal off this space and bring it within the home's building envelope. Building science research has demonstrated that crawl space encapsulation is the best way to ensure energy efficiency and building longevity while also minimizing indoor air pollution. Dr. Energy Saver has access to the most comprehensive and most effective encapsulation materials available today.

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