Crawl Space Insulation Question

[jhc77]

Are there any concerns I need to check on before attempting to insulate my ventilated crawl space? The foundation walls are "covered" in blown stuff (that's pretty much useless), but my floor joist and sub-floors are naked. Really tired of the drafts and freezing feet. Doing it myself also. Found R-19 (w/ vapor barrier of course) to be most cost effective on my wallet as I'm only going to be able to do a few bags at a time. I know a higher R value would be more efficient, but anything is better than I have now.

Thanks

[TerryW]

I don't know much but I think you thinking correctly in that make sure the crawl space is still vented so you don't get moisture and keep moisture in there.

[glock55]

1) R-19 is the common insulation used for crawl spaces

2) install vapor barrier up toward floor

3) install vapor barrier on crawl space floor if dirt after insulation is installed

4) use calk to seal any gaps or holes in floor before installing insulation

5) I close my vents when the temps fall below 40*

6) be sure to wear some type of breathing protection when working with insulation

7) the walls, not the floor ceiling, are normally insulated on unvented crawl spaces. I wonder if the vents were added after the house was built?

[jhc77]

1) R-19 is the common insulation used for crawl spaces

2) install vapor barrier up toward floor

3) install vapor barrier on crawl space floor if dirt after insulation is installed

4) use calk to seal any gaps or holes in floor before installing insulation

5) I close my vents when the temps fall below 40*

6) be sure to wear some type of breathing protection when working with insulation

7) the walls, not the floor ceiling, are normally insulated on unvented crawl spaces. I wonder if the vents were added after the house was built?

#3- already covered

#7- Built like this. There are questionable things around this house. Codes fella must have done this whole neighborhood in a day. As the second owner of 8 years, I'm still shaking my head at things.

[mikegideon]

My crawl space walls are insulated, and it's vented. House was built that way. I bought it new. The only floor that's cold is the kitchen, which is ceramic. All the other floors are carpet, laminate, or vinyl tile.

[peejman]

1) R-19 is the common insulation used for crawl spaces

2) install vapor barrier up toward floor

3) install vapor barrier on crawl space floor if dirt after insulation is installed

4) use calk to seal any gaps or holes in floor before installing insulation

5) I close my vents when the temps fall below 40*

6) be sure to wear some type of breathing protection when working with insulation

7) the walls, not the floor ceiling, are normally insulated on unvented crawl spaces. I wonder if the vents were added after the house was built?

 

 

This.

 

Before you buy stuff, I strongly suggest you get quotes from a couple pro's.  I got insulation installed for less than it would have cost me just for the materials.   I had my floors insulated with R19 bat and R19 equivalent blown into the attic (for a total of R38).  I like walking around the house barefoot and it helped a bit with how cold the floor feels. 

 

 

 

 

#3- already covered

#7- Built like this. There are questionable things around this house. Codes fella must have done this whole neighborhood in a day. As the second owner of 8 years, I'm still shaking my head at things.

 

My house is the same way.  Every time I undertake some sort of project I find myself staring and something and thinking... Really?  :shake:

Edited November 7, 2013 by peejman

[southernasylum]

...

2) install vapor barrier up toward floor

3) install vapor barrier on crawl space floor if dirt after insulation is installed...

 

This. You don't want to trap any moisture between the insulation and the floor of the house. Also close the vents in cold weather and remember to open them again when it warms back up. If there is a lot of moisture down there don't do anything till you get that taken care of.

 

-southernasylum

[Andyshowfan]

1) R-19 is the common insulation used for crawl spaces

2) install vapor barrier up toward floor

3) install vapor barrier on crawl space floor if dirt after insulation is installed

4) use calk to seal any gaps or holes in floor before installing insulation

5) I close my vents when the temps fall below 40*

6) be sure to wear some type of breathing protection when working with insulation

7) the walls, not the floor ceiling, are normally insulated on unvented crawl spaces. I wonder if the vents were added after the house was built?

As a building inspector I agree. To meet the energy code you can insulate the floor with not less than R-19 or the foundation walls, provided that all openings are sealed. 

[jhc77]

As a building inspector I agree. To meet the energy code you can insulate the floor with not less than R-19 or the foundation walls, provided that all openings are sealed.

We bought this house in 2005. Was the code different then? There is no way that R19 is blown on the foundation walls. It's vented (which I will close shortly) and the floor (dirt) is already covered. Might need to trade PM's on this.

[Andyshowfan]

It will differ with different municipalities. Your local governing body may have had adopted some version of the  I-codes at that time or like us may have been still in the '99 standard building code. We adopted the 2006 International Codes somewhere around 2009/2010 and per that, the walls of an unfinished/unconditioned crawlspace need only to be R-10.  

Edited November 8, 2013 by Andyshowfan

[kieefer]

I too would get a few estimates before doing it myself.

 

I'll also recommend blown foam insulation in your crawl space. I did this a few years ago and it's made a big difference.

 

I did remove all the old matt insulation myself but had a contractor blow it, install water pipe insulation and the vapor barrier.

31W Insulation had the best quote, two guys did it in about 10hrs. 

No more cold feet.  :up:

 

Only bad part is that I screwed up my knee pulling the old stuff out, so I might as well tack-on knee surgery to the overall cost.  :waiting:

[jhc77]

I too would get a few estimates before doing it myself.
 
I'll also recommend blown foam insulation in your crawl space. I did this a few years ago and it's made a big difference.
 
I did remove all the old matt insulation myself but had a contractor blow it, install water pipe insulation and the vapor barrier.
31W Insulation had the best quote, two guys did it in about 10hrs. 
No more cold feet.  :up:
 
Only bad part is that I screwed up my knee pulling the old stuff out, so I might as well tack-on knee surgery to the overall cost.  :waiting:

Started on it today. Got 400 sq ft up today. Another 470 to go. Finally found a reason to wear a turtleneck.

[tnguy]

This house was built in the 1930s. Even the electrics weren't insulated. There has been a some later work done (including completely new electrics FWIW) but I figure it's probably a lost cause.

[Wyldk2]

1) R-19 is the common insulation used for crawl spaces

2) install vapor barrier up toward floor

3) install vapor barrier on crawl space floor if dirt after insulation is installed

4) use calk to seal any gaps or holes in floor before installing insulation

5) I close my vents when the temps fall below 40*

6) be sure to wear some type of breathing protection when working with insulation

7) the walls, not the floor ceiling, are normally insulated on unvented crawl spaces. I wonder if the vents were added after the house was built?

8) also good to wear eye protection.

9) instead of caulk, for bigger gaps use the "great stuff" foaming insulation. Just be aware it expands, just don't over do it. You can trim it when it dries.

[southernasylum]

When you wash that stuff off in the shower use cold water. It will reduce the amount that gets into your pores. It makes a big difference. The cold shower is no fun but better than days of itching. Edited November 9, 2013 by southernasylum