The crawl space often doesn’t receive much attention when it comes to home improvement. One crawl space upgrade that you should consider, however, is updated insulation. To learn about why insulation is important, what insulation materials to use, and more, here’s everything you need to know about insulating your crawl space.
The Importance of Insulating Your Crawl Space
Reduces energy costs: You can lose a significant amount of hot and cold air through the crawl space in one’s home. As a result, your HVAC system will have to work harder to regulate the temperature, ultimately resulting in higher monthly energy bills. By improving the insulation in your crawl space, you can reduce these costs.
Enhances comfort: By improving the insulation in your crawl space, you can prevent uncomfortable drafts and temperature fluctuations in your home.
Prevents pests: Depending on the material you choose, upgrading the insulation in your crawl space can help seal off small crevices and keep out pests.
Best Insulation Materials for Crawl Spaces
Now that you understand the importance of insulating your crawl space, it’s time to choose the best insulation materials for your area. Ideally, the insulation material you choose should have a high R-value to block the transfer of heat. It should also be long-lasting so that you don’t have to worry about replacing it often. In addition, the material should have moisture-resistant properties to prevent mold and mildew growth in notoriously damp and leaky crawl spaces. Insulation materials with these qualities include polystyrene and closed-cell spray foam insulation.
How To Prepare a Crawl Space for Insulation
Upon choosing your insulation material, all you have to do is prepare your crawl space for the installation process. Doing so is relatively simple and primarily involves clearing out the space as much as possible. This will make it easier for the installation contractors to move around and cover every nook and cranny. It is also important to waterproof your crawl space, as water accumulation can damage the insulation material over time.
