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Crawl Space Insulation Do's And Don'ts

AtticinsulationEN | Oct 9, 2009 |

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Crawl space and attic insulation are essential when weatherizing your home. Without proper insulation air leakage will occur. This will make your heating and air work harder, less effectively. I will explain the best way to insulate both your attic and crawl space.

To begin Crawl space insulation you will first need to seal all leaks. Pay particular attention to drains, pipes, electrical wires and band joints.

The next step in Crawl space insulation is to choose your insulation. The preferred is either batt and blanket or fiberglass. Install the insulation according to manufacture directions. Be sure to fill all gaps. Use batt and blanket to custom fit wiring and plumbing. Use fiberglass for band joints, air ducts and foundation walls. For rim joints use polyurethane insulation. Secure with insulation hangers spaced 12-18' apart be sure the facing is up unless you live in an area with hot summers and mild winters.

Next insulate and secure the area. Some prefer fiberglass, others batt and blanket for crawl space insulation. Place insulation over the entire area, filling gaps. Use batts with a vapor barrier to cut and fit insulation around plumbing and electrical. Use foam or foam and fiberglass for band joints and air ducts. Use polyurethane foam for rim joist. Foam sheet or fiber glass should be used on foundation walls. Use insulation hangers 12-18" apart to hold in place. Facing should face up unless you live in an area with mild winters and hot summers.

Secondly choose the insulation. Most choose either batt and blanket or fiberglass. Once the insulation is chosen begin placing the insulation. Be sure to cover the entire area. Unless you live in an area with hot summers and mild winters insulation facing should face up. Plumbing and wiring should be insulated with Batt and blanket. For band joints, air ducts and foundation walls fiberglass is preferred. Polyurethane foam is best for rim joist. Once insulation is hung, secure with hangers spacing then 12-18" apart.

Fiberglass is often used in attic insulation. Apply the fiberglass with the backing facing toward you, stapling ever six inches. You should custom fit uneven areas Pipes and wires to ensure an air tight seal. Include floor joists tucking in the corners. Use unfaced fiberglass around heat sources because the paper is flammable. Leave 3'' around lights for air and cooling.

The last step in Attic insulation is to add an air tight moisture barrier across the rafters, if there are holes in the barrier patch with duct tape. Once this is done make sure you have good ventilation to prevent ice damage and to allow hot air to escape.

Crawl space and attic insulation takes a little time, but it isn't difficult to accomplish. If you follow the manufacture directions and my advice, you too can have a more cost efficient home.

No site but AtticInsulationGuide.com gives you all the tips and info on crawl space insulation and related subjects. Whether you are a newbie or an expert, make sure to check out attic conversion by following the links above !