We've had too many neighbors have their dehumidifiers/sump pumps/etc. If as you say, the floor is only dirt covered with a vapor barrier, then there would be heat loss there. you can actually stand up in "crawl Space" so not low to floor. I have not done anything to the cement floor. The rest is crawl space and 2 year round porches with no access to the crawl space and if there was you could not fit under it. To recap justto make sure I'm getting it right - walls are insulated, floor insulated, insulation between joists but heating ducts running through the space?, Rigid insulation on an unever surface is for sure not going to perform well, though the vapour barrier is likely helping a lot., There are a couple of options I'd consider depending on what budget you have available. If open cell is used, does it need an additional vapor retarder on the interior side, e.g. Building a new home in NC coastal area. Unfinished crawlspaces really are a source of moisture and mold, thats why its so important to keep the damp down to mitigate heat loss but also protectair quality. Cut the strips to fit between floor joists using a box cutter. Family Handyman Reader Projects: Indoor Spaces, Do Not Sell My Personal Information CA Residents. My wife and I are purchasing a ~100 year old, 720sqft home in the Seattle area, and I have a few concerns about the crawl space area. Wet batts also tend to sag and droop from the ceiling, leaving gaps where air can flow through. I have managed a major home improvement retail company and I have done many construction projects. Trim pieces of fiberglass insulation using a utility knife, so the pieces fit into joist bays along the rim joist, instructs Home Tips. Vent- NO vent.Insulate the floors for the hydronic floors to be more effective, etc.. I have a small (900sqft) off grid cabin. If you reduce the humidity that should solve the problem. 23 Tips for Drying Up and Finishing Your Basement. The R-value of the insulation is an indicator of how well the insulation resists this movement; the higher the R-value, the more effective it is at lowering heating and cooling costs and maintaining comfort. Additionally, crawl space encapsulation and crawl space insulation can prevent cold ducts and frozen pipes. The better insulated or sealed the foundation of a house is the less of a problem cold floors will be. It is constructed with a pier and beam foundation, and the current insulation, vapor barrier, skirting, etc. Our real estate agent says she has done this with several of the old houses she renovated. Batt insulation can be used, but it will need to be secured in place properly; blown-in insulation is also an option, though this can be messy and somewhat inefficient. I live in Capitola, CA (Santa Cruz, County) Im about 1/2 mile from the beach in the San Francisco Bay Area., Currently its 54' and the low of 41'. We rarely go below 40's. But to us beach bums its Cold! Outside Humidity is 65% today. And we have had about 4 or 5 days straight of rain. Not super rainy where we are but at times.. Once I got the cracks filled in, I noticed an immediate improvement in the comfort level inside the house. @Feryll - I'm sure the batt insulation under the house will help reduce the problem with cold floors some, but maybe the real problem is not the lack of insulation under your floors. How to Install R-19 Insulation on Subflooring, How to Insulate an Elevated Floor on Cinder Blocks, How to Calculate Existing R-Value in an Attic, Don Vandervort's Home Tips: How to Insulate a Crawlspace, Today's Homeowner: How to Insulate Under Floors in a Basement or Crawl Space, How to Put Insulation in a Ceiling Before Drywall, The Best Method for Crawlspace Insulation. Insulation doesn't 'attract' condensation. CleanSpace crawl space encapsulation is the solution you need. So. 1. First clear the space as much as possible so you have room to move around. Wear a long-sleeved shirt when handling fiberglass insulation. WHAT IS THE ECOFRIENDLY SPRAY BRAND? Would 250 be enough? We recommend our users to update the browser. Learn about a little known plugin that tells you if you're getting the best price on Amazon. This page below is a good place to start for you -, How to Insulate a Crawlspac and Prevent Mold. The insulation should press right up against the floor between joists; gaps between the insulation and the floor can lead to inefficiency and heat loss. I turned them off and don't find the floorstoo cold(slippers!) Fiberglass rolls can be placed between joists, but the fiberglass itself will need to be cut to fit properly between joists. , Thanks for the quick response. Great information here, I'm learning a lot. I'm located in the mountains in bc. We welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you may have! Fiberglass batts soak up crawl space moisture like a sponge, causing mold and rot. We chose 2-in.-thick (R-10) "extruded polystyrene." It had signifigant termite damaged wood which has now been replaced, and then was fully spray treatedby the local termite contractor. If youve been researching how to make the floors over your crawl space, garage, or basement warmer, then you know theres lots of information on the best solution. Is this a bad idea? Thoughts? - There might be some minor cracks in the stem wall foundation from the Earthquake in 89, but the siding comes down low to the ground, so not sure how well I can seal that from the outside or inside. Maybe the water / moister is coming up from the ground? At this point yes, you are at the mercy of the weather, so your options are - you could insulate between the josts, but that's tricky since you really would want a vapor barrier on the warm side, and that's hard to do as you would need to put it into the joist cavities first before the insulation. Note: Taped XPS foam is an air barrier, but EPS and mineral wool are not. It's separating the humid, spider and bug domain from your home. Or is this assumption incorrect due to the foundation type?, Due to the small footprint, I was also considering heating via radiant floor heating. Lastly, are you concerned with spray foam hiding termite activity and what do you think about spray foams using soy?Lots of questions. Hello. I have a question. I live in a double wide manufactured home with a dirt floor crawlspace. I had my crawlspace inspected for moisture, and was told it does have a lot of moisture. Some of the plastic is completed rotted away and there are some metal parts that are wet and starting to rust. They want to do an encapsulation, where they would check and treat for termites (if needed), clean everything up and treat any visible surface fungi on wood, walls, joists, sills, subfloor, and ground. They then want to apply Borafoam insulation board to the crawl space walls and also seal up the foundation vents. He said he did not think I would need the humidifier. Does this sound right? Thank you! I'm a widow who is clueless about such things, so just looking for advice. Thanks Hi there! Rotten huh? How to Finish, Frame, and Insulate a Basement, How to Install Basement Windows and Satisfy Egress Codes, How to Install Under Cabinet Lighting in Your Kitchen, Basement Waterproofing: How to Install a Basement Drainage System, Metal Studs: How to Use and Frame With Metal Studs, How to Install a Terraced Window Well in Your Basement, Basement Carpeting: Installing Carpeting In a Finished Basement, Damp Basement: Finding Leaks and Water Sources, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer). are all in awful condition. Hi Kevin, thanks, glad you are enjoying the site! A table saw is the fastest way to "rip" these strips, but you can also use a circular saw. I currently have 6 mil plastic on the dirt floor and the previous owner installed unfaced insulation between the joists. Thanks for all the help in advance! That dank air will inevitably be circulated throughout your home, providing humidity, mold spores and a pretty nasty smell that will be the dominating odour of your home, furnishings, and your clothes, so you will take that aroma everywhere you go. I would certainly encourage you to test the air for radon contamination ifhaven't already. (not sealed) You would think that would do it but no. It may be possible to blow insulation into a small access panel or crawl space in order to properly insulate the floor, but this can be costly, and you will probably have to hire a professional to do it. In a cold climate like eastern Canada, where the situation is complicated by high water table (low flood risk), which would be the preferred foundation in your mind; a raised slab (stem wall) or a vented crawl space to accommodate hydrostatic issues in the unlikely event of flood waters? Thanks for this great service! As the warm air rises through the house and escapes out through leaky windows, the attic and roof, this draws cold, dense air from outside into the basement, crawl space, garage, and first-floor windows. Unfortunately, we have a mold issue. What you should knowAdding spray foam or rigid foam board insulation to the underside of the floor can help warm up the floor and rooms above the crawl space. There is also the option of attaching foam to the inside of the wall as well, either with an adhesive (in summer so it can set better) or strapping and concrete screws.. It was thoughtful article and information is exactly what I need to fix mine.Thank you for sharing. because it would just attract condensation and fail again. Do these different goals call for different solutions? If you do go that route, be sure to choose a spray foam brand carefully, I think it's linked above but here is our page about new blowing agents for foam insulation don't cause climate change. I live in the PNW on Whidby Island, WA. I'd pretty much always choose a slab unless there is a need to be below grade with a basement. First off, very informative page for crawlspace issues, thanks! My house was built in 1967, my grandparents where the first to live in it, and passed on to my mother and now my family. it is about 1500 sq. And has slab for the living room and garage and Stem Wall foundation with about a 2 foot crawl space! Tiny!! Can we use posts on rock/ground or should we be looking at a more concrete base? He said that new construction homes don't have insulation in the crawl space. See this page all about balancing air pressure in a house to see what I mean. Thanks. The sump pump never comes on that I have noticed.There is evidence of mice droppings.The crawlspace haspoly on the floor covering dirt as part of a radon system and going up the walls a bit. Spray foam is then applied to the walls behind the studs and into the cavities, you can leave enough room to do any wiring if required. Moisture in the house is 50-60% in all rooms.Can I leave the heatersoff?Would you suggest a dehumidifier in this case?, A response below answered my question. I dunno., Yes, Lee, unfortunately they are wrong. I am planning to replace the insulation soon. Now that we have finished renovating we will have no need for access so I could consider laying the EPS foam, but I wonder how much difference it would make? Venting a crawlspace is not a great idea since it can be very cool down there and when you draw in warm, humid air in the summer, it is at risk of condensing on the cool surfaces. Building codes change and can vary by region, so confirm this locally, but currently The National Building Code in Canada for example allows foam insulation without fire protection on crawlspace walls that are less than 5 feet in height. I know everyone likes an unvented crawlspace with rigid/spray foam wall insulation and a dehumidifier, but I'm reticent to go that route due to the radon issue and because I'm skeptical of any solutionthat requires continuous power supply to keep it dry. Also the informed courtesy of Ecohome's responses. I have a concrete block crawlspace of about 900 square feet under our main living floor in a housenorth of Ottawa. Is the insulation moldy? That doesnt mean its a problem, but it isnt needed. The 6 mil poly is far from being a complete crawlspace solution, but were putting that out there so as not to leave those with really tricky crawlspaces or tight budgets feeling dejected. I'm not sure how I feel about spray foam coming in contact with the ground, though. The space ? Possibly a dehumidifier too. I'll be foam insulating the walls, sealing poly to the foam, installing a dehumidifierand making sure the entrance isn't leaking lots of air. Myhardwood floors have been cuping and was advised to have a dehumidifier installed by floor folks. Fiberglass insulation and expanding foam seal the open top of hollow concrete blocks. * What is a Free Estimate and Inspection? Slab on Grade foundation, detail, Basement mold and mildew can easily be avoided with better designed walls. and my heating bill is nowreasonable. Can we / should we add insulation to the bottom of the floor? Use long sections of foam to cover the rim joists that are parallel to the floor joists (Photo 2). short (Photo 1). Should I use faced insulation? Another common mistake that homeowners make when insulating a dirt crawl space is adding plastic (or a vapor barrier) to the underside of the floor joists in an attempt to make their floors warmer in the winter, but doing so can trap moisture that can lead to mold and rot. Humidity is kept down with a good dehumidifier and vents are blocked. Air contaminated with radon gas is a serious health hazard and is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Have a 1975 home built on half slab halfcrawl space with a new addition crawlspace on the back. It's better kept sealed up once you have dealt with moisture and air quality issues.Be sure to monitor the humidity levels once work is completed, you will likely need to include a dehumidifier to keep humidity down. (west coast of Canada, Vancouver area) The other day it was just slightly below freezing and I went into the crawlspace and was quite surprised how warm it was down there with no source of heat. For those with nothing but a dirt floor, the single most important thing to do will not cost much - cut off the moisture supply to the air by laying down polyethylene directly on the ground. I'm curious as to the answer to your question George. I also have a small crawl space under a cottage that is too small to access. I'm thinking I'd put down the 5 mil poly using poles to spread it out as best I can, but wonder if it would help to then blow in cellulose on top of the poly for additional insulation. I live in New England so widely varied temps. BTW - great informative article! Covering the ground with a crawl space vapor barrier reduces moisture and sealing the rim joist and crawl space vents keep out cold air during the winter, which will make the floors above feel warmer. Should have built a full basement to spare me those problems. I appreciate the article and the building inspectors and architects are wrong on so many things. So when you say you had moisture problems and 'replaced' the vapor barrier that made me wonder if it was the problem. If you go that route, we would suggest you try to find a spray foam installer with less harmful HFO blowing agents. Why your floors are cold and the best ways to make them warmer. What you should knowIn most homes, the garage is unconditioned, unheated space. Love what Ecohome stands for and is doing. Thoughts?. There are heat ducts running in that space. You would also be wise then to nail up some diamond lath metal sheets to hold it up and prevent access for critters. We normally recommend insulating and sealing the crawlspace walls and floor instead, and having it moderately heated to keep any pipes from freezing.If insulating between the joists is your chosen method, be sure there is a vapor barrier included on the warm side of the insulation. I don't really agree with that line of thinking, as I suspect the condensation would then just accumulate on the floor joists and floor, which would be worse. If you have a stone foundation, old cracked concrete or cinderblocks, bringing the poly barrier up the wall and sealing it to the rim joists will provide you with an air barrier. Trim lengths of paper-backed insulation so they follow a joist bay from one rim joist to the one opposite. But yes, it's fairly normal. Lay down a moisture barrier with sheets of 6-mil plastic if you have a dirt or gravel floor. This is a common problem in homes built over a dirt crawl space or with a basement or garage thats unheated and not insulated. We just built one in Wakefield, QC, here is a slab on grade installation video so you can see how this kitgoes together, and if you like if you like it then send us anemailat [emailprotected]and we can get you a price. Make the cut with the utility knife running along the 2-by-4. You can also use area rugs, but this is not nearly as good for obvious reasons. I had some termite challenges at my home in Virginia. The termite contractor went to treat the problem and noticed some moisture problems in the crawlspace. They took out the old vapor barrier and put in a new one, as well as a dehumidifier. Some of the insulation between the floor joists had fallen down so they told me now that I'm runnind a dehumidifier that I should remove the insulation completely now that they have sealed the vents and installed their dehumidifier. They told me that it shouldn't effect the comfort of the home. Is it normal to not have insulation between the house and the crawlspace in this sitaution? If feel like the floor would just be a constant source of cold air coming into the rest of the house and vice versa in the summer. The key takeaway from the research is that to make cold floors and uncomfortable rooms over these areas warmer, you need a continuous air barrier and proper insulation in place to stop cold air. I asked if we can put foam under the slab for insulation. Insulation depends on its loft in order to realize its full R-value. and should I install clear poly to the bottom of the joists? Uninsulated basements and poorly insulated basements can be responsible for as much as 1/3 of the, Considering between slab-on-grade construction compared to foundations and crawlspace or a basement? That may help us help you more. The back of the cottage which is actually the front has a gap from water seeping underneath the cottage and critter handiwork. We are going to use pressure treated plywood at the back of the cottage and wrap it in vapour barrier and seal any gaps between the boards and the gound. RH has consistently been creeping into the 80% range.