You’re tired of dealing with cold floors, so you’re ready to do something about it, but you’re not sure what the best insulation for crawl spaces is.
Fiberglass and spray foam are considered the best crawl space insulation materials. So, which is best for your crawl space? There’s a lot to consider, and I promise we’ll get into all of that.
When it comes to insulating a crawl space, the walls should be insulated with a non-water sensitive insulation that will work to prevent interior air from making contact with the cold basement surfaces, according to the Building Science Corporation. Allowing interior air that is usually full of moisture to come into contact with the cold surface can cause condensation and promote mold and mildew growth.
Many homeowners can reduce energy bills just by adding or updating the insulation in their homes. Many older homes have little to no insulation compared to homes built today, so adding insulation can pay for itself. This includes the crawl space, which is responsible for cold floors and pesky drafts.
As part of our ongoing efforts to educate our customers, we are here to discuss what insulation to use in the crawl space, including the pros and cons that are associated with each one.
Crawl Space Fiberglass Insulation: Pros and Cons
Fiberglass is one type of insulation for a crawl space.
Fiberglass insulation is a material made of plastic reinforced by extremely fine glass fibers. This composition gives the plastic additional strength while improving its insulation capacity.
Fiberglass is a more traditional type of insulation found in walls, attics, and crawl spaces in many older homes. The most commonly used form of fiberglass found in crawl spaces is blankets, which are batts and rolls.
Pros:
- DIY Friendly: Fiberglass can be a DIY crawl space project for a homeowner with experience and who isn’t afraid of getting dirty.
- Cost-Effective: Fiberglass insulation is inexpensive for crawl space projects compared to other insulation materials.
- Fit for Standard Spacing: Fiberglass is suited for standard stud and joist spacing for a crawl space.
Cons:
- Allergen Trap: Fiberglass insulation can trap allergens, dust, and moisture in the crawl space, which can promote the growth of mold and mildew.
- Health Risks: When disturbed, fiberglass insulation in the crawl space can release particulates into the air that can be inhaled. When inhaled, fiberglass insulation particles can cause coughing, nosebleeds, and other respiratory issues.
- Protective Gear Needed: If the fiberglass insulation in the crawl space must be disturbed, the person in the area should wear protective gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and goggles.
- Skin Irritation: If fiberglass particles come into contact with the skin, small particles can lodge in pores, causing itchiness, rashes, and irritation.
- Drooping Over Time: If the underside of the floor is insulated with fiberglass, gravity will eventually cause the material to sag.
- Air Flow Issues: Fiberglass in the crawl space allows for airflow, which is a major source of cold floors, uncomfortable homes, and high energy bills.
Crawl Space Spray Foam Insulation: Pros and Cons
Spray foam is the other type of insulation for the crawl space.
Open cell spray foam insulation can expand up to 100 times its original size to fill every nook and cranny, creating an air barrier that seals an area, stopping air movement.
Spray foam insulation’s main ingredients are water-blown and organic chemical compounds derived from petroleum extracts.
Pros:
- Environmentally Safe: Spray foam is safe for the environment.
- Fire-Rated: Spray foam is Class One Fire Rated for use in the crawl space, as well as other open cavities in the home.
- Moisture Resistance: The material doesn’t retain water, which means it doesn’t promote mold and mildew growth in the crawl space.
- Energy Efficiency: Spray foam insulates the crawl space by creating an air seal that can help lower monthly energy bills while making the home more comfortable.
- Pest Deterrent: Unlike traditional insulation materials, spray foam isn’t a food source for pests that can get into the crawl space.
Cons:
- Complex Installation: Spray foam insulation is often too complex for a DIY project in the crawl space, so it must be installed in the crawl space by an experienced contractor.
- Higher Cost: Spray foam is more expensive than other traditional forms of insulation used in the crawl space.
- Odor Issues: Some brands of open cell spray foam have a slight odor after being applied, so it is important to watch which brand is installed.
Deciding on the Best Insulation for Your Crawl Space
The Building Science Corporation recommends a foam-based insulation as the best insulation for crawl spaces because it creates an air barrier.
This means spray foam is the best floor insulation, so you won’t need to wear extra pairs of socks.
If you live in the Pittsburgh area and want to learn more about foam insulation and whether it is the better option for your crawl space, call us at 412-228-4506 or fill out the form on our website.
