You’ve finally had enough of cold floors and done the research on insulation, now you just need to know how to insulate a crawl space in Pittsburgh.
Little to no insulation in your crawl space is always the culprit that leads to cold floors and uncomfortable homes. Other problems you may be experiencing include frozen pipes, high monthly energy bills, excess moisture, and mold and rot issues.
Here at RetroFoam of Pittsburgh, we’ve spent our fair share of time in crawl spaces, so we know exactly how to get the job done, no matter what the insulation material.
Let’s get started.
How to Insulate a Crawl Space
As part of our ongoing efforts to educate homeowners, we will discuss the most popular options to insulate a crawl space in Pittsburgh, including fiberglass or spray foam insulation.
We will also discuss the cost to insulate the crawl space, as well as the pros and cons of each material.
Fiberglass Insulation for Crawl Space
Fiberglass insulation is a material made of plastic that is reinforced with extremely fine glass fibers.
This composition gives the plastic additional strength while improving its insulation capacity.
Pros vs. Cons of Fiberglass Crawl Space Insulation
When handling and installing fiberglass insulation, there are several pros and cons associated with the material.
Pros:
- Less expensive insulation material
- Can be installed by the homeowner
Cons:
- Requires safety precautions; the glass fibers can be embedded in the skin, eyes, and lungs
- Doesn’t provide an air barrier, allowing cold air into your home
- Retains moisture, leading to mildew and mold growth
How to Install Fiberglass Insulation in a Crawl Space
A contractor or a handy homeowner can install fiberglass insulation.
The installer must wear protective gear when installing fiberglass, including goggles, pants, long-sleeved shirts, masks, and gloves.
Any old insulation in the crawl space must first be removed before new insulation can be installed. Getting that fresh start with new insulation is the best practice, especially if air leaks and moisture issues have been a concern in the past.
Crawl space batt insulation is typically stapled into place in the crawl space. The batts must be cut to fit into the space perfectly, or there will be gaps that will still allow for air movement into the crawl space.
Fiberglass Insulation Cost
Not every crawl space is created equal, meaning the cost to insulate the crawl space with fiberglass insulation varies depending on the size of the area.
The cost to hire an experienced contractor is higher than if the homeowner installs the material themselves. Making the fiberglass insulation installation a DIY project is cheaper, but the homeowner must also consider the cost of materials like goggles, gloves, and masks.
It is also important to note that if the DIY installation has any problems, the project could cost the homeowner even more money.
Crawl Space Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is a water-blown and organic chemical compound derived from petroleum extracts. An open cell spray foam is usually used in the crawl space. Open cell spray foam can expand up to 100 times its original size to fill every nook and cranny in the crawl space area.
Pros and Cons of Spray Foam Insulation in Crawl Space
Pros:
- Creates an air seal that will eliminate cold floors and high energy bills
- Doesn’t retain or absorb water, preventing moisture problems
Cons:
- Not a DIY project; requires installation by an experienced contractor
How to Insulate a Crawl Space with Spray Foam
Crawl spaces can be insulated with spray foam in one of two ways – either the crawl space walls or the underside of the house floor can be insulated.
The determination of which area to insulate is based on whether there is ductwork or a furnace in the crawl space. If there are heat ducts in the crawl space, the exterior walls would be sprayed, and plastic would be laid on the ground. If there are no ducts, the underside of the floor is a better option.
Crews must first remove any old insulation in the crawl space, giving them a bare canvas to install the spray foam. The following day, another crew comes and runs a hose to the crawl space and sprays the foam either on the walls or the floor bottom.
Spray Foam Insulation Cost
Much like fiberglass, the cost to insulate a crawl space with spray foam insulation depends on the size of the area.
Another major factor is whether the exterior walls or the underside of the floor are being insulated because that changes the size of the project.
Choosing the Best Insulation for Your Crawl Space
Now that you know the best insulation materials to insulate a crawl space and how to install them, it’s time to make a decision.
If you’re leaning more towards spray foam insulation and want to learn more about the benefits, check out our Learning Center.
If you have made the decision to use spray foam insulation in the crawl space and live in the Pittsburgh area, give us a call at 412-228-4506 for a free estimate, or fill out the form on our website.
