Everything to Know Before Removing Old Crawl Space Insulation
So, you were told that you don’t need insulation in your crawl space. Is this really true? Is it safe to remove crawl space insulation, especially in the South, where humidity is high most of the time?
The answer is yes—you can remove crawl space insulation, but there are some things to consider before you do. In this expert guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know.
Do You Even Need Crawl Space Insulation?
Let’s make it clear right off the bat: you should have some type of insulation in your crawl space. After all, most crawl spaces have little to no protection against outside air.
With crawl space insulation, you can control the temperature below your home better. Here’s the thing—not all types of insulation are suitable for your crawl space. So while you do need crawl space insulation, you also need the right crawl space insulation.
What Are the Different Types of Crawl Space Insulation?
There are many types of insulation you might find in a crawl space. The most common ones are:
- Fiberglass: Manufacturers produce this insulation from fine glass fibers, commonly forming it into batts or rolls. It’s widely used because it is both effective and affordable.
- Cellulose: Recycled paper products make up cellulose insulation, which is treated with fire retardants. Installers blow it into cavities and attics using special equipment, making it excellent for these areas.
- Foam Board or Rigid Foam Panels: These rigid panels offer high insulation value with relatively little thickness, providing efficient thermal resistance.
- Spray Foam: Installers spray this insulation as a liquid, which then expands and hardens into a solid foam. It provides excellent air sealing and is suitable for use in walls, roofs, and around gaps and cracks.
Most crawl spaces are built with fiberglass insulation as the default. Unfortunately, this is one of the worst types of insulation to have in a crawl space.
Why Fiberglass Insulation Is Not Good for a Crawl Space
While fiberglass insulation might work well inside a home, its glass fibers are highly absorbent. That means, if any moisture gets into the crawl space, fiberglass insulation will soak it up and become wet.
When fiberglass insulation gets wet, it also gets heavy. Eventually, the moisture will cause the insulation to droop, sag, and even fall from the “ceiling” of the crawl space. It won’t work effectively and may even allow mold to form.
Replace Bad Insulation With Good Insulation
Since fiberglass isn’t suited for use in a crawl space, you should definitely remove it. If you decide to remove it, you need to replace it with something better in order to still control the temperature below your home. So, what’s the best type of insulation to use in a crawl space?
In our opinion, it’s rigid foam board insulation. At AFS, we install a specific type of foam board insulation called ExTremeBloc™. Here’s why foam board is best for a crawl space:
- Moisture Resistance: ExTremeBloc™ is made from materials that are resistant to moisture, which helps prevalent mold and mildew while protecting the structural integrity of your home.
- High Insulative Value: Foam board provides a high R-value (a measure of thermal resistance), which means it does an excellent job of keeping heat in during the winter and out during the summer. This helps to maintain a more consistent temperature in the crawl space and the floors above it.
- Durability: Unlike some other types of insulation that can sag or degrade over time, foam board insulation is rigid and durable. It maintains its shape and effectiveness for many years, providing long-term insulation without needing frequent replacement.
- Ease of Installation: Installers can cut foam board to fit any space, which simplifies installation in tight or irregularly shaped areas of a crawl space. They can securely attach it to walls or floors, ensuring comprehensive coverage and effective insulation.
- Air Sealing Capabilities: By fitting tightly against walls and joints, foam board helps to seal out air leaks. This not only improves energy efficiency by preventing warm or cool air from escaping but also helps keep out pests and allergens.
Overall, ExTremeBloc™ and similar foam board insulation products are excellent choices for crawl spaces because they address the unique challenges of these areas, including moisture, temperature fluctuations, and difficult access.
Leave the Job to Professionals
Removing old crawl space insulation, especially fiberglass, is a task best left to professionals for several reasons. Firstly, old insulation can harbor mold, pests, and other contaminants that pose health risks. Professionals have the necessary safety gear and expertise to handle and dispose of such materials safely.
Secondly, fiberglass insulation, when disturbed, releases tiny fibers that can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Professionals know how to minimize this risk by using the appropriate removal techniques and equipment.
Overall, hiring professionals ensures the job is done safely and effectively, protecting your home’s structure and your health.
Make Sure to Encapsulate as Well
Removing old crawl space insulation and installing better insulation won’t solve all your crawl space problems. In order to actually keep moisture out and ensure your new insulation works as efficiently as possible, it’s a good idea to install crawl space encapsulation.
If you’re wondering what crawl space encapsulation is, here’s how it works:
- Seal the Vents and Openings: Close off any vents, openings, or gaps to prevent outside air and moisture from entering the crawl space.
- Install a New Door: Install durable doors to seal any entry points to the crawl space.
- Set Up Drainage: Set up a drainage system to move water away from the crawl space.
- Place Drainage Matting: Lay down drainage matting to prevent moisture buildup.
- Attach a Vapor Barrier: Install a thick plastic barrier on the floor and walls to block humidity and ground moisture.
- Install a Sump Pump: Install a sump pump to continuously remove groundwater from the crawl space.
- Include a Dehumidifier: Add a dehumidifier to the crawl space to control humidity levels and keep the air dry.
- Replace or Install Insulation: Replace or add insulation to the crawl space walls to maintain a stable temperature and reduce humidity.
Remove Old Insulation & Install New Insulation With AFS
Removing old insulation is a big task that’s best handled by professionals. If you need help with yours, consider working with AFS Foundation Repair & Waterproofing Specialists.
Since 2000, we’ve been helping homeowners in the Southeast United States make their crawl spaces safer and drier. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and make your crawl space insulation the best it can be!
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