Crawl Space Insulation Installation in Charleston, SC

Yes. In your crawl area, you need a vapor barrier. Furthermore, in your crawl space, a moisture barrier provides the bare minimum of protection. You can avoid costly repairs by using a vapor barrier.

The preferred insulation for crawl space inside walls is two-inch expanded polystyrene foam board.

R30 is one of the most common insulation R-values, which is a measurement of a material's resistance to heat conduction. If heat conduction can be reduced by 97 percent, insulation is rated R30.

You can over-insulate your home to the point that it can't breathe. The goal of home insulation is to keep the interior of your home as airtight as possible. However, if it is overly sealed with too many layers of insulation, moisture might become trapped between them. Mold begins to grow at this point.

If you want to make your home more energy efficient, the quick answer is YES, you should insulate your crawl space. A well-insulated crawl space is highly recommended.

R-15/19 is how the code provides insulation needs based on location. On the interior or outside of the perimeter wall, R-15 continuous insulation (board insulation) is required, or R-19 cavity insulation is required on the inside wall.

A higher insulation R rating typically translates to improved climate management and energy efficiency in your home. A greater R-value for insulation usually translates to a higher price. Check the R-value per inch of thickness provided on the manufacturer's website for each kind and material of insulation.

R-13 to R-23 are standard exterior wall insulation requirements, whereas R-30, R-38, and R-49 are frequent ceiling and attic insulation recommendations.

In warm climates, R-11 (312") insulation under floors is recommended, while in cold climates, R-25 (6" to 8") is recommended. Make sure the insulation fits tightly between the joists and that the paper vapor barrier is pointing up toward the heated living room.

Rigid foam insulation board is the ideal insulation material for crawl spaces. The foam board is put against the crawl space foundation walls, rather than between the floor joists in the crawl space.

Insulate the floors above chilly regions, such as vented crawl spaces and unheated garages, but don't forget to insulate beneath the flooring as well. This will help you get the most out of your home's energy usage. Slab flooring constructed directly on the ground are good for insulation.

If there is moisture in your crawl space, the fiberglass insulation will soak it up and hold it against your sub-flooring and floor joists like a sponge. Mold can grow in and on your insulation as well as on the wood.

To avoid moisture and the mold that commonly follows, it's critical to seal insulation and cover it with a vapor barrier. Insulate the crawl space walls rather than the flooring of the room above if your crawl space isn't ventilated.