Different Ways To Insulate Your Crawl Space

There are different ways to insulate your crawl space - Understanding the different types will help you choose the best insulation for your crawl space.

Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass insulation is the oldest type of crawl space insulation, and is installed between the floor joists and the crawl space ‘ceiling’.
- Advantages: Fiberglass is readily available, inexpensive, and easy to install
- Disadvantages: Can support fungal growth, is ruined by exposure to moisture and humidity, and rodents bed in it

Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Closed cell spray foam is made up of cells that are completely closed. The cells are pressed together so air and moisture are unable to get through the foam.
- Advantages: Fast and effective install, not damaged by water or moisture, and expands to fill in gaps providing larger coverage area
- Disadvantages: Restrictively high cost product, permanent install (can't be easily removed), and must be installed by an experienced professional (overspray creates a messy clean up)

Foam Board Insulation
Foam board is wrapped in reflective foil to create a barrier against water, fungal, and air. The higher the R-value required, the thicker the foam board.
- Advantages: Creates thermal efficiency, no messy install, and is waterproof (resistant to water damage)
- Disadvantages: Can be difficult to install around obstacles in your crawl space and doesn't expand to fill voids

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[ajsdriver]

PRICELESS VIDEO!!
I've watched hours of videos. Learned tons on how and why.. but this simplifies it and actual footage is TRULY PRICELESS!! TY TY TY

[danieb]

It's so great that you talked about all of the issues that you can have and then don't tell anybody what to do about it

[JonathonNeville]

Great video! But you don't describe the floor!
On a concrete floor* would you install a plastic sheet vapor barrier before installing insulation?
I can fit 3'-wide insulation boards thru the opening into my crawl space, but boards are sold 4' wide. What are you using on the floor in the 3rd part of the video?
* (45 years old with no cracks, so not likely to develop cracks)

[marciaifill]

Thanks for sharing this great information

[jfaust]

Can you please explain more about what a "sealed" crawl space is? In the lest segment of the video with the reflective foam board you state that is a sealed crawl space... but I see a vent to the outside right over your shoulder? Can you clarify? Thanks!

[docphi]

What is best for a vented crawl space? WE live in NJ

[charlesgentry]

Why are the vents open in the 3rd part of the video? He said it was sealed correct??

[shannonherb]

What about an old home where there is very little room to work, and it's built on cornerstone with very little wall?

[dgriffin]

The fiberglass batts between my floor joists are sagging; not overtly wet, but I suspect some moisture transfer. I don't want to insulate the whole crawlspace, but would like a more efficient floor insulation. What is the R value of the foam boards, and can I just fasten them to the bottoms of the floor joists? Would that trap moisture between the foam boards and the floors? If so, what about fastening foam boards against the floors between the floor joists?

[Bluequaz]

only thing to be careful of with spray foam directly on concrete is that if you have moisture issues (high water intrusion from the outside), that spray foam can cause the concrete to break down as it traps moisture. Can also cause the foundation to sink as it never gets to breathe the water out.

In those situations its better to have foam board with plastic mechanically attached so water can escape the concrete inwards without coming into the sealed crawlspace area

[alexanderwalsh]

Great video! My understanding is that foam board insulation isn't okay (from a fire resistance standpoint) in accessible crawl spaces. Seems like spray foam might also have the same problem since I'm not sure it's as fire resistant as fiberglass. How do you handle the fire resistance issue?

[charlesdennyjr]

Why did you not spray on wood in between floor joist

[scottschmittmusic]

I need to to insulate the ceiling of it

[josuecordova]

Which way would be the best way to insulate a crawlspace in North Louisiana Climate zone 3.

If it’s a Mobil house 3’ space between the bottom of floor joists and dirt. Also, it has vinyl skirting.

[vinnyp]

Great video John and Craig, question, if you have a open crawl space, how many inches of CLOSED CELL spray foam do you need between your floor joist to form a moisture barrier? Thank you in advance.

[ramyswar]

I laid vapor barrier on my walls and dirt floor. Can I put those foam boards over the wall vapor barrier, or do I have to do it under the vapor barrier like in the video?

[Vincegould]

What if it’s wet and there is a sump pump. What kind of insulation do you suggest?

[footprintsinthesand]

i live on the water in MD.
i have a crawl space. What would you reccomend?

[markbland]

So I have a crawlspace with current insulation falling down. Assuming it’s not moldy if I want to replace that insulation is it best to just add new insulation and then I’d have a double layer or a bad idea?
The other question is I don’t have 2 x 6 rafters. I have engineered rafters which are much taller, but obviously have lots of gaps in it because it just made it two by fours. It seemed like the insulation was put towards the bottom of the raft or not up against the floor. Is there a reason for that . I was thinking just add layers of insulation on top of what’s already there by pushing it up.

[mwngw]

Where are you located? Ever see floor joist spacing at 32" on center?