To insulate or not? (Crawl space)
#1
02-02-22, 06:41 PM
To insulate or not? (Crawl space)
I have seen it both ways when searching the web. Newer house to me with an addition that has a dirt floor, 2 vents and no insulation. What are thoughts? The 2 vents auto shut when its cold enough. Should I cover dirt with plastic and insulate duct work and sub floor with hard insulation? Leave it be? My floors are cold in that part of the house and it loses heat quicker. Thanks
#2
02-02-22, 08:06 PM
Group Moderator
First, you should have a vapor barrier on the floor of the space. Then there are two options:
1. Seal the space from the house and and ventilate to the outside. In this case, you insulate the ceiling.
2. Seal the space from the outside and open it to the house air. Now you insulate the walls.
The second option will warm your floors, the first will not.
1. Seal the space from the house and and ventilate to the outside. In this case, you insulate the ceiling.
2. Seal the space from the outside and open it to the house air. Now you insulate the walls.
The second option will warm your floors, the first will not.
#3
02-02-22, 08:12 PM
Currently the only access is from the outside so it's already sealed from the original house basement. Are you talkin standard fiberglass insulation or something different? Is it okay to insulate the ductwork I read that doing that will allow the area to get even colder sounds plausible but not sure how true it is.
#4
02-02-22, 11:09 PM
Group Moderator
If you're going to leave it open to the outside, then you should be insulating the ceiling and any ductwork in the space. Don't expect to see warmer floors in the winter, though.
#5
02-03-22, 03:35 AM
Member
Don't expect to see warmer floors in the winter, though.
I have yet to do an insulation project that did not improve overall comfort and save money!
When it comes to insulation I'm in the camp that a little is good but a lot is better, especially when it a DIY job, the cost of the extra material is nothing compared to the cost, or effort, of installing!
