encapsulated batt vs. normal batt in moisture-laden crawl
#1
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encapsulated batt vs. normal batt in moisture-laden crawl
The scenario is an unconditioned crawl with insulation between the floor joists rather than at the foundation, clay floor in crawl without vapor barrier, and significant humidity. Zone 6 climate. The foundation is an old rubble foundation. Have had problems with ground hogs and plugged up holes that were probably supplying ventilation to the crawl, this is probably the reason for the increase in moisture. The insulation was installed Kraft down and has gotten damp and sags, so needs replacement.
Would encapsulated insulation have any advantages over normal kraft batts and a vapor barrier on the ground in this situation, or staple up permeable wrap to the bottoms of the floor joists with the normal batts? If I have a dehumidifier running down there and the foundation is not completely air tight, should any of those protect the floor above from moisture? Might it be worth it to keep trying to block out groundhogs without blocking ventilation (they chew through chickenwire)?
Would encapsulated insulation have any advantages over normal kraft batts and a vapor barrier on the ground in this situation, or staple up permeable wrap to the bottoms of the floor joists with the normal batts? If I have a dehumidifier running down there and the foundation is not completely air tight, should any of those protect the floor above from moisture? Might it be worth it to keep trying to block out groundhogs without blocking ventilation (they chew through chickenwire)?
#2
Insulation is the least of your worries. You need to install a vapor barrier on the clay floor and extend it to the sill. After a period of dehumidification and ground hog plinking you may be in a position to reinsulate the joisting. Vapor barrier down was the wrong way to install it. The vapor barrier always goes to the living side. The encapsulated insulation is easy to install (no itch), but it will need the support wires to keep it in position. Do you have any foundation vents?