Frozen pipes are one of the most common problems winter brings for households. When winter arrives, it not only causes temperatures to drop but also threatens to freeze water pipes. The likelihood of this occurring increases significantly, notably if the crawl space is not properly insulated.
What results from the damage left behind by freezing is water leaks and water loss, which may ruin your holiday spirit. Because crawl spaces are partially vulnerable to the external environment, even brief bursts of cold air can trigger the water in the pipes that run through this region to seize.
Why Is Insulation Required?
Sufficient insulation is required to maintain the warm temperature of a home while keeping energy expenses low. Insulating planks of wood or concrete crawl space sidewalls and sealing the surface is one of the most significant techniques to keep your house warm. Adequate crawl space insulation may keep your basement from becoming a wet environment where mold and mildew grow and thrive.
Fixing crawl space moisture and temperature is a two-step procedure with a single goal: a temperate lower region that keeps levels above comfortable while your apartment’s foundation stays strong.
Crawl Space Insulation
Insulate the entire crawl space and construct a vapor shield as the first line of defense against frozen pipes. Covering the crawl area prevents chilly air from entering your home. This allows you to maintain a consistent temperature that is closer to that of your house.
As a direct consequence, pipes are less prone to freezing. As the temperature changes, moisture does not accumulate as much in your basement.
The Fundamentals Of Crawl Space Insulation:
- In order to properly insulate a crawl space, homeowners need to wrap the walls and install a vapor barrier on the ground. Professionals may utilize spray foam, but most do-it-yourselfers don’t have the necessary equipment and skills to create a durable seal that will last a lifetime (like our team here at Smoky Mountain can achieve!).
- The two materials are taped together with a plastic vapor layer on the floor. To ensure that the insulation is successful, any gaps or fractures in the walls must be sealed before installation.
- A heavy plastic sheet serves as a vapor barrier in crawl spaces. Its purpose is to keep moisture out of the crawl space and to help manage humidity levels. The material is a reinforced polyethylene plastic sheeting 6 mils or thicker.
- The goal of crawl space insulation is to prepare the crawl space in the same manner that you would condition other areas of your home. Rather than attempting to isolate the basement room from the conditioned higher floors, bring the crawl area closer to the temperature of the upper levels. By insulating the walls and protecting the floor from outside moisture and temperatures, it avoided installing underfloor insulation.
Rigid Foam Insulation Fundamentals
Rigid foam insulation is a thick, stiff substance consisting of polyurethane, polystyrene, or polyisocyanurate that has a high insulating value and durability. It is the preferred crawl space insulation for interior walls. Rigid foam insulation may be used in any form of masonry wall, including concrete, block, brick, or even rock.
Its advantages:
One of the primary advantages of rigid foam insulating material is its good insulating value. It means it can provide a high level of heat resistance while being relatively thin. As a result, it is an efficient solution for many applications, particularly basement walls.
Because it can be trimmed to fit through electrical cables and other obstructions, rigid foam insulation is simple to install. It is also resilient to dampness, bugs, and mildew, making it a long-lasting alternative for a variety of applications.
Ventilation In The Crawl Space
Crawl space ventilation to the outside is blocked off for this sort of insulation system. All exits to the outside have been closed or caulked.
An airtight, insulated subterranean room will make your house more energy efficient overall by keeping your flooring warmer in chilly months and therefore lowering your heating expenditures. During the summer, this process reverses itself, keeping your flooring cooler and minimizing the burden on your air conditioning unit.
Things you can do:
Mitigate moisture in your crawl space:
You should examine your crawl space for stagnant water or any other form of dampness that has accumulated. Water should be redirected away from the foundation walls by redirecting downspouts. Soil is piled up against the home’s exterior with a shovel and rake so that water flows away from the structure.
Examine the internal sources of moisture:
Water can enter the house from anywhere. Search for water seeping down the underbelly of the home using a flashlight inside the crawl space. You may examine pipes that run through or within joists. Pay close attention to places of high wetness on the floor above, such as dishwashers, toilets, bathtubs, and sinks.
All crawl area entrances and vents to the exterior should be sealed:
Seal up any ducts, doorways, or hatches that lead into the crawl area on the outside of the house. The caulking gun can then be filled halfway with exterior-grade sealant and used to fill holes and cracks for a temporary solution.
How Smoky Mountain Crawlspace Systems Can Help
While it is not highly difficult to insulate a crawl space, it is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process that can protect the structure of your home for a lifetime when done professionally. Due to restricted access to the crawl space, these projects may prove to be very problematic. Many homeowners choose to hire a reputable local contractor like us here at Smoky Mountain Crawlspace Systems to perform the installation for the best and longest lasting results. For more information, give us a call today at (865) 299-2315.
