How To Insulate Floor Joists In Crawl Space
This type of crawl space also allows insulation with an r value of 19 installed in the floor joist if the crawl space and has a permanently installed dehumidifier.
How to insulate floor joists in crawl space. Department of energy recommends r 11 3 insulation under floors in warm climates and an r 25 6 to 8 in cold climates. When the basement or crawl space has vents installed insulating joist bays. The sill plate is the first piece of framing lumber and it runs on top of the crawl space wall. In moderate or dry climates without the threat of sustained subfreezing temperatures insulation between floor joists makes sense.
Crawl space insulation basics. Insulating the space between the joists in a basement or crawlspace can help reduce your energy bills. It is important to secure insulation and cover it with a vapor barrier in order to prevent moisture and the mold that often follows close behind. In those days common building practice was to insulate the floor above the crawl space and to leave the crawl space s wall vents open so any moisture buildup would vent to the outside a.
While this method does work in the very short term moisture eventually builds in the crawl space and grows on this highly porous surface. Where winter temperatures are extreme opt for insulating the walls and sealing off the crawl space entirely. Cover the walls with insulation from the sill plate to the plastic covered dirt floor. Joist bays the open spaces between floor joists are prime hosts for insulation under specific circumstances.
If vents are not present in your crawl space insulate the walls instead of the joist bays. This type of insulation allows for conditioned air to be introduced into the crawl space. If the crawl space is ventilated which is ideal because it aids in the elimination of moisture then fiberglass insulation can be easily installed under the subfloor between the floor joists. However the insulation needs to be treated with a fire retardant.
Fiberglass insulation batts or rolls are the most economical and easiest diy choice for insulating between the floor joist in a crawl space.