Crawl Space Insulation Keeps out the Cold
Most homeowners forget about crawl spaces in their homes, or may not even be aware they exist! But a crawl space can have a great impact on your home’s energy efficiency.
Likewise, ventilated areas such as unheated garages, where the ceiling meets the floor of a living area inside the house, presents an opportunity for unwanted cold air to enter the home.
Today, many construction professionals agree that insulating the ceiling of an unventilated crawl space is a bad idea because it takes the space out of the home’s thermal envelope. But insulating the ceiling of a ventilated crawl space, or other area exposed to the outside, can go a long way toward keeping inhabitants more comfortable, and saving on heating bills.
How to Insulate in Ventilated Crawl Spaces and Other Ventilated Areas
Just what areas in this category should be insulated?
- All exterior walls, including walls between living spaces and unheated garages, shed roofs, or storage areas
- Foundation walls above ground level
- Floors above cold spaces, such as vented crawl spaces and unheated garages
- Any portion of the floor in a room that is cantilevered beyond the exterior wall below
- Concrete slab floors laid directly on the ground
A Note about your Slab!
Cold concrete slabs can make your home uncomfortable. When a slab is insulated, it becomes part of your home’s thermal envelope and helps moderate indoor temperatures.
Obviously, while new construction is a different story, for existing homes and buildings, it would be cost prohibitive to insulate directly under a concrete slab set in the ground. It is possible, however, to dig around the perimeter, and install insulation, usually foam board. Doing so could actually reduce heating bills by 10% to 20%.
It should be noted, however, that homes built in areas where termites are present could experience infestations with this type of slab installation. It is important to know the area, and have the right experience when choosing a solution.
It’s Time to do Something!
Analyzing the right insulation solution for a ventilated crawl space or other such area is not always easy. So finding the right professional company for the job can make all the difference.
Whether your home’s attic or crawl space requires regular inspection and maintenance, one-time repair, partial renovation or total replacement, Quartz Solutions is your one-stop shop. For friendly and professional advice over the phone, call 201-205-2042, 973-536-1013 or request a complimentary inspection.
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