Advantages of Crawlspace Insulation
Most homeowners know that having proper insulation in the walls of their home comes with a wide array of benefits, particularly when it comes to energy efficiency. Many states have made regulated insulation a code requirement for houses. Though this may be common knowledge, few homeowners are aware of the benefits of properly insulating the crawlspace area of their Pensacola home as well. Especially with the hot and humid climate in Pensacola, a well-insulated house, including the crawlspace, has the power to reduce your monthly energy bills, prevent indoor humidity and moisture damage, and increase the air quality in your home, supporting the health and overall comfort of your home.
The 3 Forms of Crawlspace Insulation
Batt Insulation
Batt insulation is the most budget-friendly option for insulating your Pensacola home and crawlspace. This material often consists of fiberglass fibers that are rolled together.
Blown-In Insulation
Blown-in insulation builds on what batt insulation offers by being made primarily of fiberglass, denim, or fire-retardant cellulose, which is then applied between floor joists.
Spray-In Foam Insulation
Though these other choices are great options in their own right, spray-in foam insulation is the ultimate choice for homes and crawlspaces in the Pensacola area. Due to the unique and humid climate that this region is known for, this type of insulation is perfect because it serves as protection from both humid air and water within your crawlspace.
Why are my hardwood floors cupping?
If your floors are cupping (or warping), or are hot, cold, moist, or sweating, then the most likely cause of this is a poorly insulated crawlspace. Without proper insulation in your crawlspace, moisture and air are able to enter freely, wreaking havoc on numerous surfaces throughout your home. Poor insulation also allows humidity and warm air to pass easily through your home, while simultaneously allowing heat to leave your home during the winter.
If you would like to ensure your Pensacola area crawlspace is properly insulated, contact MDH Foundation Repair today for a free estimate!
Why are my floors hot (or cold)?
Like your exterior walls, your floors need to have some kind of barrier from the elements to prevent heat and moisture transfer. Uninsulated or poorly-insulated crawlspaces will allow humid, warm summer air to pull through your sub-floor, causing your HVAC system to work harder.
What causes moist or sweating floors?
As we mentioned previously, un- or poorly-insulated crawlspaces will allow air to transfer through the floor. This air also carries humidity, which, when pulled through your floor, will leave condensation on the floor’s surface.
Why is my crawlspace humid?
Improperly insulated crawlspaces will trap moisture and humid air and allow it to migrate through your sub-floor into your home. In addition to installing crawlspace insulation in Pensacola and Mobile, correcting drainage issues, installing vapor barriers, and employing dehumidifiers can aid in drying the air.
Why is my crawlspace musty?
For the same reasons a poorly-insulated crawlspace is humid, one left untreated will lead to mold, mildew, and their subsequent sour odors. Using the techniques like correcting drainage, using dehumidifiers, and installing crawlspace vapor barriers in Pensacola and Mobile in conjunction with mold remediation can mitigate the mold spores and improve the air quality of both your crawlspace and home.
Where can I get more information on crawlspace insulation?
The U.S. Department of Energy has several articles on crawlspace insulation, including a handy fact sheet located here.
MDH Foundation Repair installs crawlspace insulation for Mobile, Daphne, Pensacola, Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulf Shores and more.
