Beginning Crawl Space Insulation
The first step in most crawl space projects like this one is to remove the old insulation. Fiberglass insulation allows air and moisture to pass through it, and its effectiveness and R-Value decrease when it gets damp. It also becomes an ideal environment for mold and even mice.
Rockwool Chimney Insulation
Another area for air leakage was the masonry chimney. Rockwool is an ideal solution here since the chimney should not be touching combustible materials such as wood, fiberglass or foam. Rockwool is a non-combustible fireproof mineral fiber that can withstand temperatures of up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Insulate Rim Joists
The rim joist is an area often overlooked when it comes to home insulation, and it is also a huge source of energy loss. When the rim joist lacks proper insulation and air sealing, heat is lost by conductive transfer to the outside, and cold air infiltrates the basement through joints and other gaps drilled on the sill plate for plumbing, electricity and fuel lines. Our team used polyurethane expanding foam to stop air leaks in the rim joists.
SilverGlo Rigid Foam Wall Insulation
Our team installed SilverGlo on the walls in this crawlspace. SilverGlo™ Insulation is the superior choice for a dry, energy-efficient crawl space. It combines highly effective graphite-infused insulation with a built-in radiant heat barrier surface. This gives your crawl space walls an unbroken plane of R-11 insulation, while sealing your walls from outside moisture and humidity infiltration.
TerraBlock Insulation
When installed on a dirt crawlspace floor like this one, TerraBlock floor panels provide better energy performance in the form of increased insulation. Its excellent puncture and abrasion resistance also means improved durability to the vapor barrier.
CleanSpace Crawl Space Encapsulation
With the SilverGlo and TerraBlock in place, our team next installed the CleanSpace Crawl Space Moisture Barrier, which is the heart and soul of the CleanSpace system. This durable, 20 mil bright white crawl space liner installs on the walls and floors, preventing water vapor and humidity from passing through. The mold resistant additive "UltraFresh" ensures that CleanSpace will never support mildew or mold growth on its surface. With your crawl space encapsulated and dry, you protect your structure and insulation from mold and rot and your crawl space becomes a clean, usable storage area.
Vent Covers
Old crawlspace thinking was that a vent would allow fresh air to circulate to help remediate mold and humidity under the house. We now know that the opposite is true. Sealing the crawl space, including the vents, protects that area and the home above it from moisture, mold and mildew. We updated this vent cover and sealed it off.
