Crawl space insulation and air sealing are more important than most homeowners think. Without it, the result is discomfort and energy bills that are higher than they should be. Sound familiar?
The Drying Co. seals and insulates crawl spaces using spray foam or rigid foam insulation, along with a vapor barrier. This proven method can give you greater comfort while lowering heating and cooling bills and preventing mold, moisture, and pest issues. Call 1-757-566-8622 or click below to request a free estimate for crawl space insulation in Richmond, Williamsburg, Henrico, and the surrounding areas.
With concerns about the moisture damage in their crawl space, this Beaverdam, VA client oped to encapsulate their crawl space to help protect it from future damage.
In this phase of the project, we've treated the microbial growth on the floor joists and a heavy-duty CleanSpace Vapor Barrier has been installed. The liner is overlapped at all seams, wrapped and sealed around all piers, and mechanically attached to the foundation walls. The Foundation vents have also been sealed to prevent outside air carrying moisture from pouring into the space.
All crawl space vents, the sill plate, and any penetrations to the outside through the foundation walls are all sealed. The rim band is insulated and sealed with spray foam insulation to stop air infiltration, which can also help with drafts in the first level of the home. The crawl space is also sealed off from the earth's moisture with a CleanSpace vapor barrier, which is sealed at all seams, wrapped and sealed around all piers, and attached and sealed to the foundation walls. All of these steps are taken to keep as much moisture out of the crawl space as possible so we can control the relative humidity and protect the substructure of the home.
Mold needs warm temperatures, high relative humidity and organic material to grow. In our area, crawl spaces create the perfect environment for this. We did a physical wipe down of the joists with an antimicrobial to kill and remove the mold growing on the wood.
A common way to improve comfort and save energy in a home built above a crawl space is to insulate the crawl space with fiberglass batts installed between the joists and vent the crawl space to allow outside air to circulate beneath the home.
The problem is that moisture from your crawl space moves upward into the living area of your home. As this happens, the fiberglass between your floor joists absorbs moisture and becomes soggy and heavy. This will cause the insulation to lose its R-value. Not only that, but the wet fiberglass batts can fall and cause mold growth and rot.
A damp crawl space won't just cause damage below the home. As much as 40% of the air you breathe in your upstairs living area comes from the basement or crawl space. This means there's a high risk for poor air quality from airborne mold spores. These are serious problems.
If you have cold floors, high heating, and cooling bills, or uneven temperatures throughout your home, we have the solutions to help solve your problems.
SilverGlo on crawl space walls and TerraBlock on crawl space floor.
To get the most comfort and energy savings benefits possible, you need insulation that performs well in a damp environment. That's why we insulate crawl space walls and the rim joist with SilverGlo rigid foam insulation and not fiberglass.
Unlike fiberglass insulation, rigid foam won't absorb moisture, lose R-value, or encourage mold growth. It also won't compress or fall out of place. SilverGlo also had a radiant barrier, which reflects heat back into your crawl space for ultimate energy savings. Although fiberglass is one of the cheapest insulation materials, having to rip it out and replace it will cost you more in the end. Insulating the crawl space floor is also an option and can help reduce heat loss. We insulate dirt crawl space floors with TerraBlock foam insulation.
Crawl space sealed with the CleanSpace System.
To reduce moisture and relative humidity in the crawl space, we install the CleanSpace liner over the crawl space walls and floors, isolating your home from the earth. The rim joist is sealed with either spray foam insulation or foam boards to keep out unconditioned air and prevent condensation. Any remaining moisture can be removed with a crawl space dehumidifier. When combined with air sealing and dehumidification, the CleanSpace vapor barrier will eliminate mold growth and rot from your crawl space and make the whole house healthier. If you have a wet crawl space, we offer products to solve water leakage and can recommend the right drainage system for your situation.
If you're going to insulate your crawl space, make sure you get a solution that will make your entire home healthier and more comfortable. The Drying Co. installs proven insulation products for the crawl space (and basement).
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and estimate - we'll assess your crawl space and recommend the best solution for your home! We offer complete crawl space insulation services in Richmond, Williamsburg, Henrico, Newport News, and surrounding areas.