Types of Crawl Space Insulation

When your home is located in a cold climate, choosing effective Crawl Space Insulation is essential. Not only does it help keep your home comfortable, but it will also lower your energy costs.

How thick is crawl space encapsulation?

The type of insulation you use can depend on a number of factors. However, there are two main types of crawl space insulation. You can choose to install rigid foam boards or spray foam insulation. Both are fairly easy to install.

Rigid foam is the most commonly used in crawl spaces. It can be cut to the size you need and can be attached to foundation walls with waterproof tape. Spray foam is a little more expensive.

If your crawl space has a lot of moisture, you may want to install a plastic vapor barrier. These are typically thick, reinforced polyethylene sheets. They should cover the entire ground area of your crawl space. Be sure to seal the edges with butyl tape.

Foam board is another common choice for insulating the walls of a crawl space. This insulation is less costly than other types and is often installed by contractors.

Another option is a combination of rigid foam and a plastic vapor barrier. In addition to keeping out moisture, this type of insulation can be used to seal gaps and cracks.

Fiberglass insulation is also an option. While it is not as effective at blocking heat, it does not absorb water.

Mineral wool is another type of material you can use to insulate your crawl space. Similar to fiberglass, it is a natural fire retardant.