Floor insulation contributes to energy savings by reducing conductive heat transfer between your home’s floor and an unheated crawl space or basement. It also enhances the comfort inside a home and helps reduce the size of HVAC equipment needed.

When installed properly, floor insulation can save an average homeowner up to $100 a month, particularly in older homes.

How much floor insulation should I add?

Insulation levels are specified by R-Values that measure the insulations ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The Department of Energy recommends an R-Value range of R-19 to R-25 in moderate climates such as Kentucky. 

What kind of floor insulation should I install?

Floor insulation can be installed in homes built over basements, crawlspaces, or slabs. The appropriate type of floor insulation for your home depends on your home’s foundation type.

Generally, batts are used between floor joists in basements and crawl spaces and rigid foam board (polystyrene) is used for slabs. We put tyvek on the floor joists to hold the insulation up keeping it from falling down. Insulation works best when air is not moving through or around it, so it is very important to air seal the floor before installing insulation to maximize its performance.

Do I need a ground vapor barrier in my crawlspace?

Yes.

A ground vapor barrier will prevent moisture from entering your crawl space through the ground and condensing on floor and duct insulation underneath your house. Condensation will damage insulation and its effective R-Value. In addition, damp floor insulation can harbor mildew and damage the structure of your house.

A properly installed ground vapor barrier will also prevent soil gases from entering the crawl space. Installing a ground vapor barrier will protect your house from moisture, make it more durable, and improve the air quality within your home.

To learn more or request service, give us a call at (502) 396-5828.