When to Get Insulation Installed in Your Crawl Space
Crawl spaces are designed to accommodate the inner-workings of your home, such as the plumbing, electrical wiring, heating, and ductwork. They’re spaces that can be accessed by professionals if you need upgrades or repairs and aren’t accessed frequently.
So why bother insulating them? Here are a few key reasons why insulation installing in crawl spaces is essential.
Common Issues With Crawl Spaces
The majority of homes have sub-floor space, with approximately 15% of new homes being built with crawl spaces today. That’s because crawl spaces can provide a lot of benefits for homeowners, such as extra storage and help with heating costs.
Additionally, a properly insulated crawl space can contribute to better indoor air quality, prevent moisture-related issues like mold and mildew growth, and improve overall energy efficiency. Insulation installation in crawl spaces is a proactive step to ensure your home remains comfortable and free from potential structural and health hazards caused by inadequate insulation.
Moisture and Mold
Most crawl spaces are nothing but a dirt floor, meaning that any moisture or humidity that establishes itself could eventually produce mold and rot.
Stench and Poor Airflow
Going along with added moisture, a lack of airflow can make a crawl space start to reek. Depending on how your home is ventilated, this stench can rise up from below and cause your home to smell just as bad.
Pests
We’ve all heard horror stories of what was found in the crawl space, and it’s not uncommon for pests to enter through poorly maintained vents. Critters of all shapes and sizes wouldn’t mind making your crawl space home.
Rats can chew through wires. Termites can burrow through your floors. And larger animals are extremely costly to have removed via an exterminator.
The Benefits of Crawl Space Insulation
Crawl space insulation aims to mitigate the issues above and a few others. Here’s what you’ll gain by insulating your crawl space.
Retains Temperature Better
Even if you don’t have major issues, such as moisture or pests, having your home retain its temperature is a good thing. For one, you’re spending less money to heat and cool the crawl space.
The next is by keeping your crawl space temperature-controlled, your entire home will retain its temperature better. You’ll notice when you step on your kitchen tile in the morning that it’s not as cold as it used to be.
Removes Moisture From Beneath Your Home
Reduced moisture not only prevents mold and fungi from damaging your floorboards but also preserves the structural integrity of your home over time. Moreover, maintaining proper moisture levels in crawl spaces can lead to a healthier living environment by minimizing allergens and airborne contaminants, contributing to the overall well-being of your household.
Insulation Provides Better Safety
Insulation, by itself, can’t prevent pests from entering or exiting the home. However, insulated walls will prevent wood-destroying insects, such as termites, from damaging your flooring.
In certain areas of the country, radon gas exposure is a problem. Radon is a natural element that can be found in soil beneath homes and is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
If you live in a part of the US where radon is prevalent, exposed dirt can lead to higher levels of radon in the home. Insulating or encapsulating the crawl space can help lead to reduced radon gasses entering the home.
Insulate Your Crawl Space Today
If your crawl space has any of the above qualities, or you’re concerned it might one day become a problem, reach out to us. We’re located in the Wilmington area and can help get your crawl space insulated, no problem.
Don’t delay in keeping your home safe and protected.