How to Insulate a Crawl Space
The extra space at the bottom of your home, sometimes occupied by piping or old furniture, causes your air conditioner or heater to work harder, since it emits much heat or cold, depending on the climate. Using your temperature-changing devices for long hours, given the added effort, reflects harshly on your electric bill. You must do something to regulate the temperature produced by your basement or crawl space. Better insulate its walls before summer or winter arrives.
Check the Devices Found in the Crawl Space
The crawl space can contain all sorts of items and devices, depending on your home’s architecture. If heating systems and vents are found inside, make sure they are sealed. They can limit the effects of insulation, with the temperature they produce. Probe for leaks and holes then have them covered. You can also consult the pest control guys, before putting insulation. The installation may disturb colonies of house pests, which can rupture the insulation, especially termites.
Insulate the Crawl Space
Given the harsh condition provided by the crawl space, you need heavy duty insulation. Batt insulation comes as the most logical choice, since it’s pretty durable and is resistant to the changes in climate. Purchase enough to cover the walls of your crawl space. Once done, go to your basement and layer the sheets on the walls. Wrap them around the joists, so they remain upright or connected. If there are spaces in-between the sheets, you can apply vapour barriers and cellulose loose-fill.
Apply Pest Protection
Armies of termites can dislodge or eat through the insulation, so it needs to be coated with a termite shield. Apply the shield beyond the insulation, ideally up to the outside area of your crawl space. By doing so, the pests can’t enter the room, much less the insulation. You can pick them off with your trusty can of insect spray. If, for some reason, they’re able to penetrate the shield, call pest control to take care of those pests.
Sit Back and Relax
With the insulation installed, the outside temperature won’t be much of a hindrance to your relaxation at home. You can rest easy and let the insulation soothe your home’s conditions.