FORT BEND Blog

Why You Should Insulate Your Crawl Space

A crawl space is an underground space below a house, similar to a basement. However, unlike a basement, a crawl space is vented to the outside. Adding blown-in, spray foam, or batt insulation to a crawl space can greatly increase your home's energy efficiency along with other benefits. Here is a brief guide to crawl spaces and insulation.  

Purpose of Crawl Spaces

Many homes feature basements or crawl spaces primarily because building a house off the ground is more cost-efficient than building one on an on-grade concrete slab. Crawl spaces also create a space that can conveniently house utility items in the future, like HVAC units, pipes, and vents, and keep them out of sight. 

Some crawl spaces are as tall as a basement, while others have only two or three feet of clearance, so your storage options may be limited, abundant, or somewhere in between.

Benefits of Insulation

Crawl spaces have a tendency to trap moisture, which means they can sustain water damage, mold growth, and pest infestations. Sealing and insulating these spaces can prevent all of these issues. 

In climates without harsh winters, R-19 fiberglass batt insulation installed between the floor joists facing the underside of the floor is sufficient. In addition to preventing common crawl space downfalls, adding this insulation can have a significant effect on whole-home energy usage. As a result, you'll pay less on your utility bills. Your home will also feel more comfortable with less wear and tear on your heating and cooling system, and you'll shrink your carbon footprint.