NEWARK Blog

Factors You Should Know About Crawl Spaces

A crawl space is a shallow, typically unfinished area between the bottom of a structure and the ground. The size can range anywhere from one to three feet in height, which means that most people will have to crawl on hands and knees to access these spaces, hence their name. Here are some basics every homeowner should know on this subject, including the important role of crawl space insulation.

What You Need to Know About Your Home's Crawl Space

1. They Serve Valuable Purposes

Crawl spaces often house plumbing, electrical, and HVAC components, so they are readily accessible from one central location. This makes it easier to perform repairs and routine service. Also, by supporting the home up to three feet off the ground, they protect it from moisture, water damage, mold growth, and pest infestations. Crawl spaces are usually included in homes located in moisture-prone areas where a full basement would be exposed to too much water.

2. They Require Insulation

It can be easy to overlook a crawl space, given its small size and well-concealed location, but your whole home benefits from insulating this area. Insulation helps minimize heat loss, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. It also prevents freezing and damage to the pipes, appliances, and other components located in the crawl space. Your home will be more energy efficient, saving you money on heating and cooling costs and preventing burst pipes and other cold-weather challenges.

3. They Must Be Protected From Moisture

If your home does not have an updated ventilation system, your crawl space will be susceptible to moisture. Fortunately, there are ways you can protect against it. One popular solution is a vapor barrier, which is a large plastic sheet fitted to the dimensions of the space to shield against moisture. An even more comprehensive option is encapsulation, which involves sealed vapor barriers, a sump pump, crawl space insulation, and other protective elements.

Keep your crawl space in good condition with crawl space insulation from Koala Insulation of Newark in New Castle County, DE. With 15 years of industry experience, they provide insulation installation and removal for every room in the home. They also perform energy evaluations to help customers determine their insulation needs. Call (302) 273-8476 to request a quote or visit the website to explore their services in more detail.