Crawlspaces are usually dirty, cramped, and inefficient. Ever since builders decided to put a 4 foot high 'basement' under a living space (just enough so you can get in there to address plumbing / electrical wiring but not be able to use it for storage or living space, you know, that perfect amount of useless) homeowners have tried to figure out what to do with these spaces.
Not sure what we're talking about? Here are some pictures!
Crawlspaces may have stone or dirt floors, insulation in the joists above, duct work, and a bunch of junk!
When we address crawlspaces, the goal is to bring the crawlspace into the conditioned space of the home. To properly address the crawlspace we must:
- Remove any junk
- Remove the insulation from the floor cavities above
- Check the duct work is air sealed properly
- Add 2" foam board to the exterior walls
- Spray foam the rim joist with 2" of 2 part spray foam
- Install a thick vapor barrier to prevent moisture to rise up from the dirt / stone floor
- Adhere the vapor barrier to the walls and pillars of the crawl space
The finished product will look like this:
Now, doesn't this crawlspace look a little more enticing to crawl into?
Sellair recommends hiring professionals to perform this work. It is grueling and difficult work to make your crawlspace energy efficient while looking professional - just think how this professional job will raise your home's value!