HOMES Act introduced with Bi-Partisan Sponsorship
We don't see a lot of bi-partisan bills in Congress these days. Here's one focusing on home…See More
Handling An Interesting Crawl Space
I am convinced that a client of mine is the victim of a shoddy crawl space ceiling insulation job, and that he should have it done right. He too in convinced.
So, the question is how best to address it.
The crawl space is only 200 sf, located below a single-room addition, with ducts in the floor. There are plenty of penetration through the floor and the sill boxes. Air is the least of our worries (it's the darn critters he wants to keep out, and reduced leakage is a bonus). The existing faced fiberglass batts (R-19) are showed into between the joists, with the kraft facing in the wrong direction. The batt insulation is only 5 years old, and it's condition has not been compromised.
The following is my proposed approach to the problem. Remove the existing batt insulation, apply a flash coat of closed-cell spray foam, cut batts to fit properly, install wire supports to keep batts flush with floor, and install a layer of house wrap to underside of joists to protect batt insulation. Sound like a winner to you pros?
Thanks in advance!
So, the question is how best to address it.
The crawl space is only 200 sf, located below a single-room addition, with ducts in the floor. There are plenty of penetration through the floor and the sill boxes. Air is the least of our worries (it's the darn critters he wants to keep out, and reduced leakage is a bonus). The existing faced fiberglass batts (R-19) are showed into between the joists, with the kraft facing in the wrong direction. The batt insulation is only 5 years old, and it's condition has not been compromised.
The following is my proposed approach to the problem. Remove the existing batt insulation, apply a flash coat of closed-cell spray foam, cut batts to fit properly, install wire supports to keep batts flush with floor, and install a layer of house wrap to underside of joists to protect batt insulation. Sound like a winner to you pros?
Thanks in advance!
Views: 306
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Cory Chovanec on -
For the cellulose and rigid I wouldn't worry about the foaming of penetrations unless they are big enough to have a blow out in the living space.
For the fiberglass and rigid, I think foaming the perimeter to seal off any leaks would be good, but probably nothing other than that.
Good luck out there.
-
Permalink Reply by Patrick Michaelyan on -
Thanks, and thank you for your input Cory!
-
Permalink Reply by Don Hynek on
-
Housewrap as your blowing barrier makes a lot of sense, though it's like wall papering a ceiling getting it in place!!
I dunno about the foam board. Where I come from (cold climate) that might work with unfaced EPS board. But If you use foil-faced Thermax, that leaves you with a vapor retarder on the cold side of the assembly, doesn't it?? Great idea in an A/C-dominant climate. But that's a really bad idea here in Wisconsin.
-
Permalink Reply by Patrick Michaelyan on
-
Don you raise a couple of good points.
As to your points about the rigid foam, the foil facing would be on the cold side, but with Thermax you have foil facing on both sides. Also, I always do all within my power to achieve an effective air seal, which has eliminated any condensation-related issues in the past. Nevertheless, I am going to think further about the points you have raised.
Patrick
- ‹ Previous
- 1
- 2
- Next ›
Home Energy Pros
Home Energy Pros was founded by the developers of Home Energy Saver Pro (sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) and brought to you in partnership with Home Energy magazine.
Latest Activity
David Eggleton replied to Jose Macho's discussion Why Are Energy-Saving Home Inprovements Down??"That varies, as policies are different from state to state."
Orvil D Boyer replied to David Starrett's discussion I am looking for a good IR camera in the group Energy Auditing Equipment for Sale, Trade or to Purchase"I have a Fluke TIR 32. Used aproximately 10 times 1.5 yrs old. This is the first…"
Orvil D Boyer joined allen p tanner's group
Energy Auditing Equipment for Sale, Trade or to Purchase
Discuss the pros and cons of the equipment you are interested in prior to purchase. Post equipment…See More
George Kopf posted a discussionMisting Aeroseal in Pressurized Home = Amazing Air Sealing Innovation
As a training program manager for a non-profit, I am often too busy managing my program to catch…See More
Dennis Heidner replied to Jose Macho's discussion Why Are Energy-Saving Home Inprovements Down??"Ben, the German highway system concept actually started BEFORE Nazi Germany during the…"
Stan Kuhn replied to Patrick Michaelyan's discussion Hot Upper Stories"You note overheating on the south side (naturally.) Assuming the typical roof overhang of…"
Patrick Michaelyan replied to Patrick Michaelyan's discussion Hot Upper Stories"Thanks a lot Ed. And thanks to all who have added their two cents.
I think I know where to take…"
Ed Minch replied to Patrick Michaelyan's discussion Hot Upper Stories"We have successfully treated this same problem in perhaps 1000 of this same house in the…"
Craig Savage commented on Craig Savage's video
What is a Heat Pump Water Heater
"Hello Tom
We are working with A.O. Smith, GE and Stiebel Eltron on a Building America task to…"
Tom Delconte commented on Craig Savage's videoWhat is a Heat Pump Water Heater
"Craig: I was serious, since my propane price jumped from .98 to 1.85! according to everyone the GE…"
Ben Jacobs replied to Jose Macho's discussion Why Are Energy-Saving Home Inprovements Down??"I think that government support for good ideas results in major benefits over the long haul.
Please…"
© 2013 Created by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
