Treating crawl spaces (with ductwork) when the adjacent basement ceiling is insulated.

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Permalink Reply by Timothy Renz on February 16, 2012 at 7:44am

I agree with your preferred option.  If the connected space is climate controlled then stopping moisture and outside air from entering is the best option.  Only putting the FG batts in the ceiling of the crawl space would still leave the influx of air to deal with and it would decrease the efficiency and comfort of the home.

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Permalink Reply by Patrick Michaelyan on February 16, 2012 at 12:41pm

Thanks Tim. I have been pushing this option, and I think the homeowner is going to bite.

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Permalink Reply by Glen Gallo on February 16, 2012 at 9:52pm

I would suggest a true vapor barrier product or ASTM  E-1745

From my short education on the product you want to make sure that the product is rated for the application. It is critical that the product is mechanically fastened to the wall and sealed. If there are any piers the product should be fastened and sealed to it as well.All seams sealed with tape approved for the product

I use 1x2  and ramset for fastening and duct mastic for sealing.

It is tedious, boring and often unappreciated in a challenging space.

I would always be concerned about the walls ability to dry. If the outside stem wall is buried I would think twice before insulating it

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Permalink Reply by Patrick Michaelyan on February 17, 2012 at 5:17am

That is some really valuable input Glen. I definitely will continue to think this one through.

Thanks.

Patrick

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