Whether your crawl space doesn’t have any insulation or has one that has been severely damaged, you should invest in a new thermal barrier.
Insulating Your Crawl Space
If you do not have any kind of insulation in your crawl space, outside temperatures can easily come into your home. That means that your heater will have to work overtime during the winter, just as your AC will have to work overtime during the summer. This will reflect on your monthly energy bills and cause you to spend more money.
When talking about insulation, most homeowners think about the insulation in the walls or even in the attic. However, insulating your crawl space is just as important. The air that is in the crawl space comes through the floor into your home, impacting the indoor temperatures. With high-quality insulation, you can easily maintain a consistent temperature in your home. Also, insulating your crawl space will make the rooms above it feel more comfortable. There will be fewer drafts and the temperature will be better regulated.
Replacing Damaged Insulation
In a way having old and damaged insulation is worse than having no insulation at all. Rodents such as mice love old insulation since it is a perfect breeding ground for them. Also, snakes, spiders, and other pests can enter your home if you have degraded insulation. Once they are in your crawl space it won’t take them long to enter your living space as well.
Wet and damaged insulation can also trigger mold growth. If you notice that your old insulation has a musty smell or is hanging from the ceiling, you will need to replace it. Keep in mind that properly installed insulation should be airtight against the surface on which it is installed. If it is not, it won’t do its job properly.