How to better insulate your crawl space

Fiberglass insulation isn’t the only way to insulate your crawl space. If your crawl space is susceptible to water intrusion, then, the insulation will eventually do more harm than good, for your home.

The pros and cons of fiberglass insulation

Because it’s inexpensive, effective, and noncombustible, fiberglass insulation has been the primary way to insulate homes for decades. Fiberglass insulation is made of plastic, reinforced by minuscule glass fibers. If it's installed correctly, the insulation does a great job of trapping pockets of air and keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

It is somewhat dangerous to install because the tiny fragments of glass fibers can easily lodge into your skin and lungs, but with the proper safety gear, installing fiberglass insulation is safe and not too difficult. The biggest problem with the insulation is that, once it’s wet, it becomes useless, and over time, it could start to produce mold, mildew, and odors that disperse throughout your home.

If it’s not encapsulated, your crawl space is highly prone to water intrusion and damage, which means your fiberglass insulation could be producing mildew and odor that will seep out of your crawl space and into your home. Fiberglass insulation is also an ideal nesting place for a variety of critters that will leave behind their droppings, which eventually deteriorate into an odor that also circulates throughout your home.

Alternatives to fiberglass insulation in my crawl space

Spray foam insulation is a common alternative because it doesn’t absorb water. However, one of the problems with spray foam is that it doesn’t do anything to prevent water from coming in.

To both insulate and waterproof your crawl space, using TerraFirma’s crawl space encapsulation service is your best option. Our VaporLoc Elite liner protects your crawl space and eliminates excessive, destructive moisture. Under the VaporLoc Elite liner is a drainage matting that directs to your sump pump. TerraFirma’s TripleSafe sump pump pumps out up to 2,000 gallons of water an hour.

The bottom line: the mold, mildew, and odor in your crawl space will eventually make it into your home. The best way to keep your crawl space (and in turn, your home) free from water damage is by encapsulating your crawl space with TerraFirma.

Schedule your free inspection today!