No more cold floors!
Crawlspace Insulation and Encapsulation
NetZero Insulation provides crawl space insulation and encapsulation in Denver, CO and the surrounding areas to provide protection against moisture, allergens and the elements. Up until 2006, building codes stated that crawl spaces should be vented to the outside to allow for natural airflow. Unfortunately, that did nothing to help insulate homes to conserve energy. This unfinished space allows easy access for air, water, allergens, moisture, and even critters to enter your crawl space and infiltrate your house.
Why Encapsulate your crawl space?
The Problem
Crawl spaces typically have dirt or rubble floors and are an afterthought in home construction. Open vents, combustion air ducts, porous concrete walls allow outside air to enter the crawl space. In the winter this allows the cold air to sit and pool under the floors of your home affecting your comfort and utility bills. In the summertime, warmer humid air comes in contact with cold surfaces in the crawl space and potentially forms condensation which can lead to mold, mildew, and pests. In severe cases it can cause wood rot and health issues.
The Process
Step 1. Seal and insulate the rim joists. Typically, the best approach is to apply a very low VOC 2 Part Closed Cell Spray Foam. This seals the connections between the foundation wall and rim joists airtight.
Step 2. Install the vapor barrier. The vapor barrier keeps moisture and contaminants from migrating up into the house preventing mold, mildew and improving indoor air quality. It is completely sealed to the perimeter foundation walls and all penetrations coming up through the ground such as sanitary pipes etc. BEWARE: Some contractors (term used loosely) will simply grab a roll of poly-sheeting from a home center. This very thin, less than 3 mils, plastic is not allowed in this application. It is made from recycled material and has millions of microscopic holes in it. Even though we try and use recycled products, when possible, this is not the place. We typically use a 12mil or 20mil reinforced “Scrim” that is specifically designed for this application. It is white in color which makes identifying problems like plumbing leaks very easy. We also offer dimple mat underlayment’s as an upgrade and more durable options.
Step 3. Apply insulation to the foundation walls. The most popular method is with a faced fiberglass blanket. When installed properly, it does a fantastic job at insulating the walls at a minimum cost per sq. ft. There are two types of “faced” blankets. One type is called a “diaper” blanket because it has a vinyl facing exactly like a baby’s diaper. We are not fans of this type. The vinyl rips and tears very easily and breaks down over time. The second type of fiberglass facing has a trilaminate facing applied. Like the vapor barrier, it also has a nylon webbing laminated into it. This blanket is installed with 6” Ramset fasteners into the foundation wall. The 6” spacer keeps from compressing the blanket and reducing the R value. More premium options are available by installing rigid foam board or insulating with 2 Part Close Cell Spray Foam.
