Home Insulation Help Before Winter Hits (1 Viewer)

[Kendal Kirk]

I have a crawl space that looks like it has enough insulation, but I want to try and keep the floor as worm as possible (my wife has cold feet). I was thinking of putting plastic sheeting over the insulation and stapling it to the floor joists. Is this going to do me any good, or will it cause problems. I have no idea . . .

 

[BrianW]

It’ll cause problems if you put plastic sheeting underneath the insulation beneath the floor. Moisture will be trapped on top of the plastic sheeting, and the insulation will absorb it like a sponge and eventually rot your floor joists.
If you want a vapor barrier, you need it install it between the floor and the insulation. This is more work, since it involves removing the insulation, but it’s worth it in the long run. But even if you do this, you need to make sure that your crawlspace is well ventilated, so moisture isn’t trapped beneath the vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) where the insulation is. Basically, you need to avoid having the insulation in a confined, unventilated space where it can collect moisture. Accomplish this, and you’ll be okay.

 

[Kendal Kirk]

Thanks Brian. It sounds like it will be more work than I want to do. I guess I just need to turn the thermostat up or buy my wife some electric socks.

 

[JamesMH]

Have some more insulation blown in on top of the rest, I had insulation 12" thick, but it was to keep the cold in. I love the cold in summer!