Floor Insulation in Portland by Northwest Weatherization
Vapor Barrier, Wrapped Water Pipes and Floor Sealing
A properly insulated floor can help reduce heating and cooling costs of your home
as well as increase it’s value!
Proper insulation can help stop unpleasant drafts. It can also eliminate odors associated with mold, mildew and many other issues found in your crawlspace.
Why should I insulate my floor?
Floor Insulation is a commonly overlooked area that can decrease your home’s energy efficiency! Our insulation technician will look in your crawl space for these red flags:
- No insulation between the floor joists.
- No insulation on water pipes.
- Loose insulation.
- Standing water in the crawl space.
- Gaps between sub floor and insulation.
- Minimum of 6 mil of black plastic as a vapor barrier.
If you see any of these red flags, you need a floor insulation upgrade. A one-time fix from Northwest Insulation will have your home as energy efficient as it can be!
Floor insulation has only been required in newly constructed homes since 1992. Up to 25% of the heat in your home could be lost through an un-insulated crawlspace. Think about all of the cold space under your home that is drawing away the energy that you’ve paid for! The US Department of Energy recommends a minimum of an r-25 insulation installed in all homes.
Why should I have a Vapor Barrier?
If you go down in your crawl space and see crawl space insulation without something protecting it, that is probably because the insulation does not have a vapor barrier. This piece of plastic helps keep moisture from entering the insulation. It also protects that moisture from then going inside your home. For more information on vapor barriers, check energy.gov.
ENHANCED WEATHERIZATION OPTIONS
1. Vapor Barrier & Ground Cover:
- A thick layer of plastic installed on the ground inside a crawl space.
- Helps to prevent excessive moisture.
- Reduces harmful mold and mildew.
- Can deter critters and bugs.
- Protects your insulation investment.
2. Water Pipes:
- A thermal barrier to prevent energy loss through your water pipes.
- Protects your water pipes from freezing.
- Keeps the water in your pipes hotter for longer.
3. Floor Air Sealing
Sealing of holes in your living space using compressed fiberglass.
- Prevents air leakage into your home.
- Can deter critters and bugs.
- Improved comfort.