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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?

Northwest Insulation Floor Insutaltion
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

Northwest Insulation Floor Insulation

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.

FAQ’s ABOUT FLOOR INSULATION


Where does it go?
Many homes throughout the Pacific Northwest have what are commonly referred to as crawlspaces. Crawlspaces are open spaces underneath a portion of a home. They are very common in areas with high moisture content in the soil. The insulation goes against the floor of the home but that’s not all that needs to be done to achieve a proper install.

What goes into a properly insulated floor?
One of our Professional Technicians will help you determine what you will need to get your crawlspace insulated properly. This process includes: Identifying the type of crawlspace you have, what type of insulation materials are best suited for your application, determining how much insulation you’ll need, and key components to help ensure you’ll achieve a well insulated and healthy crawlspace.

Why is it important?
Crawlspaces can cause problems if they are not properly insulated and sealed. For instance, some crawlspaces contain water pipes which can freeze and burst or they may contain under insulated or bare heating and air conditioning ducts which can waste costly energy. Insulating the crawlspace can help prevent this from occurring. Also, an under insulated or bare crawlspace can make the floor and the home above it colder in winter and hotter in the summer, affecting the comfort of the homes inhabitants. Therefore, if your home has a crawlspace, call to have us do a free audit to determine if it is insulated or if it is in great shape.