While most homes are either built on concrete slabs or feature basements, others have crawl spaces. Whether you are designing a new home or moving into a residence with a crawl space, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the feature as well as the importance of crawl space insulation. Here’s what you need to know.

What They Are & What They Do

A crawl space is the section between a house’s ground floor and the soil. It is usually between 1 foot and 3 feet high and takes the place of a basement. Crawl spaces keep homes that are not built on concrete slabs, such as double-wide modular residences, separate from the ground. They also benefit homes built in wet regions or areas subject to termite infestations.

Crawl spaces also make it possible to keep household plumbing pipes, ductwork, electrical wiring, and HVAC systems out of sight. A person must crawl into the space to access these utilities, hence the name. However, doing so is still more convenient than breaking a concrete slab to reach plumbing lines or other components.

Different Types & Why They Need Insulation

Crawl spaces come in two basic types: vented and sealed. Vented spaces allow air to circulate under the home. While this is helpful in regions with dry summer seasons, any condensation that accumulates during spring, fall, and winter promotes mold growth and wood rot. Both issues compromise structural safety, with mold also triggering asthma and allergy flareups.

Sealed crawl spaces feature spray foam insulation or other tight-fitting material that prevents air and water from getting in. Also known as a vapor barrier, crawl space insulation reduces if not eliminates mold and mildew growth, wood rot, odors, insect and vermin infestations, and the risk of floor failure. It also decreases heating and cooling bills because HVAC systems do not have to work extra hard to retain warm and cool air. Indoor air quality improves as well due to fewer allergens entering the home.

Schedule crawl space insulation services with Energy Shield Spray Foam for a more energy-efficient, healthy, and structurally sound home. The Eminence, KY, insulation contractors provide home and business owners throughout the area with spray foam insulation that features R-6 resistance value, the market’s highest. Call (502) 220-0231 today to make an appointment, or learn more about crawl space insulation online.