When your home’s floors feel chilly or energy bills keep climbing, the problem often starts down below. Your crawl space might be costing you more than you realize through wasted energy, structural damage, and even health risks. Understanding the different types of crawl space insulation is the first step toward choosing the right solution for your home. The right choice transforms a musty, damp crawl space into a protective barrier that keeps your family comfortable, your structure sound, and your energy costs under control.
What Is Fiberglass Batt Insulation?
Fiberglass is common, especially in older homes. Contractors lay fluffy batts between floor joists to slow down heat loss. It’s affordable and widely available, making it popular for tight budgets.
But fiberglass does not do well with moisture. Groundwater and humidity can soak into the material, weighing it down and causing it to sag away from the floor above. As it pulls away, cold air sneaks in. Wet insulation is also a magnet for mold. It’s a reasonable option only if your crawl space stays dry and sealed.
How Do Rigid Foam Boards Work?
Rigid foam boards give you a tougher option. Installers secure these boards to the foundation walls instead of the underside of the floor. This approach brings the crawl space inside your home’s thermal barrier. Rigid boards don’t soak up water and keep their shape for years.
Rodents and insects can’t easily chew through foam boards. They provide a solid, continuous barrier against outside temperatures, protecting your pipes from freezing in cold weather.
Why Choose Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray foam offers top performance. It expands to fill every gap and hardens into an airtight seal that eliminates drafts and adds structural support. Unlike fiberglass or rigid foam, spray foam creates a complete air barrier with no gaps or seams where cold air or gases can sneak through.
How Spray Foam Blocks Radon and Soil Gases
Temperature control is only part of the equation. Your crawl space also affects the air your family breathes. Soil gases like radon can seep through foundation cracks and rise into your living areas. Radon is colorless, odorless, and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
Spray foam’s airtight seal creates a critical barrier against these invisible threats. When paired with a radon mitigation system in your crawl space, they both help to keep hazardous gases out of your home. This combination protects both your comfort and your family’s long-term health.
Protect Your Home With the Right Insulation
Choosing between the different types of crawl space insulation impacts more than your energy bills; it affects your family’s health and your home’s longevity. Whether you need moisture resistance, air sealing, or radon protection, the right insulation makes all the difference.
Ready to make your crawl space work for you? Contact Affordable Radon Services today for an expert inspection. We specialize in radon mitigation systems in crawl spaces and insulation solutions. Get honest advice from local certified specialists who put your family’s safety first.
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