Installing insulation under your house, often in a crawl space, is a crucial step to warm up cold floors and improve energy efficiency.
The general process involves preparing the area, cutting insulation to fit between floor joists, and securing it properly. A key part of successful installation is ensuring a tight fit around structural elements like cross braces.
Key Steps for Installing Underfloor Insulation
Here are the essential steps to follow when installing insulation under your house:
- Prepare the Area: Ensure the crawl space is dry, clean out any debris, and address any moisture issues before starting.
- Choose Insulation: Select the appropriate type of insulation (like fiberglass batts, mineral wool, or rigid foam) suitable for underfloor use and your local climate. Batts are commonly used between joists.
- Measure and Cut: Measure the distance between the floor joists. Cut the insulation batts slightly wider (about half an inch to an inch) than the gap to ensure a snug fit.
- Fit Between Joists: Push the insulation batts firmly into the spaces between the floor joists. The insulation should be in contact with the subfloor above.
- Handling Obstacles (like Cross Braces): According to the video reference "How to Install Insulation: Under Floors," when you encounter cross braces, you should cut the insulation and push it between the braces. This is important because leaving gaps around these structures will reduce the insulation's effectiveness. Do not leave any gaps or spaces between the insulation when working around cross braces or other framing elements. This tight fit prevents air flow and maintains insulating power.
- Secure the Insulation: Insulation batts need to be held in place. Common methods include using insulation supports (wire hangers, netting, or strapping) stapled to the joists or securing rigid foam with screws and washers. Ensure the insulation stays firmly against the subfloor.
- Address Rim Joists: Don't forget to insulate the rim joists (the perimeter of the floor framing) as they can be a significant source of air leaks and heat loss.
Properly installed underfloor insulation creates a thermal barrier that helps keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, leading to lower energy bills. Pay close attention to detail, especially when cutting and fitting insulation around framing members, to maximize the performance of the insulation.
