How To Fix Falling Insulation In Crawl Space

Originally Posted 4/3/19, revised by Kelly Kate 9/24/20Read more: How to get free listening ice packs Read more: How to hang mobile devices with fishing line Read: how to fix falling insulation in crawlspaceIf you enter your crawlspace, you may experience some things that make you uncomfortable. Many people have an aversion to snakes or spiders, and both can be inhabitants of such a dark area. But I bet you also find something else you don’t like: your fiberglass insulation is failing. Fiberglass is notoriously itchy, but now it’s also dirty and possibly wet. Worse yet, it’s a clear example of a waste of money: insulation isn’t where you’ve spent a fortune installing it, and it doesn’t perform well. Above ground insulation doesn’t keep your home insulated, which leads to higher utility bills. We’ve been helping homeowners since our founding in 1996 and have seen thousands of crawl spaces just like this one. We know how damaging fiberglass insulation can be. Not only does it waste your money on utility costs – that’s bad enough – but it also damages the structure of your floor. Repairing that structure can be particularly expensive, but is absolutely essential to the stability of your home. In this article, we’ll explain why fiberglass insulation is a bad choice for a crawl space, how to replace it, and what signs you need fixing. cure its wooden floor texture.This photo was taken by an Acculevel project manager at a free estimate appointment. This crawl space has damaged vapor barrier, damp insulation and rotting floor structure. Read more: How to get a free flint pack Read more: How to hang a cell phone with a fishing line Read more: how to fix falling insulation in a crawl space

Should I Remove Insulation from my Crawl Space?

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Yes, if you have installed fiberglass insulation. At one time, builders considered fiberglass insulation to be an ideal solution, and it was the most commonly installed type of insulation. But time has shown us that this is not a good idea at all. Your crawl space may be free of water problems – but that won’t keep your insulation dry. Humidity can only create enough moisture to cause the insulation to become damp. And once it gets damp, the problems will begin. Now, there is moist material pressed onto the board. When the wood is damp, it will rot and become an ideal home for termites. That combination is also a great breeding ground for mold. And this is where the stability of your home, the health of your family, and your wallet start to suffer.This photo (of the same crawl space) was taken by an Acculevel team member after the fix. The vapor barrier was replaced, fiberglass insulation was removed, spray foam insulation installed, and support beams and columns repaired. Read more: How to get a free pack of quartz stones Read more: How to hang a cell phone with a fishing line Read: how to fix an insulated fall in a crawl space

What should I do if I find a problem with removing the insulation?

Please proceed with caution!

If you choose to remove the fiberglass insulation yourself, make sure you protect yourself. The tiny fibers in the insulation will cause significant irritation if you get them on your skin, in your eyes or in your lungs. You should wear long sleeves and pants, gloves, a mask and goggles. (If you follow the link, you will be taken to a NAIMA page with detailed information on the necessary precautions as well as instructions on how to properly handle the insulation itself.)

Mold

Once the insulation is gone, you’ll want to inspect all bracing and beams for any signs of damage. The mold is quite clear and clear; If you’ve ever left something in the fridge for too long, you’ll know mold when you see it. Acculevel provides mold treatment, using high quality products made by Anabec, a manufacturer of premium cleaning chemicals.

Damage caused by insects

Insect damage can be more difficult to identify. Normally you won’t see termites, but if the wood is peeling or bubbling, this usually means the insects are tunneling beneath the surface. If you think you have termites or other insects, you’ll want to find a reputable exterminator for this. This is a service that Acculevel does not provide, but we have reviewed the topic and provided additional resources in this article. This photo was taken by an Acculevel project manager during a free estimate appointment. The insulation is falling down, and there is a lot of mold and rot on the struts.

Structural problems

If the beam shows signs of peeling or pitting, this indicates that the wood has begun to soften. This will lead to rotting. If the board is damp or moldy, you should inspect the wood even if the exterior is undamaged. The easiest way to do this is to use a screwdriver or pocket knife to poke into the wood. In the photo above, one of our project managers used his knife to demonstrate that the wood is soft and prone to flaking when the blade pushes against the wood. The longer this repair is delayed, the worse the situation becomes. Replacing a few floor braces is much less expensive than installing a new center joist and strut. For more information on how to repair or replace these components, please review this article on sagging flooring costs and repairs. If you have more questions about waterproofing issues, sagging floors, or unpleasant odors in your crawl space, consult our Homeowner’s Comprehensive Crawl Space Repair Guide. we!

How do you keep insulation from falling?

Unfortunately, there is only one way to prevent insulation from sag or fall in the crawl space: do not install fiberglass insulation. We recommend replacing fiberglass insulation with spray foam. This type of insulation adheres directly and permanently to any surface it is sprayed on. It’s also waterproof, so it won’t absorb moisture and cause problems like fiberglass. We have an article explaining how foam insulation works, its costs and benefits. crawl space

Do you need new insulation in your crawl space?

If you’re willing and able to get into your crawl space, we have a DIY foundation checklist you can use to evaluate your home. We recommend that this be done twice a year, to catch any developing problems before they become significant. Small repairs are always easier and less expensive than major repairs. However, if you’re one of the 16 million Americans who love stuffiness, you can ask a local contractor who can. qualified to evaluate your crawl space for you. Before you contract for any service, please verify that the company is reputable, insured and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Please use our guide to questions you should ask contractors, with a free downloadable form. If you live in Indiana or surrounding states, contact Acculevel. We are a family owned and operated company, and we provide free written estimates. One of our experienced project managers will evaluate your crawl space and recommend the best course of action for you, to keep your home strong and healthy. for many years to come. fishing line Read more: how to fix falling insulation in crawl space Read more: How to get free listening ice packs Read more: How to hang mobile devices with fishing line Read more: how to fix falling insulation in crawl space