Underfloor Insulation Solutions Near Georgetown, Lexington, Charleston

Problems with Insulating Floors with Fiberglass

Although fiberglass batts have been stuffed and stapled under the first-level floor in many homes during the past 50 years, its value is questionable. Here are some reasons to avoid it:

• Coverage is not usually continuous due to obstructions, such as ducts, bridging.
• Under floor insulation blocks access to plumbing and electrical.
• Fiberglass batts tend to sag, creating pockets of cold air between the insulation and the underside of the floor above.
• Fiberglass batt performance can be degraded by condensation, spillage, and plumbing leaks.
• Fiberglass batts do not maintain an adequate air-seal between the basement and the living space above.

Perhaps an even more important reason for not insulating under the floor is that doing so makes the basement a non-conditioned space, often making the basement cold and damp. If you use the basement as a laundry, workshop, or play space, insulating the walls, not the floor overhead, will make it a more comfortable place to be.

We Can Help Decide If Underfloor Insulation Is Right for Your Needs

There are instances when underfloor insulation makes sense. In cold climates, for example, insulating the floor above the crawlspace is often more energy efficient than insulating foundation walls. Insulating under floors, however, is not always feasible, especially with existing homes. Plumbing, ducts, bridging, and electrical get in the way. Furthermore, the insulation must be able to resist the degrading effects of moisture. You can’t simply stuff the joist bays with fiberglass batts and expect long-term performance.

Sometimes the underside of a floor is open to the outside. A porch or three-season room may have been enclosed but not adequately insulated below. The underside of a cantilevered section of a house is also open to the outside. Or perhaps the uninsulated/underinsulated floor is over an unheated garage. In such cases, there is no choice other than to use underfloor insulation.

We offer insulation solutions for every situation. Whether you are looking to add floor insulation or improve the insulation in your basement, crawl space or garage, Reed's Home Solutions can help! Give us a call at 231-261-2120 or get an online quote for underfloor insulation and any of our other energy-saving services.