CRAWLSPACE ENCAPSULATION

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A crawl space foundation can account for a significant amount of heat loss in a home, especially if it's not properly insulated: 

Heat flux

The average heat flux from a crawl space foundation is between 1.76 and 3.07 W/mˆ2. The most important factor in predicting heat flux is the outdoor air temperature. 

Heat loss through floors

Heat loss through uninsulated floors to the crawl space is three times that of insulated floors. 

Stack effect

If a crawl space is vented or has openings to the outside, cold air can flow in and move up into the living area. 

Energy efficiency

A poorly insulated crawl space can severely affect a home's energy efficiency.

A foundation vapor barrier can provide many benefits, including:

Moisture prevention

A vapor barrier prevents moisture from entering the structure of your home, which can help prevent mold, wood decay, and other damage. Hoosier Spray Foam offers vapor barrier thicknesses of 6.5 mil, 10 mil or 18 mil.

Pest control

A vapor barrier can help keep pests out of your crawl space, which can help prevent disease and structural damage. 

Improved air quality

A vapor barrier can help improve air quality in your home by preventing contaminants from entering the living space. 

Energy efficiency

A vapor barrier can help increase the energy efficiency of your home by keeping moisture and other unwanted particles out. 

Home value

A professionally installed vapor barrier can enhance the value of your home, as homebuyers are increasingly aware of the importance of a well-maintained crawl space.

Rim joists can be a major source of heat loss in a home. Rim joists are the pieces of lumber that run around the perimeter of a home, above the foundation, and in contact with the subfloor and sill plate. They can be leaky and under-insulated, allowing air to enter the home through gaps in the siding. 

Insulating rim joists can help reduce heat loss, air leaks, and moisture infiltration. It can also help maintain a consistent temperature and lower energy bills. The recommended R-value for rim joists depends on the climate zone:

Climate zones 1–4: Minimum R-value of R13

Climate zones 5–8: Minimum R-value of R20 

To check if your rim joists are insulated, you can look up into your basement or crawl space. If you see the wood framing without insulation, that means you're losing heat. 

When selecting an insulation product, it's important to consider how it will interact with moisture in the assembly. Proper assembly design and construction is also key to long-term durability.

Once we encapsulation your crawlspace, we can install a dehumidifier to control the humidity in the crawlspace to prevent mold from growing in the crawlspace.  This will improve your indoor air quality.

If you already have mold in your crawlspace, our IICRC certified technicians will remove the mold prior to insulating the crawlspace.  Hoosier Spray Foam uses the best available products to remediate the mold and prevent further mold growth.

If you need old or damaged insulation removed from your crawlspace, we can help. Our insulation removal services are safe, efficient and environmentally friendly, ensuring a clean and healthy living space for you and your family.