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Energy and Comfort

Insulating a Crawl Space: Floor or Walls?

Key takeaways

  • Vented crawl spaces are insulated at the floor
  • Sealed crawl spaces are insulated at the walls
  • Fiberglass can sag and hold moisture
  • Rigid foam and spray foam resist moisture

The right place for insulation depends on how the space is built and managed.

Vented space

Insulation goes between the joists to keep the floor warm, and ducts and pipes sit in the cold. Batts can sag and absorb moisture if the space stays damp.

Sealed space

Insulation goes on the walls and rim joist, which brings the space inside the thermal boundary. Pipes and ducts stay in a milder environment.

Choosing

If the space is damp, fix that first. Then pick the approach that suits your climate and plan.

Related services

Questions about your own crawl space? Call or text 800-224-9245, or use the quote form below.

Request a quote

Tell us what is under the floor.

Tell us where the home is, what you have noticed and when you would like it handled. We read every message and reply with clear next steps.

  • What you have noticed, so the right specialist replies
  • Photos of the vents or the access door, or a result you saved from a tool on this site
  • A plain-English plan: the findings, the fix and what to expect, before we start
Prefer to talk? Call or text800-224-9245

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