Insulate Underfloor

Insulating existing homes to maximize comfort and energy efficiency.

Insulate Underfloor

Postby June » Tue May 25, 2010 4:52 pm

My hardwood floor is all warped. Could that be from the moisture in the crawl space? Will insulate the underfloor help?
June
 
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Re: Insulate Underfloor

Postby Larry » Sat Jun 05, 2010 12:31 pm

Hello: It is likely more of a moisture problem than an insulation problem. If the floorboards are cupped (edges higher than the center) they are wetter on the back side. This suggests a damp crawl-space. Putting a good vapor barrier down on the ground and sealing it well will dry things out. Sealing off the vents and putting a dehumidifier down there will speed things up. If you go to http://www.buildingscience.com , you'll find good discussions on controlling water.

You could insulate by spraying closed cell foam on the under-side of the floor. That would act as a vapor barrier, but I'd dry things out first.

Yours, Larry
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Re: Insulate Underfloor

Postby June » Tue Jun 15, 2010 3:02 pm

THANKS, Larry. I was out of town and did not get to check the forum. Now, I know it is not my fault the floorboards are cupped. I will have someone come to take a look in the crawl space about the moisture (I can probably do it by following your instructions, but I don't like crawl space.) before repairing the floor.
June
 
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Re: Insulate Underfloor

Postby dagrenda » Thu Jun 24, 2010 12:39 am

Our floor has the same problem too. Can we do the vapor barrier only or insulate the under floor only? Doing both can be expensive.
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Re: Insulate Underfloor

Postby Kate » Fri Jul 16, 2010 12:43 am

Yes, in order to be effective, you have to cover the ground of the crawl space wtih 6 mil or 10 mil plastic and air seal all the gaps and cracks. you condition your crawl space. Then you don't have cold or hot air leaking into your house. You'll feel the difference. If you want insulation underfloor you can always add it later.
Kate
 
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Re: Insulate Underfloor

Postby Stanleys » Wed Oct 24, 2012 11:16 pm

Well, underfloor means the floor above an unheated crawl space or basement. Once the underfloors are properly insulated, you will increase the overall comfort of your home because floor insulation provides valuable sound control and thermal control...
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