Should I Insulate My Crawl Space?

Our Answer

Fifteen to twenty percent of heat loss in homes occurs through floors, so a few changes will make a big difference in your comfort –  and your energy costs.

I recommend insulating your crawl space floor with fiberglass batts as thick as the floor joints are deep. So if you have 8-inch joints, use 8 inches of insulation. The insulation should be unfaced – no foil face, no paper face.  It can be supported in place by insulation hangers, which are essentially wires inserted between floor joists.  They flex like springs, and are sharp on the ends so they can pinch into the joists and hold up the insulation.

As for the plumbing, you should insulate it using fiberglass tubes.  They’re pre-made and are designed for the specific size of pipe (for 1-inch pipes, use 1-inch tubes, etc.).  Make sure to use insulating tape to seal the edges and corners, and the result will be a far warmer floor this winter.