Insulating Crawl Space?

[Momish]

Whats a healthy alternative for this??

[mtman]

we used fiberglass whats wrong with that ,your not going to be hanging out down there are you

[gobug]

A vapor barrier should not be on the inside of the crawl space wall. The reason for this is the wall can draw moisture from the ground and create an environment for molds. The vapor barrier should be on the outside of the wall, but since it is already built, that may not be possible.

Fiber glass insulation allows air passage. If you use fiberglass without the vapor barrier, it won't insulate well. With the barrier it could allow mold growth on or in the walls. Solid foam panels are also vapor barriers.

The best place for the insulation would be on the underside of the floor. Any crawlspace wall above grade level could also be insulated with foam board.

Past codes and beliefs were that crawl space vents were required. This is now changing. The vents will add to your heating costs. Closing the vents will keep the crawl space warmer.

Good luck.
Gary

[Country Gent]

A freind of mine put in a new mobile home recent and they had the vapor barrier on the ground, but he stapled recycled cardboard to the floor joists, but also underpinned the home. He sais the air space and vapor barrier were enough and he leaves a light or two on under for heat.We dont get that bad winters.C.G.

[mtman]

are they doing a house or a trailer doing the floor is what i was saying not the ground

[Momish]

its the crawl space of a home. there was some there, but it had to be removed. wondering does it have to be there at all? and if so, is there an alternative? I read some on cotton batten (I think thats the name) and some foam spray stuff...but i wonder what the difference is in cost.
Anyone?

[littlebitfarm]

I have a vapor barrier on the ground in my crawl space. I had the inside walls sprayed with insulation. I really like the way it sealed up little cracks (no more mice either). I had the vents sprayed shut also. In the summer I run a dehumidifer down there. Stays about 60 degrees year round. The foam really smelled for a couple days, do it when you can have the house open.

Kathie