Benefits Of Basement And Crawl Space Insulation

By Author: Felecia Drake
Total Articles: 32
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Every home owner aiming to reduce energy bills considers home insulation. However, just insulating the walls of the living space is not sufficient to reduce energy bills. The attic, basements, and crawl spaces need to be examined for air leaks and insulation deficiencies. Many homes have unfinished basements and crawl spaces that let in unconditioned air and moisture. When you are planning an upgrade of the insulation of your Buffalo Grove, IL, home you need to ensure that the contractor inspects the basement and crawl spaces as well.

Unfinished basements and crawl spaces have foundation vents, gaps in the support joists, openings to permit the wiring, ducts, and pipes. All these lead to air leakage. A competent home insulation contractor will first air seal the Buffalo Grove, IL, home's basement and crawl spaces. This will be done using spray foam or a combination of spray foam and rigid foam. Only after this will the contractor start the insulation work.

Crawl Space Insulation Material

Many homes have basements and crawl spaces that are installed with fiberglass batts. This is an ineffective solution. ...
... Often, the fiberglass batts are not held properly by the joists leading to gaps in the insulation. Moreover, fiberglass batts have a paper facing that can lead to the growth of mold in the damp basement or crawl space. The mold and damp can enter the living area through ducts and vents. This can lead to poor air quality in the home. Any steel surface rusts because of the presence of moisture and can damage pipes, wires, and ducts. An experienced home insulation contractor in Glenview, IL, is aware that the best way to insulate crawl spaces is to first seal the vents around the joists and then encapsulate the entire crawl space with a moisture proof barrier. By ensuring that the membrane covers not just the floor but the walls of the crawl space, the contractor will improve the quality of air in your home.

By both air sealing your home in Glenview, IL, and insulating it you will be able to enjoy a better quality of air as well as lower energy bills. This will help you and members of your home if they have allergies. Even if they do not have allergies, breathing compromised air for hours on end is not conducive to a healthy life. Also, think about your pets who may be in the home even more than you are!

Foundation Wall Insulation

Just like crawl spaces, foundation walls too need to be insulated with special material. Fiberglass batts are likely to attract mold. An expert contractor who provides home insulation services in Northbrook, IL, will use rigid foam insulation. If these boards have been coated to provide a radiant barrier as well, they will protect the basement from moisture and prevent the transmission of heat. Building scientists agree that air sealing the basement of your Northbrook, IL, home and insulating it will not only reduce the energy bill but prolong the life of the building.

Multiple Advantages

By investing in upgrading the insulation of the basement and crawl spaces of your home you will derive multiple benefits. Your energy bill will be significantly lower, the indoor air quality will be better, and the structural strength of the building will be protected and remain intact for years to come. On top of this, your quality of life will improve.

Dr. Energy Saver N.E. Illinois installs home insulation in Buffalo Grove, IL. Visit them online to schedule a home energy audit in Northbrook, Buffalo Grove, Glenview, Mundelein, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and other surrounding areas.