Venture Into the Darkness

by Owens Corning Canada

A home’s crawlspace is often used for storage and may be a place that homeowners rarely explore. With its low ceilings, minimal light and often cluttered space, venturing into this unchartered territory might be a little scary. Though you may not have any idea what you are storing in your crawlspace it is important to know that air flows in and out of there, and can affect the overall health of your home.

Crawlspaces are built directly above the ground, which means that moisture-laden air rising into the home from the ground below may lead to condensation and possible mould growth. This condensation may cause paint to blister, form stains on drywall ceilings or walls, or even damage your home’s structure. An un-insulated crawlspace can also lead to higher energy consumption during the heating and cooling seasons.

To insulate a crawlspace, install fiberglass batts between the floor joists. Chicken wire or metal supports can be used to secure the insulation. Install polystyrene rigid insulation along the crawlspace walls for an added thermal resistance. Lastly, lay a layer of polyethylene ground cover along the floor to prevent moisture and soil gases from coming into the crawlspace. A simple do-it-yourself project like insulating your crawlspace can help save you money on energy bills and help improve the air quality and overall health of your home.

This article was provided by Owens Corning. Owens Corning invented glass fiber, and glass fiber insulation, over 50 years ago. The Owens Corning brand and its full line of PINK insulation products has long been synonymous with trusted performance and brand preference. The company is a leading home building products company. For more information on Owens Corning products and insulating your crawlspace, visit www.owenscorning.ca or call 1-800-GET-PINK.

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