Floors feel like blocks of ice during a heavy Valley County freeze because of what happens right beneath your feet. Tackling crawl space insulation is important to protect your home, and McCall Insulation knows you have to approach it with a solid plan.
Before You Start Digging Around
Preparation makes or breaks this project. McCall Insulation advises against crawling down there with a staple gun and hoping for the best. You need to check the moisture levels in the soil, especially since our heavy winter snowpacks turn into rushing meltwater come spring in McCall, ID. If you smell musty odors or see standing water, insulating right away is a mistake. Solve the drainage first. Clear out any old debris, check for pest damage, and make sure you know what kind of ventilation your foundation has.
What You Can DIY vs. Calling the Pros
Plenty of homeowners want to tackle home improvements on their own weekend schedule. Here is a realistic breakdown of what you can handle versus when you should call McCall Insulation to step in:
- Laying down a heavy-duty vapor barrier over dry ground is a great DIY project if you do not mind tight spaces.
- Sealing minor gaps with canned foam can easily be done by a handy homeowner.
- Installing closed-cell spray foam or handling complete encapsulation requires specialized rigs, precise chemical mixing ratios, and professional gear that makes hiring a crew well worth the investment.
During the Project: Keeping Things Dry and Tight
If you are rolling up your sleeves for part of the work, focus heavily on air sealing before adding any thermal layers. A vapor barrier needs to lap up the foundation walls slightly and get taped securely. Miss a spot, and moisture will find its way up into your subfloor, leading to warped wood or mold. Keep safety gear handy because confined spaces get dusty and awkward fast.
After the Installation is Complete
Once everything is sealed up, check your work. Walk your main floor rooms and feel for drafts near the baseboards. Keep an eye on your humidity levels using a cheap hygrometer down below. When you do it right, your furnace runs less, your floors stop freezing your toes, and your entire house stays comfortable through the harshest months of winter. McCall Insulation provides Crawl Space Insulation services for homes in McCall, ID.