I need to Insulate the floor beams in the crawl space.Do I need to put up plasticon the beams afterwards or c?

Question

should I lay the plastik on the dirt floor of the crawl space?

Answer 1

My crawl space is vented, so I needed to insulate it as it got too cold in winter. I followed the insulations instructions and placed the vapor barrier towards the living space. Though I stapled it, I added wire with staples across the bottom of the beams to hold it in place. (Figuring gravity would eventually pull the staples from the barrier.)

Since the space is vented, I was able to apply plastic over the dirt. In winter I leave a little bit of the adjustable vent slits open.

(Should also have mentioned that mold was growing on the beams before I started this project. That was 15 years ago, and it has not returned. No doubt due to the plastic over the dirt as we have a very high water table.)

Answer 2

i agree with most of the answers , but if you insulate between the floor joists you dont have to go through the added expense of insulating the side walls of a crawl space as there is no heat under there anyway. you can use faced insulation but push the paper side up to the surface of your floor and not facing the ground...vapor barrier of some sort would be helpful

Answer 3

I not sure I know what you are getting at? Is this under your house? If so, I would definately put plastic down on the dirt. I would not put plastic down after the insulation is down, because that will trap moisture that cames down from above and hold it against the boards causing rot.

Answer 4

I have never known anyone to insulate the crawl space under their home. Unless it is drafty. In my opinion you are wasting time and money. The area under your home stays the same temp. almost the year round. There should not be any cold air coming up through your floors, unless there is a problem you have not mentioned.

Answer 5

NO.! It will trap moisture..If you use un-faced batts or roll insulation you can buy ( cheap) wire bails to hold it in place. If you use a paper faced batt or roll ins. put the foil, paper face towards the heated area. In other words put the face up towards the floor..