Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN
Does your crawlspace have insulation, or have you been told that it should? Whether or not to insulate crawlspaces in the South is a popular question that we get asked. Typically, homes in Nashville should not have insulation in the crawlspace due to the amount of humidity that our area experiences throughout the year, which could cause mold issues and attract wood-destroying insects. Today on our newest blog, our crawlspace specialists at Ameri Care Services share what you should know about crawlspace insulation.
Why does my home have a crawlspace?
Homes in Middle Tennessee are often built with a crawlspace for many reasons. For one, it’s more cost effective for the builder. Plus, it provides easy access to your utility lines, plumbing, and electrical wiring. But crawlspaces also help prevent moisture from entering your home. However, an unhealthy crawlspace isn’t going to protect your home against moisture, mold, and pests. Sometimes, builders add insulation to the flooring above the crawlspace as a way to help keep the inside temperature of your home more stable throughout the year. The problem, however, is that insulation, specifically fiberglass, usually ends up being a bad idea and could even cause damage and result in contaminated air circulating inside your home.
Should I remove the insulation in my crawlspace?
The needs of every home vary and while some homes may benefit from certain types of insulation, fiberglass insulation should not be used to insulate a crawlspace because it is highly absorbent and can get wet from the humid air. As a result of the fiberglass insulation retaining moisture, it could develop mold, sag, or fall down, rendering the insulation completely useless. Therefore, we highly recommend that you have fiberglass insultation removed from your crawlspace of your Nashville home. It’s best to hire an expert to do the job, especially if the insulation is moldy.
What to do after you remove insulation from your crawlspace
Instead of soggy wet and moldy insulation that serves no purpose to your crawlspace or home, Ameri Care Services offers crawlspace encapsulation. Crawlspace encapsulation seals vents, openings, and gaps to block outside air and moisture from entering the area. It also includes a durable door to seal entry points, allowing access to the crawlspace if necessary. Sometimes, drainage systems or sump pumps are also installed to ensure water drains away from your home. A vapor barrier is placed along the floors and walls of the crawlspace to block humidity and moisture that naturally occurs in the ground. If your crawlspace experiences high levels of humidity, a dehumidifier may be needed.
Why choose crawlspace encapsulation
Crawlspace encapsulation not only seals out moisture and prevents mold under your home, but it also helps reduce pests that could eventually make their way indoors and cause damage on the inside of your home. You will still be able to access your crawlspace if utility, electrical, or plumbing lines need to be serviced or repaired. Plus, rest assured that the air inside your home should also improve since the air below the floor will be cleaner and less humid.
Crawlspace Encapsulation in Hermitage, Murfreesboro, and Nashville, TN
If you would like to learn more about removing crawlspace insulation or how to keep your crawlspace clean and dry with encapsulation, contact Ameri Care Services by calling (615) 893-7111.