Without Encapsulating - Fiberglass Insulation Does Not Work
When a crawl space is not encapsulated, humidity levels are high. Fiberglass insulation absorbs the excess moisture and it eventually falls to the ground.
One of the WORST Things in a Crawl Space...
Trapping air and fiberglass insulation in the ceiling of a crawl space with a vapor barrier is a terrible idea! The home's heating, cooling and plumbing systems are in this trapped area - creating a lot of condensation which has nowhere to go, but to rot wood and saturate the fiberglass insulation.
Without Encapsulation - Foil Faced Insulation Does Not Work
It doesn't matter if the fiberglass is foil-faced or lined with kryptonite, the insulation absorbs moisture in an unsealed space, rendering it completely ineffective.
Without Encapsulating - Rigid Wall Insulation Does Not Work
Rigid wall insulation does nothing to regulate humidity in a crawl space. The outside air still enters the crawl space (this is demonstrated by the fallen fiberglass insulation), and without encapsulation rigid wall insulation is useless.
Without Encapsulating - Spray Foam Insulation Does Not Work
While spray foam insulation can be very effective insulating a crawl space, if the area is not completely sealed from the outside, the outside air still enters the crawl space. This is demonstrated in the photo with the fiberglass insulation failing and falling: The air in the crawl space is still too cold, too hot, too humid!
"Laying Down Plastic" Doesn't Help!
Some people attempt to reduce the damp, humid smells and coldness from the ground by "laying down plastic" - which never helps with anything! Air enters through tiny openings and affects the entire crawl space, and the whole home!
A Clean, Dry, Regulated and Healthy Space
Entirely encapsulating a crawl space is the ONLY way to improve its efficiency and health!
