Crawl Space Insulation & Encapsulation in Texarkana, TX

Crawl space insulation and encapsulation is one of the most useful jobs we do in the Texarkana area. With about 50 inches of rain a year and humid summers, crawl spaces stay damp. Fiberglass batts stapled under the floor absorb moisture, sag and fall. Ducts in the crawl space sweat. Wood framing stays wet. And the damp, sometimes musty air finds its way up into the house through gaps in the floor.

Two approaches

The first approach keeps the crawl space vented and insulates the floor above it. Closed-cell foam sprayed under the subfloor and along the rim joist seals and insulates without absorbing water. The 2015 code Texas uses lists R-19 for floors in Zone 3, and ENERGY STAR suggests R-19 for floors in existing Zone 3 homes.

The second approach is encapsulation: closing the vents, laying a heavy vapor barrier over the ground and up the walls, sealing the rim and insulating the crawl space walls. The space becomes part of the house's envelope and stays drier. Arkansas's 2009-based code lists R-13 cavity or R-5 continuous for crawl space walls in Zone 3, and the 2015 Texas code lists R-5 continuous or R-13 cavity.

Choosing between them

If ducts and plumbing run through the crawl space, encapsulation keeps them in a drier, more stable space and usually makes more sense. If the crawl space is clean, the ground is fairly dry and the ductwork is not down there, insulating the floor costs less. HomeGuide lists crawl space encapsulation at $3,000 to $15,000 and crawl space spray foam at $2,000 to $4,000. We price both.

Fix water first

Standing water, plumbing leaks and poor drainage around the house have to be fixed before any insulation goes in. We look at grading, gutters and downspouts, and if a drainage contractor is needed, we tell you.

Old insulation

Sagging or fallen batts usually come out first. They are often wet, moldy or full of pest debris.

Termites

Termites are active in this region. Foam and vapor barriers should leave inspection paths where required. We follow those rules and point out any mud tubes or damaged wood we see.

If your floors are cold in winter, the house smells musty, or batts are hanging down under the house, ask us to look. Get a free estimate