crawlspace insulation

sws2_2

I have radiant above an unheated crawlspace. The floor is pergo, quik-trac, T&G subfloor with r-19 fibreglass insulation. In areas where there is no radiant heat, the floor is very cold, in particular around the perimeter. I would like to have insulating foam sprayed around the perimeter rim joist and down the crawlspace foundatin wall. Has anyone ever done this?? I could pull down the fibreglass, cut foam blocks, spray sealing foam , etc, but that would be very labor intensive. Has anyone used an insulation contractor for something like this?? How about other suggestions. Any idea of a cost?? I have about 160' linear feet of foundation wall approx.45" high. Thanks in advance for your help.

hr

I have seen crawl spaces

done that way.

In fact I have had several old stone foundations foamed over. Of course you need to do the rim joist up to the subfloor. I'd also use a good vapor barrier on the ground.

If $$ allows an Insultarp type of vapor barrier would seal and provide some R value.

Nice to crawl around on also, especially on rocky dirt crawls. Put it in before the insulator has to crawl in there. Get the InsulTarp with one white side and face that up to lighten up that area for working in.

Find a foam contractor that knows which foam is best for that application.

hot rod

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Brad White_9

Not cheap

but effective especially in thoroughness, integrity and most of all air sealing. There are several systems, Icynene being the best known. All are similar. Key is the curing conditions and making sure that the system warnings are adhered to regarding curing and adhesion failure. There were some postings on this recently, not sure of the causes cited.

Cost comes into play in that they have a minimum set-up charge so a small job may not be cost-effective. Make it worth their while I would say.

Your local codes may require a fire barrier, not sure if for a crawlspace what that might be. I did see the application of Icynene without a barrier, coupled with a Nudacrete (sp.?) finish over a dirt and ledge crawlspace. The AHJ did not make them put in a barrier but that is not to say that he did not miss it if it was on his punch-list.

Made a huge difference, thermally.

My other concern is the encapsulation of wiring and other items for which you might want access.

sws2_2

thanks

Thanks for the replys. The crawlspace already has a concrete floor with vapor barrier below. The reason the crawl is cold is because about 1/2 of it is above grade. I am definitely going to insulate the walls with foam, but want to do the rim area also. I think that will make a huge difference. The radiant works great, but i am sure i will have better efficiency if it were better insulated around the perimeter. Time to go shopping for a contractor!