Crawl space

We have actually been researching this issue because we also have a crawl space. We have found that there is a great need for the reflective wrap to be efficient. For crawl spaces, it is suggested that you use the bubble type foil.

Use 2 inch foam board insulation around interior block footer, apply using liquid nails, close off all vents in winter.

We had a general contractor come and do ours with cement and are very happy with it a bit expensive but no longer any musty smells

Were the floor joists insulated? What kind of insulation and how thick insulation? I have a split level with a gravel crawl space under the living room and kitchen. I insulated the floor joists with two inch extruded foam board insulation and then fiberglass insulation to the height of the joists. Solved my cold floor problem. Concrete over the gravel is just convenience and has no insulating factor. Great for storage.

Not particularly because our crawl space was in a try level and from the third floor you entered a room where the crawl space was. What I liked was no more smell and I was finally able to store thing in there then like Christmas decorations and nothing smelled musty after thar

Insulating between the floor joists in the crawl space is where the room floor above is. I also insulated ductwork that was in the crawl space. Concrete on the crawl space gravel and walls do nothing to insulate whats above. The vents actually should actually stay open all year round. The crawl space needs air movement or there is a chance of moisture getting trapped and mold growing on the joists and wood.

I was a home builder, HVAC contractor, remodeler, etc. The crawl space joists and ceiling are the upper living quarters floor. Insulating the joists and ceiling in the crawl space you are insulating the main floor from the crawl space. The amount of air flowing through the crawl space vents is so minimal. They are there to keep the crawl space dry. Otherwise sudden temperature changes can trap moisture in the crawl and condensation would cause mold to grow. The thickness of the insulation in the crawl should equal the depth of the joists. That would give a R-19 insulated floor. Hope this helps.

Seriously I can relate to your situation. My hubby sounds like yours. My best advice to you would be contact a cement contractor and have him come over to the house to give you advice and an estimate. I can honestly tell you that living in a tri level has its challenges. The lowest level was always cold and the topest level was always extremely hot and that's because heat rises. We too spent a massive amount of money in remodeling and old house stuck in a 60's time warp . I too finally got sick of so much money going out. We built a ranch home and it's way better when it comes to comfort. I can't tell you what to do I can just tell you that your problem is often associated with tri levels . Good luck

Since my crawl space is gravel and only three feet high. I spent a whole weekend on my back on cardboard insulating the joist space. As I stated. I used two in thick foam board first, then kraft faced fiberglass batts to fill the space. This gave me a R-19 insulating factor. This was under my living room and kitchen. About 25' by 35' area. No cold air to cool the living space floor.

This is the insulation to use below your floors, look at the video and you will see how its installed. Concrete won't make it warmer without insulation below the floor. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Reflectix-16-in-x-100-ft-Double-Reflective-Insulation-with-Staple-Tab-ST16100/202851859

Since my crawl is gravel and three feet high I spent a whole weekend on my back on a sheet of cardboard insulating the joist space. As I stated I first used 2" thick foam board then kraft faced fiberglass insulation to fill the joist space. This gave me a R-19 rating. No more cold air to cool the living room and kitchen floor. About a 25' by 35' area. I also insulated duct work with duct wrap and water pipes.

Room size rugs or carpet would help whole in the heat. When you cement that crawl space...I would expect it to get mold over time because it will trap moisture ...Check with a mold specialist before you do that.

I would just like to thank this community for taking the time with my problem. Thank you for having this site available.

Glad to help. Five feet. I would be able to sit and install. Wasn't fun laying on my back. Just make sure you wear gloves and eye protection. Take your time doing it and make sure you take some breaks. You don't need to do it all at once. If the four men are around show your determination and throw some indirect guilt at them. They may consider giving you a hand. Keep them updated on your progress. How the floors are going to be warm. How nice its going to be walking around and not have a chill going through the house. How cozy its going to be for everyone. How much it will save on the heating and cooling. Good luck.

Oh William you'reso funny. I'm the only one who is cold and some of it has to do with medication. I'll start with living and dining room ares since they are connected, and carpeted. Then continue with the rest of the house. I wS surprised because previous home was with basement but hubby didn't want to deal with sump pump any more. Anyway the house was better regulated as far as heating and cooling. And it wS 10yrs older. But it had a floor. I've never lived in a house like this so just learning and William you are great. It totally makes sense even the vent thing. This will only be our second winter here but I will leave vents open. I guess I have a lot of work to do. Hubby should do it since he didn't want a basement, right,don't you agree. It just seems like if these 4 men did it,it would go faster. OK guilt trip will be used.