Wherever you go into your crawl space, you are most likely to see certain things which will ultimately make you feel uncomfortable. A lot of people have an aversion to spiders or snakes. So, you should be well prepared before visiting the crawl space as this particular place is possibly inhabited by such organisms. Snakes and spiders mostly prefer dark, sheltered areas. But, this is not the end. 

There is another thing which you will end up disliking too. It includes your falling fiberglass insulation. It is highly frustrating for anybody to see this. Fiberglass is extremely itchy, but now it has also become wet and dirty. It also clearly shows the money wasted as insulation is not serving its purpose. 

You will again have to pay higher utility bills as insulation on the ground fails to keep your house insulated. Not only is this particular issue causing you to waste your hard-earned money on utility bills, but it is also highly damaging the flooring structure of your house. Although repairs to that structure are pricey, it is indispensable for the stability of your home. 

If you are dealing with such problems, then it is the time when you should think about fixing falling insulation in the crawl space. In this comprehensive guide, we will focus on talking about the best ways in which you can get rid of this issue. 

We will let you know why fiberglass insulation is the wrong choice for a crawl space, how it should be replaced and what signs suggest that you need crawl space repair. So, let’s begin with this.

Importance Of Removing Insulation From Your Crawl Space

Gone are those days when builders considered fiberglass insulation an ideal solution. Presently, people have realized that it is not a good idea. If you have fiberglass insulation installed in your crawl space, you should immediately remove this. 

The main problem with fiberglass insulation is that it is highly absorbent. Your crawl space may not have a water issue, but it is not sufficient to keep your insulation dry. Humidity alone can bring adequate moisture to make insulation damp. Once it gets damp, the issues start to arise. 

The insulation was pressed firmly into place between wooden floor joists when installed. Now, there is damp material pressed up specifically against the boards. The damp wood tends to rot and becomes a perfect home for termites. This combination is again a good breeding ground for mold. 

Your flooring structure is now compromised, particularly in between rot and mold. And, if you fail to be careful at this stage, then your family’s health, the stability of your house, and your wallet will start to suffer. 

What To Do When You Come Across These Sorts Of Issues While Removing The Insulation?

  • Proceed With Caution

The tiny fibers present in the insulation will lead to considerable irritation if you get them in your eyes, skin, or lungs. If you are willing to remove the fiberglass insulation yourself, it is vital to protect yourself before proceeding with this work. It is recommended to wear a mask, gloves, goggles, long sleeves, and pants. All of these will ensure your safety. 

  • Mold

It is essential to check all the beams and joists for any signs of damage when the insulation is gone. Mold tends to grow if you fail to clear this often. Even if you have forgotten something in the refrigerator for too long, you will probably see mold. If you see mold in your crawl space, you should immediately go for mold treatment to get rid of it.

  • Insect Damage

It can be tough to find out the damage done by the insects. Termites are not usually visible, but if the wood is bubbling or flaking, it indicates that the insects are tunneling beneath the surface. For any insect-related issues, you should find a trusted exterminator who will assist you in getting rid of them. 

  • Structural Issues

In case you find that the beam is pitting or flaking, then it indicates that the wood has started to soften. It will ultimately lead to rot. You should essentially check the wood for damage even if it is not visibly showing any damage. It mostly applies if the board is damp or possesses mold. 

One of the best ways to check this is by poking at the wood, which you could do with the help of a pocketknife or screwdriver. If you find that the wood has become soft and it easily flakes, it has got damaged and needs a quick repair. The more you delay these repairs, the worse the situation becomes. One of the best ideas would be replacing a few floor joists rather than installing a completely new center beam and supports. 

How To Keep Insulation From Falling?

To prevent insulation from falling or sagging in a crawl space, you should refrain from installing fiberglass insulation. It is recommended that you should replace fiberglass insulation with spray foam. 

The best part about this type of insulation is that it permanently and directly adheres to whatever surface it is sprayed on. Not only that, but it is also water repellent. Thus, it will not absorb moisture and causes any problems that emerge by using fiberglass. 

At The End!

If you are dealing with such crawl space insulation issues, then it is the time when you should get rid of these. It is possible to understand how the various insulation materials work properly. Again, if you are searching for a better long-term solution, the best way to fix this is by removing the old insulation and replacing this with spray foam insulation. 

Are you looking forward to seeking a professional’s assistance to carry out this job? If so, don’t worry; Atlantic Foundation & Crawl Space Repair has got you covered. They will take care of all of your home repair requirements, from crawl space encapsulation to crawl space repair. Forget about crawl space and foundation damage totally by contacting them today.