Winter Problem: Cold Floors
The problem that most of us experience in the winter with our floors is that they are cold! You know what I mean, socks just don't cut it--you're finding thick slippers to protect your feet because you can feel the cold radiating upward. It's like your crawlspace has become a giant block of ice and you're standing right on top of it!
Summer Problem: Humid, Squeaky, Sticky Floors
Summer holds a different set of concerns for us--the floor becomes sticky and hot. Sometimes, it feels damp and you notice squeaking and springiness. In some cases, you may notice moisture gathering on the floor, or patches of darker color on wood floors.
What Causes Cold Floors in Winter and Hot floors in the Summer
The reason that your floors are varying in temperature like this is due to the stack effect. The outside air is drawn into the lowest area of your home--the crawlspace--and then drawn upward into your home. In the winter, cold air is pulled into the crawlspace through the vents, etc and forces your heater to work overtime to heat your home. In the summer, the hot, humid air does the same thing--bringing with it all the allergens and spores from outside.
Insulating Your Crawlspace
The best way to combat this problem is to have the vents covered and the entire crawlspace insulated and encapsulated. What you're seeing in the picture above is an overview of a crawlspace that has been insulated with SilverGlo.
SilverGlo Insulation
SilverGlo is an R-11 rated insulation that will not mold over time. It is installed along all the foundation walls and between the subfloor joists. In most cases, the crawlspace will be encapsulated after the SilverGlo is installed. Typically, the Healthy Spaces installation team will use CleanSpace, a rugged liner, that is guaranteed against rips and tears for 25 years! The SilverGlo and CleanSpace duo transforms your crawlspace into more energy efficient space because it seals out the outside air and makes the crawlspace a conditioned space. Your HVAC system won't have to work as hard to create a temperate environment and your floors won't fluctuate in temperature!