Replies

1. Expert Member
   DCcontrarian | Mar 14, 2023 02:08pm | #1

   I'd start with this article:
   https://buildingscience.com/documents/insights/bsi-009-new-light-in-crawlspaces

   I did something similar in my house. I found it really, really hard to get the trades to understand that it was an unheated crawlspace with an insulated floor. Every time I turned around the plumber was trying to run a water pipe through it or the HVAC guy was wanting to run ductwork in it -- even though I had given them drawings showing where things were supposed to go. I had to get the insulation guy to come back five times before it was insulated the way it was supposed to be.

2. 
   robertbob2 | Mar 14, 2023 02:52pm | #2

   Great article, thanks!

1. 
   Malcolm_Taylor | Mar 14, 2023 02:54pm | #3

   robertob2,

   You may find these discussions useful too: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/the-best-way-to-insulate-a-floor
   https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/insulating-a-wood-framed-floor-assembly

3. 
   robertbob2 | Mar 14, 2023 06:31pm | #4

   Thanks Malcolm

1. 
   Malcolm_Taylor | Mar 14, 2023 06:47pm | #5

   robertob2,

   One other point perhaps not mentioned in the articles: Enclosing a crawlspace with a skirt is tricky for a few reasons:

   - Building codes don't draw the distinction between a conventional crawlspace and a house on piers with a skirt. Once the underside of a house is enclosed, it's a crawlspace, with all the requirements that brings.
   - You will need an insulated core to bring services up into the house without freezing. You may want to use something the detail shown in this link: https://www.southmountain.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/19-Small-Home-Harmony-Article-PDF.pdf
   - Pests find it a lot easier to access the area. Make sure whatever protection you use on the underside of the floor system can keep them out.

4. 
   MartinHolladay | Mar 14, 2023 07:00pm | #6

   Robert,
   Here's another link: "Crawl Spaces vs. Skirts"