Suggestions for crawlspace insulation w/radiant
Last Post 17 Nov 2011 09:33 PM by rbisys1. 6 Replies.
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jwUser is Offline
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16 Nov 2011 08:07 PM

I am looking for a plan to insulate an unvented crawlspace with newly installed radiant heat with transfer plates.  I am in New Jersey.  The crawlspace has a dirt floor and needs a radon barrier.  It has 10 inch joists w lots of plumbing/steam/gas/electrical and one small section of 6 inch mortar under bath tile.  My original plan was to net it with a perforated foam/ radiant barrier, blow cellulose, and seal the sills.  Worried about thermal bridge.

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16 Nov 2011 08:10 PM
The steam/gas/electrical are all just piping and conduit.  No burners or meters.
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16 Nov 2011 09:50 PM
IMO (based on seeing lots of black mold), either vent it to the inside or the outside. Of course insulate the crawlspace floor and walls in the former case.
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16 Nov 2011 10:08 PM
Definitely needs a really good vapor barrier across the floor. Are you going to covert it to a conditioned crawl?

The steam piping, barring any leaks, should help dry out the space.
The difference is clear
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16 Nov 2011 10:13 PM
I hadn't thought about venting directly to the outside. Maybe the ticket. Skip the ground retarder and PVC pipe. Now, what ceiling and sill insulation would you reccomend?  There is also a concrete block interior wall leading to finished basement/laundry/boiler.  There is some fiberglass on the interior but it would benefit with something on the crawlspace side( outside the envelope).  Does it matter?  Is moisture a non issue no this wall?
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16 Nov 2011 10:15 PM
No conversion in the immediate future but always a possibility.
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17 Nov 2011 09:33 PM
Greetings,

I came up with a RB sys several years ago for your type of installation. It easily out performs foam.

A sheet of 4-6 mil plastic attached to the side of the top plate and allowed to hang down and across the floor/dirt. Cover remainder of floor with 4-6 mil plastic. overlapping at least 6".

For radon you might want to 1st lay min 2' perforated pvc pipes and vent both ends thru the sides of the house.

Attach a single layer of 48" foil insul to the side of the top plate over the plastic and let drape.
If you have rad. heat a layer a foil over the plastic on floor.

Install RB sheet between joists at rim.

Be sure to SEAL ALL exterior leaks.

Crawl space temp will be about 2 degs cooler than house temp.

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