Learn how to make better decisions to improve your basement or crawlspace.
Stop for a moment to think about what is below your feet. Is it a concrete slab at ground level, or a comfy, lived in basement? If so, move on to the next project.
But if the space below your feet is something else, then you’ve got some decisions to make about your basement or crawlspace.
Tools and Materials:
- Caulk
- Insulation
- Varies by project
Safety:
- Safety glasses
- Dust mask/respirator
- Inspect your basement and/or crawlspace to determine where the thermal envelope (insulation) exists—or, if it’s incomplete, to determine where it should exist once your work is finished.
- While you’re inspecting the space and looking at the thermal boundary, look to see if that thermal boundary is also sharing a pressure barrier (something without holes to let any air in or out). A windy day might guide you if you can feel air from outside blowing in. Or looking for daylight shining through holes can point to holes in the pressure barrier. But most times, the only way to assess a basement or crawlspace’s pressure barrier is with a blower door test.
- Depending on what you find below the floor will help guide your decision on where to air seal and insulate.
- Need a little extra assistance? Call your Energy Advisor for help.