Insulating floor?

Rexkwondo

Im working on a renovation and this guy is insisting that we insulate the floor (like rolls of insulation tacked to the joists from underneath)..This is in a cold midwest climate on a 600sq ft house with a crawlspace. To me not only does this seem pointless but possibly detrimental. He is putting the utilities in the attic and rerouting the plumbing, however there is still some plumbing down there that I would worry about freezing lines from the well, etc. Im I off-base here?

NateHanson

You don't have to worry about an unheated basement freezing because it's below grade. (assuming it's not excessively drafty)

You want some insulation between the unheated basement and the heated living space because you will otherwise have 3/4" plywood between your 70 degree living space, and your 45 degree basement. That means cold toes.

redline

How cold does it get?

leezarrd

You said a crawlspace, right? How tall is the space?
We have one, too (3 ft.) with plumbing in it. We have insulated the walls in the crawlspace and put vapor barrier on the floor and walls. It has been staying 60 degrees down there... and it's freezing outside...

Rexkwondo

Alright then, I guess we'll do it. Any ideas on how to make this go as efficiently as possible? The only thing I can think of is to tack up some rolls from underneath..doesnt sound fun

leezarrd

Did I miss something? Why have you decided to insulate your floor? Are you unconcerned about the plumbing underneath?

Here is some info that might interest you...
http://www.aecc.com/doug-ryes-tips/c...icle.asp?ID=51

leezarrd

Here's another link about insulating crawlspaces. http://www.ecark.org/doug-ryes-tips/...icle.asp?ID=50