Insulating a Floor Over an Unheated Space
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- Do-it-yourself video on how to insulate the exposed floor over an unheated area using Roxul ComfortBatt R28 Canada) or R30 (USA) and Roxul ComfortBoard IS (insulated sheathing). Will help to keep the room warmer, reduce incidence of frozen pipes and eliminate condensation and mold growth.
For more videos and information, see: www.diywithroxu...
No vapor barrier on the cold side! That piece of info alone is gold. Thank you!
I'm not so sure about that though. I think all houses have vapor barrier on the exterior side, so they're all doing it wrong?
@@nofurtherwest3474 Where did you get this info from that's not correct
@@waldo-ot6ul i was thinking of house wrap. oops lol
Thanks so much for posting. Very helpful and easy to understand explanation. I have been a attic insulator for almost ten years but recently I was asked to insulate a friends raised sunroom floor. I had a few questions on how to go about it, but after watching a your clip, all my questions are answered and I m ready to get the job done now. Thanks again. I would recommend your channyto others biased on my experience. Good work
I used rockwool in my walls in love it. For ceilings I had to go with blown-in cellulose because of the number and positioning of all my electrical wires. Seems to be a great combo. I can touch my kitchen wall (inside) while it's getting direct 5 pm sun outside on a 95 degree day and it will still feel cool. :) Rockwool is also fire retardant and there are a lot of TH-cam videos demonstrating this.
So it's cool in summer but warm in winter , where I am it's damp so I guess this would be what I'd use , but I don't like fibreglass l would prefer wool treated with borax , I don't have a glue about all this stuff
Hello Andrew,
Most jurisdictions require a vapour retarder and the prudent course of action would be to determine if one is required in your region. In terms of “breath-ability” of the vapour retarder, you simply need to specify a material that is below the maximum permanence of the vapour retarding membrane specified in your local building.
Thank you, ROXUL
You forgot to mention every one hates rocky lol. This shit is nasty and will eat you up.
Vapor barrier should installed be above the insulation if the space above is conditioned/heated-cooled.
Hi it was a cat who had been having kittens under my house for awhile. Got a cage from leasing office and caught it they came and got her. No rats under there. Ive cleaned it all out and put up R30 and used the same material that came from factory
This is exactly what I wanted to know! Great video!!
I have an huge room over a drive through area under the house. We need to insulate it and you are saying not to put a vapour barrier there. What do we use instead?
Yes! It was. It was extremely helpful. Sincerely, thanks a million. I trust people who DO the actual work itself to know what works. Cold side, no vapor barrier. Warm side, yes. That's what I needed. Thank You.
After the bats are installed, would you seal it with plywood?
If you do, make sure you drill holes in it for air flow but you don’t have to so why bother
Do you put something on top of the foam to prevent animals such as chipmunks, squirrels, rats, etc from making a warm bed out of your insulation. Or does covering the insulation give concerns for condensation and moisture build up?
Isn't that an open invitation to mice and other critters to set up housekeeping? How do you keep them out?
Unlike fiberglass, mineral wool insulation is inhospitable to insects and rodents. It shreds the exoskeleton of invertebrates and supposedly irritates the lungs and skin of mammals.
As extra security, you can install "hardware cloth" (wire mesh screening) over the whole thing.
Interesting about the vapor barrier - so glad I watched this video before doing it!
I don't think he's right.
We have a similar situation where we have a raised deck (enclosed) that juts out over our walk out basement. We are wanting to insulate the enclosed deck but since you walk out the basement and can see the floor above, is there any issue with putting up an aluminum siding type material over the insulation?
should you not install vapor barrier above the insulation between the joists? it would then be on the warm side of the insulation.
crzy11000
yup, or on top of the sub floor (underneath floating floor system), would be even better, as it is a flat surface, and you'd have easier access to the vb in the walls to connect everything. It's main function is to keep vapors from entering the structure from within the house. I'm not sure how that works exactly in hotter areas, since it switches back and forth between hot and cold side, but up north or in the mountains, that is the way to go. seal every joint tight to prevent moist air from leaking. In hot and dry climate I'd leave out the vb. The hot and humid is where the trouble is, as the structure potentially enters from the out side, and could condense on the vb within the structure, due to use of ac, which would be no good at all. It would probably have to be placed differently, or left out altogether.
Helpful indeed, thanks
what does the lifetime of both the rockwool and the panel look like if its completely exposed to elements? how about ina crawlspace?
Informative and concise thank you
I'm completing a project identical to the one shown in the video. However, I purchased comfort board with a foil on one side and wondering if foil faces toward the insulation or down toward the ground?
What a situation were I want to keep mice out of it
I was wondering the same thing how to do some kind of rodent barrier without making a double vapor barrier??? If I were to use mental will it create condensation? We are building a 16x35 tiny home for the lake on an old mobile home frame.
Can a person screen it in so insects can’t find their way through?
How about installing this in a space that has a porch ceiling already installed on the bottom. So installing it from an open end within the basement?
Amazing video!
Thanks for the video: Where did you get that strapping... I happen to need some of that exact stuff for a different project.
I would like to convert my desk screened in porch into a glassed in 4 season room so this was awesome. Rabbits get under my porch which has little less room in height than in your video. Do you have advise for how this would work out where critters are concerned? Thank you! :)
Great video! I am looking to install a ground level floor and convert a shed like building into an office. I was wondering how you could install this from above and still protect it from rodents. Could you install Plywood on the bottom or would that present other problems such as moisture?
J. We usually use pressure-treated plywood especially if it’s ground contact or you could nail strapping in between the joist then strips or plywood in the bays then the insulation on top of that
I am using comfortbatt r28 in the sub floor of the basement .I was wandering if I use comfort board to cover the exposed joyce after installing the comfortbatt to prevent thermal bridging will this be the best solution or do you know a better application . his comfortboard is is the same product has comforboard 80 home exterior
I live in Atlanta GA (USA) and our master bedroom/bathroom is above an unheated/cooled crawl space. The crawl space is encapsulated but these rooms are cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Do you think the Roxul ComfortBatt R30 is the right product to use? We also considered a closed cell foam board.
+Ernest Lambert Hello Ernest, yes ROXUL COMFORTBATT is an excellent option for insulated vented and unvented crawl spaces. Check with your local building codes to determine the proper R-Value required in your region. We have an interactive guide specifically for crawl spaces, click here to learn more bit.ly/CrawlSpaces
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Regards, ROXUL
why not staple that strapping?
Thanks, good video, but please pass the following Pest control question to Roxul Inc. Where in any data sheet for Roxul products does it address how it discourages pests such as Termites, and carpenter ants ? Are Roxul products treated with Borate like Cellulose ? Also, how will I be assured a mouse or other rodent will not likely nest inside ? If not treated with Borate, is it recommended to treat the floor joists prior to insulating with a Roxul product ?
Hi there Sam, great questions. We encourage you to visit our FAQ's for any top questions. www.roxul.com/support/faq/ If you still need clarification for some questions, our technical team would be happy to help. They can be reached at 1-877-823-9790. Best regards, ROXUL
I have a piece of pex tubing running along a joist, could I notch the insulation board so it stays flush?...Do you recommend anything on the ground...rocks, plastic etc.?
Hello phenosin1, we would recommend you contact our Technical Services Department to ensure you receive the correct guidance on your project. They can be reached at 1-877-823-9790.
Regards, ROXUL Inc.
What is the comfort board I s you mentioned
Cant find that anywhere
What is a better description
Hi Brady, Connect with your local rep... they should be able to track down your closest dealer! www.rockwool.com/north-america/contact/#FindaSalesRepresentative
Very helpful, a least for me personally .
I guess I'll start wearing my rainjacket under my sweater now instead of on the outside.
So where can I buy?
Is that Horatio Sanz?
Can I double layer a r15 2x4 comfort batt to fill a 2x6 joist? How about a single layer but strap it so it doesn't slouch? Couldn't find comfort batts as thick as yours in the video.
Hello suchen42,
Doubling up on the R15 product would result in the insulation being too thick for the 2”x6” cavity space (~7” insulation). Ideally an appropriate thickness for this cavity should be sourced - R23 is 5.5” thick and is recommended for this application. Please call us at 1.800.265.6875 and we can help direct you to a dealer near you.
Regards, ROXUL
I have 48in joists in crawlspace. The maximum width I see in lowes in california is 24in. What should I do?
Double up and use holding straps
Hello pragnesh panchal, we would recommend you contact our Technical Services Department to ensure you receive the correct guidance on your project. They can be reached at 1-877-823-9790.
Regards, ROXUL Inc.
We have no crawl space below the wooden floor our porch we want to convert to a 4 season room. Is there a way to insulate without being able to get under it?
yes, but not easily
Hi Ginny, the only other method to insulate the studs would be from the top if they cannot get under it. - Regards, ROXUL
No air barrier, no soffit?
Think he was under a porch so probably not.
can that be used to insulate underside of a mobile home? cost? can a diy person do it? any issues with pests? any plan to offer a borate treated product? any plans to offer a rock or cement type skirting for mobile homes?
Hello Missy,
Assuming you have a means to secure a friction-fit with the batts, ROXUL COMFORTBATT can certainly be used under a mobile home. Please search your local big box or building center for pricing information. ROXUL insulation offers a better fit and is easily installed by homeowners. We encourage you to watch our other videos for advice on installing our products in various applications. For more information about your specific project, please call out Technical Innovation Center at: 1-800-265-6878
Regards, ROXUL
+ROXUL INC. I found your insulation at Home Depot and Lowes, but not the comfort board. No one in a 80 mile radius has it. How can I order it? Also, there are so many different products, I am not sure which one I need. It is a space like in your video, 16" oc. Framing is 2x4. Area approximately 30x20 feet. Is very drafty in the winter.
Hello,
COMFORTBOARD IS is a standard stocked item in some stores and others it is a special order item. You can special order this product at any Home Depot from the contractor desk.
Regards, ROXUL Inc.
Is this product resistant to pests, such as mice? Leaving that open, I feel mice would love to nest in that material?
Hello Michael,
There is no test method to determine whether or not any product is vermin/rodent resistant. ROXUL’s reputation as a vermin and rodent resistant insulation is mainly based on word of mouth. As ROXUL insulation has a higher density than other insulation's and a multi-directional fiber orientation, rodents tend to avoid burrowing and nesting in ROXUL insulation. That being said, if rodents are a concern, covering the product would be a solution.
Regards, ROXUL
ROXUL INC. What would you suggest covering with? I do have a rodent issue. Thanks!
Jimmy Glauser we use hardware cloth under our shed over the joists. just use a screw and washer to tack down. Leave outer edges with points on to discourage any little bugger trying to sneak around the edges. We have rats,skunks, squirrels and armadillos out here. Also snakes like a nice place to go when it's cold. Had a bad scare when a rat snake dropped on my head when I went under crawl space to capture some baby skunks. Little rats had the nerve to spray me. (they went to a wildlife rescue)
Hello matt b,
If you're looking for more diy tips you can visit our site diywithroxul (.com). You can also find a dealer new you using our store finder.
Best of luck! ROXUL
Can someone address the sinking effect of cellulose please? I had over 10 inches blown in several years ago. They even left the paper sticks showing how much was blown in. Now it's all level with the rafter tops where you walk. Total waste of money. At least bats won't disappear over time like cellulose does.
Red squirrels and chipmunks would be ripping that to shreds and making their own homes in that within days here in western New York.
very helpful! thanks!!
You're welcome! Stay tuned for more upcoming DIY videos - ROXUL
Great info same stuff as hydroponics set up but at99 percent cheaper
Finally someone has explained the proper way of insulating an exposed under floor for a sunroom. The added suggestion to cover the floor joist is key to prevent the transferring the cold temperature to the floor above.
What would be the best way to prevent rodents without doing a double vapor barrier?
Great video! I watch "how to" videos all the time and people just babble on and on. You were short and concise. Bravo. Thank you for the information.
Yes...he is good..well explained & in short time....(in other words...." no B.S. " )
Question....I have to do my crawl space insul. The beams are 24" in between & in winter...my crawl space becomes a swimming pool. Do I need to ventilate my crawl space well ??? Beams are 2 x 6. This house don't have subfloor either.... the old insulation wasn't the rigt insul, & is falling off...The house for this reason U feel the cold in the winter as U walk upstairs. The heater works all day.
I checked in H Depot today....they say R-30......but each package is $ 90.- & a little too expensive. I take any advice.....
……...……………...…...……...……...…...…...……. Thnks for your time !!!!
Looks like a nice nest for all kinda cridders
Critters will die ingesting it lol
Dude! Great video (just subscribed) we’re buying a house with a screened porch that we want to finish. This was super helpful. Unfortunately getting under the whole space may not be possible. How can I build a weather barrier under those studs? Thank you for posting this!
Excellent, This is the solution I was looking for under my sun room. Thank You
all that shit cost more money
What do you cover this with? Do you then enclose the space with plywood or something?
Same question
I would love an answer to this too as that foam board is kinda thick to be able to get plywood to seal off the area
In Florida. I have an office study above garage. What should I use to insulate to avoid moisture and AC loss in the office study. The garage isn't temperature controlled.
What size nails are you using? Also, will the comfortboard leave gaps where you see insulation?
do you have a different strategy for exposed underside of conditioned spaces in a hot and humid climate?
I have a cabin with a exposed floor only a foot or two above ground, will the rodents tear this apart?
can/should this be used for a basement ceiling?
My same question, I have a bedroom over a basement garage going to be difficult to drywall and mud
Great video, I like the comfort board for the extra mile, will def be doing that!
After I insulated I put on tyvek building Wrap. It breathes and helps keep rodents out of your insulation. You do not want vapour barrier this will cause mold over time from trapped moisture.
What would you put over that stuff to keep the critters out? I.E. Bugs, Rodents, etc. etc.
did you put plyboard to finish after the comfort board?
Could this insulation type be used in an unheated crawl space?
Great video! I'm looking to insulate below the floor of my sunroom which is sitting on a deck. I'm in Pennsylvania and get very cold winters and hot summers. Do I need a vapor barrier for my region? Also, will that type of insulation invite rodents etc into the material? The underside of my sunroom floor is open to the air and small animals can access the area.
How did you end up doing this? I am about to tackle the same?
Link to exterior grade strapping? Or at least the name?
This is great. Thanks for putting it together. Prior to seeing this, I was going to use plastic.
Hello cderekbower,
Staples work too. How your straps are secured can be done to your personal preference.
- ROXUL
I want to install a vapor barrier above the Roxul. What products can be used for this?
Vapor Barrier if used should always be placed on the warm side of insulation and typical use would be in exterior walls or ceilings below roofs. Materials options are polyethylene ( 4mm / 6mm plastic sheeting) or “Smart Membranes” (more permeable material) or Latex / Vapor retarding paint on the drywall side. - ROCKWOOL
Is a vapour barrier required when insulating the floor of a room over an unheated garage?
Yes…
Any recommendations on what to enclose this with? My current sunroom is enclosed with what looks to be 1/4 plywood. It does not look the best after years of service. Should I replace with same thing?
I should say enclose the insulation on the bottom
What would the best covering be if you wanted a finished look that will not lock in the moisture?
There is another important item to consider: rodents that love to eat in and live in insulation. I would suggest using 1/4"x1/4" galvanized mesh. That helps, but it won't stop termites and such.
Awesome video. We just bought a house with an open Pier and Beam Foundation with a covered deck... want to make sure we are insulated fully and was worried about moisture etc. GREAT VIDEO THANK YOU>
Leo Chalifour mentioned using tyvek building Wrap after insulating because it breathes and helps keep rodents out of your insulation.
Can anyone tell me if they actually have done this and how it seems to be working?
Best way to go is keep all critters out. Seal Crawl space good and be proactive checking for entry issues. My horror remedy came with a cat on 24/7 rodent control.
Excellent video. Exactly what I needed to do this to my sunroom 🤗
Good job son
can this be used on under floors in a home . does the Roxul comforboard has the same fire resistance has the insulation and would be ok to install in a under floors of a home were some of the furnace pipe are close to the basement ceiling
Question man ..I bought exact some one its sound prof ..but it's thinner than the one you have here ..maybe 4 inches, is it still okay to put it up ? Am
Doing basement
Thanks for the info, just what I was looking for. Now I need to look for that stuff!
Seal it with the barrier that they use under house trailers and RVs or animals will nest in it and remove it for nests.
If my exterior space is a foot off the ground will critters rip it apart for there nests?
I was wondering if I could Roxul underneath my unheated my back porch. Now I know! I'm actually insulating my back porch walls with Roxul right now (taking a 10 min break). I'll never go back to fiberglass again!
Should i spray foam joists before installing batt?
How would you protect from nesting creatures?
Hey Greenwakefield, We're just going to check with our technical team and we'll get back to you shortly. Regards, ROXUL
Hi Greenwakefield - If it’s exposed floor, they could cover the insulation with OSB or some type of Tyvek. Regards, ROXUL
Cold side in winter, but warm side in the summer…
Well you showed me exactly what I was thinking to do or have done under the deck interlocking flooring for our three season room. Nobody else, builder, contractor or my husband (sounds like work) mentioned it. Maybe because it will only be 4ft of height to get in there!
What keeps animals from nesting into the wool?
Hi I live in a mobile home and everything I see tells me I have to put the vapor barrier (polyethylene underbelly) so is this true? Cats have tore up my insulation and the polyethylene stuff too and I need to fix it. Thanks
Hi Patricia, the use of a vapor barrier is dictated by climate zone and building code. If you are in a climate zone that requires a vapor barrier, since ROXUL is vapor permeable, it has to be used in conjunction with a vapor control layer. Regards, ROXUL
If cats tore up insulation, that means you have RATS! I'm dealing with similar issue. Sealing crawl space skirting is vital. Keep all Critters out!
is Vapor control layer same as vapor barrier? I want to use Roxul in my crawlspace but do i need to put a plastic liner between the ceiling (floor of first floor of my house) and the roxul or is the OSB / Plywood considered the vapor control or Vapor retarder?
Hi Mazzdog77, Yes…it's sometime described as vapor control, vapor barrier, moisture barrier etc… but all meaning the same thing.
Typically you would install vapor membrane on an exterior wall assembly or where you are going from a cold space one side to a warmer other side.
Some forms of plywood’s can be classed as vapor control because of the resin they contain. From the details you have below I would not think it would be required.
Do let us know if you have any further questions.
-Regards,
ROXUL
OSB is not a vapor barrier plywood is not a vapor barrier it has to stop any warm air mixing with cold air
Strapping? On page 18 of Roxul's Energy Star manual "Earning Our Stars" they want strapping every 8". Are they out of their mind? This is more strapping than even fiberglass batts need.
And then on the same page it says to "install a vapor retarder to the underside of the sub-floor" in Step 1 and Step 4, but at around 1:20 in this video he says to NOT use a vapor barrier. So good luck making sense of that.
Late to the party, I know - but "install a vapor retarder to the underside of the sub-floor" means BEFORE you put in the insulation. In the video he's saying NOT to put a vapor barrier on the outside of the insulation. So, you should, like a wall in your house, have the vapor barrier on the inside before the flooring or decking. I had a room built above a portion of my porch (our new front door area) and the sub-floor on top of the decking has board insulation and a vapor barrier, so I don't need a vapor barrier underneath the decking. About to go out and get R22 ComfortBatt for the outside and will cover with Ttvek. Should work well.
I know that this is an older video but I hope my question will be answered!! I have 2x10 joists in my basement!! What Roxul product is recommended for this space? If the biggest product you have is 7.25 inches in height then do I leave the 2.25 inches air space or try to fill it completely with product or just place the product at the bottom of the joists!! Thanks, Looks like a great product
SchneiderC1952 Thank you for your interest in ROXUL. ROXUL COMFORTBATT 7.25 inch thickness will
work, or a layer of 5.5 inch and 3.5 inch to get to 9 inches total. For more
information about ROXUL COMFORTBATT, please visit @1 for more information, or
call our Technical Innovation line at 1-800-265-6878 for specific information
about your project.
Regards,
ROXUL
So you don't even recommend using a vapour barrier on the bottom of the floor on top of the Roxul (which would be the warm side)?
+Patrick McGahern Installing a vapor barrier will depend on your climate zone and respective building code. We would recommend contacting a building official regarding the use of a vapor barrier in your location. For more information, please visit us at www.roxul.com or call our Technical Innovation Center at 1-800-265-6878. Regards, ROXUL
Nice job, but wear your mask
Wouldn't you use a vapor barrier on the cold side?
Thanks for the nice video. Home owners get the vapor barrier concept backwards and put plastic over the insulation.
How thick is the insulation?
Does anyone know how much a bag of this insulation is worth right now in Canada?
I am in dire need of this stuff for under my main floors in an old farm house that right now (Past 2 years has cost),
$700-$850 every 3-4 weeks if we leave the propane furnace running...
The furnaces were just installed also...
Last winter in Mid western Ontario,
It got down to around 43 C on our main floor cause we were still catching up from the year prior ...
We had a couple Infrared heaters up stairs so that helped large ,
But we had to pretty much live upstairs in our bedrooms...
Thanks 4 Sharing Bud!!
Hello, +violeman
ROXUL insulation is sold at all Home Depot and Lowes locations in Ontario as well as other small lumber or home improvement locations. ROXUL COMFORTBATT is the product you're looking for, for this type of application. For more information on this product and installation instructions for insulating between floors, click here bit.ly/1LONzAg.
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Regards, ROXUL
That's why I live in mild CA valley that cost only $60 monthly utilities
Where can I buy the roxul mat in Virginia and I also cannot find the insulation for my floor joists here .I can only find the stuff for 2x4 wall studs .I want to do my crawl space walls
Hello Sissy and thank you for your inquiry.
Could you please clarify what you mean by ROXUL "mat"? ROXUL COMFORTBATT can be used for insulating your floor joists and is available in multiple sizes and R-Values to suit your needs. If a retailer does not carry the correct size and/or product in-stock, you can request a special order to be delivered to your nearest location.
Please see our brochure for more information. www.roxul.com/files/RX-NA_EN/pdf/Comfortbatt%20Sheet_Eng.pdf
Best of luck, ROXUL
Can I use this for crawl space area ? Or do I need it with face ?
Thanks