Insulation, Radiant and Vapor Barriers - Crawlspace questions
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ty163
10-13-05, 03:54 PM
Ok folks, I needs some ideas on what to do here.
For a few years since I bought this house (1936 Built Upstate NY), I have tried to figure out why my living room is colder in winter time as well as my kitchen. We have hardwood in living room and ceramic in kitchen.
The front third of the living room actually seems to be over a crawlspace that has very limited access from the basement as well as everywhere else.
The foundation wall in the basement leaves me about 6-8 inches of space to work with to see what is actually in there and that is all. There is probably 4-6 feet of space where I am almost positive there is no insulation under that part of the living room. Of course, as these well designed homes would be, the radiator is in the front of the living room just below the windows. The words "REALLY COLD DRAFTS " come to mind.
As for the kitchen, the back part where the radiator is, is also above a crawlspace. That one I do have decent access to, but it is a tight squeeze. I know there is no insulation under the floor there.
What are some of my options here? Call in a pro, or is it something I can handle myself?
Also, in regards to the basement, it is unfinished, no ceiling insulation. I have a gas fired water boiler, and of course a hot water heater. Should I insulate the pipes in the basement? Someone told me not to because the heat from the pipes actually helps keep the basement dry and not musty. The basement is not heated, just the heat from the boiler and the basement is usually a constant temperature year round.
I apologize for the long post, but I cant help but think I am wasting so much heat each winter. This year it will really cost me if I am. Please throw some suggestions my way.
TRY163
For a few years since I bought this house (1936 Built Upstate NY), I have tried to figure out why my living room is colder in winter time as well as my kitchen. We have hardwood in living room and ceramic in kitchen.
The front third of the living room actually seems to be over a crawlspace that has very limited access from the basement as well as everywhere else.
The foundation wall in the basement leaves me about 6-8 inches of space to work with to see what is actually in there and that is all. There is probably 4-6 feet of space where I am almost positive there is no insulation under that part of the living room. Of course, as these well designed homes would be, the radiator is in the front of the living room just below the windows. The words "REALLY COLD DRAFTS " come to mind.
As for the kitchen, the back part where the radiator is, is also above a crawlspace. That one I do have decent access to, but it is a tight squeeze. I know there is no insulation under the floor there.
What are some of my options here? Call in a pro, or is it something I can handle myself?
Also, in regards to the basement, it is unfinished, no ceiling insulation. I have a gas fired water boiler, and of course a hot water heater. Should I insulate the pipes in the basement? Someone told me not to because the heat from the pipes actually helps keep the basement dry and not musty. The basement is not heated, just the heat from the boiler and the basement is usually a constant temperature year round.
I apologize for the long post, but I cant help but think I am wasting so much heat each winter. This year it will really cost me if I am. Please throw some suggestions my way.
TRY163