Problem

A homeowner in West Hempstead, NY was facing multiple issues in their home related to poor insulation and an unhealthy crawl space.

The attic was not properly insulated, which caused heat loss in the winter and made the home harder to keep cool in the summer. This led to higher energy bills and uncomfortable indoor temperatures.

In the crawl space, there were signs of old insulation, possible mold, and air leaks around the rim joist. The space was not sealed properly, which allowed moisture, outside air, and even unwanted odors to enter the home. Crawl spaces like this can also release harmful gases such as radon and methane, which are colorless and odorless.

Overall, the home needed better insulation, proper air sealing, and a clean, protected crawl space.

Solution

Our team at Zavza Seal followed a complete step by step plan to improve the home’s comfort, safety, and energy efficiency.

Attic Insulation

We started in the attic by treating the area with an all natural disinfectant. This spray helps remove mold and mildew and also repels rodents. It is safe to use, non toxic, and does not leave any smell behind.

After cleaning the space, we installed closed cell spray foam insulation across the roof rafters and behind the attic doors. We applied the foam to a depth of 5 inches, which provides an R value of 35. This helps keep the home warm in winter and cool in summer while also reducing energy loss.

Rim Joist Air Sealing

Next, we moved to the crawl space and removed all old batt insulation from the ceiling joists. This step is important because old insulation can trap moisture and lose effectiveness over time.

We then sealed 56 linear feet of rim joist using heavy duty foam insulation. This helps block outside air from entering the home and improves overall energy efficiency.

Crawl Space Insulation

Once the area was prepared, we installed closed cell spray foam insulation on the crawl space ceiling joists. Just like in the attic, we applied the foam to a depth of 5 inches to achieve an R value of 35. This creates a strong thermal barrier and helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures.

Crawl Space Encapsulation

To fully protect the crawl space, we completed a full encapsulation process.

First, we cleaned the area by removing debris, clearing spider webs, and treating visible mold with mold killing solutions.

We then installed a durable 20 mil vapor barrier across the entire floor and walls of the crawl space. This heavy duty membrane is designed to stop moisture from coming up through the ground and prevent harmful gases like radon and methane from entering the home.

The membrane was securely attached to the foundation walls to create a sealed environment. We left a small gap at the top of the wall for future termite inspections.

We also added insulation to the crawl space door to improve the seal and prevent energy loss.

Result

After the project was completed, the home became much more energy efficient and comfortable.

The attic now holds temperature better, reducing heating and cooling costs. The crawl space is clean, sealed, and protected from moisture and outside air. The risk of mold growth and harmful gases has been greatly reduced.

The homeowner now has a healthier living environment and peace of mind knowing their home is properly insulated and protected.

Proper insulation and crawl space encapsulation can make a big difference in a home’s comfort and air quality. It also helps lower energy bills and protects the structure over time.