In Arlington, VA, where hot, humid summers and chilly winters are common, maintaining a comfortable indoor environment can be a challenge—especially in older homes. At The Fifth Fuel, we specialize in solutions that address home comfort issues from the ground up. Our comprehensive home efficiency services include crawl space encapsulation and spray foam insulation, which are both often overlooked in area homes, yet crucial to health and comfort throughout your living spaces.
One recent project in Arlington showcases how our expertise turned a problematic crawl space into a dry, healthy foundation that improved comfort throughout the home.
The Challenge: Humidity Problems & Temperature Fluctuations
The home, a 1976 Cape Cod style house, presented several challenges that are common in older properties in the Arlington area. The homeowner had been struggling with high indoor humidity levels and inconsistent temperatures throughout their entire house. They also experienced cold floors and noticed some buckling of their hardwood floors above the crawl space; these comfort issues led the homeowner to call our team in early June 2024.
During our initial assessment, our technicians walked through the entire house with an infrared scanner to identify areas of temperature fluctuations. We also took humidity readings above the crawlspace, which showed a relative humidity (RH) level of 85%. When our team checked below the house, they discovered a crawl space with outdated fiberglass insulation and no vapor barrier.
The Building Science: Problems with an Unprotected Crawl Space
Older Cape Cod-style homes like this one are common in the area, and they have rarely been updated to meet today’s building standards or energy codes. Additionally, homes with crawl spaces are also prone to moisture infiltration, which can result in numerous issues. Combine that with the heavy rains and high humidity we see in Arlington, and this home’s unprotected crawl space had become the source of the high humidity levels and discomfort the homeowner was experiencing. Levels of relative humidity as high as 85% put a home at risk of mold growth, pest infestations, and even structural damage.
Before: The crawl space below the Cape Cod style home in Arlington, VA.
The Solution: Crawl Space Encapsulation & Insulation Services
Understanding the impact of a poorly maintained crawl space on the entire home’s environment, we proposed a comprehensive solution: insulation removal, vapor barrier installation, and spray foam insulation.
- Insulation Removal – Before we could get to work on solving the humidity issues, we first had to remove the old fiberglass insulation from the crawl space. Not only was the existing insulation ineffective, but it could have potentially been contaminated as well. High humidity levels and moisture can create an ideal environment for mold, pests, and other pollutants to thrive.
- Vapor Barrier Installation – We then installed a heavy-duty vapor barrier made from 20 mil thick polyethylene plastic sheeting on the ground and 12 inches up the walls of the crawl space. This robust barrier protects the area from moisture instruction via the soil and into the home above.
- Spray Foam Insulation – Finally, we applied closed-cell spray foam insulation to the crawl space walls and joist bands (rim and end joists). Spray foam is highly effective for this type of project because it not only provides superior insulation but also acts as an air barrier, preventing drafts and keeping conditioned air inside the home.
The Results
Our team approached this project with a focus on building science. A well-encapsulated and insulated crawl space was the key to lowering indoor humidity levels and improving comfort throughout the entire home. Closed-cell spray foam insulation also played a critical role in creating a durable protective barrier for the home, reducing heat transfer and air movement.
Upon the job completion, our specialists performed the same tests that we did at the start. The result of the relative humidity tests in the problem areas saw a significant decrease to 55%! The homeowner also reported:
- Eliminated cold floors
- Reduced indoor humidity
- Improved comfort throughout the entire home
After: The crawl space, now fully enclosed and protected from the outside elements.
After: Additional view of the final job on this 1976 Cape Cod style home.
Whole-Home Solutions with The Fifth Fuel
For over 30 years, The Fifth Fuel has been helping homeowners throughout Northern Virginia and Metro-Maryland find reliable solutions to comfort issues, poor indoor air quality, and other problems. We take a whole-home approach to our work and tailor our services to meet the needs of any style home with knowledge and expertise. Whether you’re having problems in your attic, crawl space, or anywhere in between, our team can help improve your home.Schedule an in-home assessment today. Call 703-368-1479 or contact us online to get started.
