How to Insulate Crawl Spaces - Installation Process & Cost Explained
Published on December 19, 2025 | By Attic Pro Care, Inc
If you are going to do it alone, you should think again. It is not like any other insulation service where someone can choose DIY. The reason is the complex installation, selection of radiant barriers and PE films, and more. Lots of factors are part of the process, and DIY might not lead to high efficiency unless there is an exception. Anyways, crawl space insulation is a necessity because moisture can cause severe decay in wood to weaken the whole structure. That means one could compromise the property by not doing insulation in the crawl space. People who decide to go for experts should read this blog for a better idea. They will surely find results that can help them estimate cost and other details.
DIY Crawl Space Insulation vs Professional Installation: What You Should Know
Choosing an expert to do that is the best idea. Therefore, one can choose an expert like Attic Pro Care for the crawl space insulation process. The crawl space is like a leaking bucket, which needs attention. People should know that the ground under the crawl space contains moisture, which can seep into the crawl space’s wood. Once it seeps into the wood, lots of severe problems like condensation and bacterial growth occur. Then the problems like wood rot and structural damage start to damage your property. No one likes to face such a foundational issue, which could deteriorate their properties slowly.
So, an expert like Attic Pro Care performs a step-by-step procedure to insulate any crawl space. If anyone chooses such an expert, they get results way better than DIY. Here is how it goes.
Step 1: Crawl Space Inspection and Moisture Assessment
A team of experts inspects the crawl space, which takes lots of time. It is about inspecting the moisture in the ground, the damage it has already caused, and everything related to it. Special tools are required for it because it includes fungal detection that causes pest growth. Experts use such tools to find every possible threat caused by the moisture from the ground. If this step goes well, the rest of the steps will get the best support. Inspecting the crawl space helps experts choose the best solution that suits it.
Step 2: Removing Old or Damaged Crawl Space Materials
Some homes might have existing insulation, like old plastic sheets that need to be removed. It will be part of the process because the insulating team has to remove it for a clear surface. Doing that makes the surface clear and free of any plastic residue. Since old plastic can be harmful to living things, the team has to remove it for the new installation. Virgin plastic is better than the old one because the degradation rate of the new one is low.
Step 3: Crawl Space Encapsulation Using Vapor Barrier (PE Films)
The best solution for crawl space insulation is encapsulation, which requires PE films. They are non-perforated plastic films that block the vapors reaching the crawl space’s floor. This is the primary step to prevent mold and bacterial growth in the ground floor of a property. Since the crawl space is exposed to high moisture in the ground, the PE films block such risks. This vapor barrier keeps the place half dry, because the other half is done by the dehumidifier. Learn more about different types of insulation material such as the difference between faced vs unfaced insulation.
Step 4: Dehumidifier Installation for High-Moisture Crawl Spaces
It is an optional step because some people don’t choose it because of the effects on electrical bills. However, crawl spaces with extreme moisture require it to reduce the mold’s growth. PE films need support from it because they also have limitations. So, using a cost-effective dehumidifier reduces the risk of mold growth. Users can adjust the usage level by using it only at peak durations when the humidity level is high. Then they can reduce moisture, and it will also affect electricity bills less.
Step 5: Installing Radiant Barriers on Crawl Space Joists
Since the ground is completely covered with PE films and everything that allows moisture to rise, here is the third part. The base of the crawl space requires the attachment of radiant barriers. The heat waves could enter the house from the bottom, which means you need to repel them. The only thing that can repel radiant heat is aluminum foil. Installing radiant barriers on the base of the crawl space ensures a complete solution. Neither the moisture nor the heat waves will enter the property from the crawl space.
It requires special arrangements in the form of the correct size and type of radiant barriers. An expert like Attic Pro Care has a team to do that. Some crawl spaces require single, and some need double-sided foils. Also, some need thin, and some need seven-layer aluminum bubble foils. It all depends on the temperature and humidity level of a place.
Step 6: Final Quality Inspection and Performance Testing
Once the team installs it, the last thing they do is quality inspection. Every spot is inspected to ensure there is no flaw in the insulation process. Experts ensure that PE films, radiant barriers, and dehumidifiers are working perfectly to provide durable performance. Even if there is any human error, the experts provide post-installation service to meet customer satisfaction.
Crawl Space Insulation and Encapsulation Cost
Then there is the cost of the entire project that needs to be shared. Usually, installation teams provide this information on the site of the project because lots of factors depend on it. However, you can have an idea about some estimated costs that will surely help you.
Vapor Barrier (PE Film) Costs Per Square Foot
The first major factor is the cost of PE films that you can find here. It depends on the type, brand, size, and quantity of PE films. Since Attic Pro Care manufactures radiant barriers, you can ask for the PE films’ production for estimation. Experts will share details on whether they are available or you need to buy from the market.
- The costing goes like this. You can expect $0.15 per sq. ft. of PE films, which could increase or decrease. It could cross even $0.20 per sq. ft., depending on the quality and type of PE film.
- It could cost around $50 for a 250 sq. ft. roll of PE film. Depending on quality and thickness, you can estimate a range between $35 and $200 for 250 sq. ft. Similarly, the price could increase if you choose a larger size like 500, 750, 1000, or 2000 sq. ft.
Radiant Barrier Material Costs for Crawl Spaces
Then there is the similar costing of radiant barriers, which also depends on the size, type, and thickness level. Attic Pro Care has single-sided, double-sided, and even seven-layer radiant barriers for its customers. The price of a radiant barrier roll can vary because of such factors.
- You can expect to pay around $0.20 per sq. ft. for radiant barriers. It could also rise to $0.30 or $1, depending on the type you choose. Its range can go from $120 to $300 for 500 sq. ft. Likewise, the price could increase if you choose a larger size of roll.
Dehumidifier Costs: Existing vs New Installation
This one depends on the customer if they have an existing dehumidifier that they want to carry with them. If the customer wants to go with a new humidifier, there are many advanced and energy-efficient options available in the market. Different brands are available, and customers can choose based on their budget.
Labor Costs for Installation
Then comes labor cost, which can also vary. Each state has different laws, regulations, and wage ranges. The team that arrives to install the crawl space insulation can provide the exact cost. Don’t worry, you would probably be aware of standard labor wages, and the labor cost will revolve around it.
Equipment and Miscellaneous Installation Costs
There is a lot of equipment required for the entire process, and some may be included in the total cost. It is about the stapler pins, tapes, and other attachments used in the insulation process. If you choose Attic Pro Care, the team will share every detail with you that will surely be budget-friendly for all. It also includes miscellaneous charges, which include various factors. That could be any additional material or step used for the crawl clearance process. If you don’t have attic insulation then we recommend you read this detailed guide on how to insulate attic, where we explain its costing and installation process in detail.
Warranty Coverage and Long-Term Protection
People need a warranty in the crawl space installation process. Therefore, Attic Pro Care also provides a warranty to its customers. During the contract or documentation process, warranty details are provided. That ensures customer satisfaction and trust that keeps any insulation service lead in the market. Attic Pro Care also does its best by providing the best service for maximum customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
That is how the crawl space insulation is done. Lots of properties like homes face mildew, mold, and bacterial growth in the crawl space. The reason is mostly due to the moisture that rises from the soil under the home. To prevent it, one has to choose a crawl space insulation service. Some people even choose DIY, but that is very difficult and almost impossible without anyone’s help. So, people go for professionals who can complete the task faster, and the efficiency level is also higher.