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Rigid Foam Board Insulation for Existing Band Joists

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    Band joist insulation air sealing detail
    Scope

    Insulate the band joist with rigid foam insulation.  Band joists may be insulated as part of creating a closed crawlspace, or as a separate upgrade. For information on how to insulate crawlspace walls see Rigid Foam Board Interior Insulation for Existing Foundation Walls.  The method is primarily for existing construction, but the principles apply to new construction as well.  Penetrations through the insulation shall be sealed with spray foam or caulking.

    Foam plastic insulation receives special scrutiny in residential building codes because some foam insulations have the potential to release toxic or flammable gases when heated, or they can accelerate the spread of fire if they ignite. To reduce these risks, most codes require a thermal barrier (typically ½-in. gypsum board or equivalent) or an ignition barrier (typically ⅜-in. gypsum board or equivalent) over foam insulation. However, several foam insulation products have been designed and tested to reduce or eliminate those risks. Check with local authorities to ensure that the rigid foam meets all code requirements.

    For more guidance on insulating band joists, see the U.S. Department of Energy’s Standard Work Specifications (SWS).

    See the Compliance Tab for related codes and standards requirements, and criteria to meet national programs such as DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home program, ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, and Indoor airPLUS.

    Description
    Description

    Polyisocyanurate or extruded polystyrene (XPS) rigid foam board are recommended as insulation because of its low permeance to water and high insulation value per inch. The thickness of the foam sheeting may depend on the climate zone in which it is installed, as well as the desired levels of performance.

    Table 1 shows the three main types of rigid foam board insulation available in the market today. The R-values vary, depending on the manufacturer, but polyisocyanurate offers the highest R-value.

    Types of rigid foam board insulation.
    Table 1. Types of Rigid Foam Board Insulation.

     

    Many rigid foam board manufacturers apply a thin polyethylene film to both sides of the panels to strengthen them and to make them impermeable to vapor. Use unfaced sheets, or remove the film from the rigid foam board prior to installation, particularly to allow some breathability at the band joist area.

    Check with local authorities to ensure all materials and work will comply with local code requirements, such as the R-value of the insulation, fire and combustion safety requirements, radon mitigation requirements, pest (insect) control, and flood prevention requirements. Refer to the Compliance section of this guide for additional information about potential code requirements.

    Be sure the crawlspace floor and perimeter walls are covered with a 6-mil polyethylene vapor retarder up to 4 in. from the top of the foundation walls. The vapor retarder should be secured to the foundation with strapping attached to the walls using nails, pins, or masonry screws. This vapor retarder is a continuation of the vapor retarder that is installed and secured along the floor of the crawlspace. That is, the wall and floor vapor retarder should be connected and sealed as a liner to retard moisture and soil gases from seeping through the ground and the crawlspace walls.

    Before insulating the band joist area, assess the moisture potential of both the interior and exterior conditions where the sill plate (also known as the mud sill), band joist, and floor system all meet the top of the crawlspace walls (see Dickson 2013). If installation of insulation in the band joist area will not cause high moisture content in the wood and ultimately rot, then insulate this area. If there is any doubt about the drying potential at the band joist area, the safest practice would be not to insulate that area and to allow free drying of the wood materials. Refer to ensuring success for guidance on how to assess moisture conditions in the crawlspace and band joist area.  For more detail see Dickson 2013.

    How to Insulate and Seal Band Joists with Rigid Foam Board

    1. Cut rigid foam insulation pieces for the openings to create a snug fit, cutting carefully to allow for any penetrations through the insulation.  Install appropriately cut pieces of unfaced rigid foam sheathing against the band joist.
      Foam board insulation can be precut for any easier installation.
      Figure 1. Band joist insualtion and air sealing.
    2. Use expanding spray foam or caulking to seal the perimeters of the rigid foam insulation pieces and around any penetrations through the insulation.
      When the installation of insulation is complete, inspect the vapor retarder on the floor of the crawlspace. If any tears or rips in the vapor retarder occurred during the work, repair and seal the tears.
    Air sealing band joist.
    Figure 2. Caulk may be used to seal the cracks in the band joist area. (Source: PNNL.)

     

    Seal all penetrations.
    Figure 3. Seal all penetrations through the band joist. (Source: PNNL.)

     

    Seal sill.
    Figure 4. Seal the crack between the sill plate and the foundation wall. (Source: PNNL.)

     

    Interior details of insulated sealed rim joist.
    Figure 5. Interior details of an insulated and sealed rim joist as part of an insulated closed crawlspace.

     

    Success
    Ensuring Success

    SITE EVALUATION

    The first step in developing a plan for a crawlspace conversion is to perform a thorough evaluation of both the exterior and interior conditions. This inspection must be based on federal, state, and local regulations and carried out by a licensed or certified contractor. The following areas and specific details must be attended to before starting the sealing and insulating of any crawlspace (Dickson 2013, chapter 2).

    Immediate Health and Safety Issues

    Electrical Inspection 

    Assessing the current electrical system within the crawlspace is one of the first steps to take. A qualified electrician might need to be consulted if there is exposed or damaged wiring within the crawlspace. If there is a risk of shock or electrocution from faulty wiring, postpone the inspection of the interior systems until any issues have been resolved and the space is safe.

    Mechanical Systems/Carbon Monoxide

    Establish the type of space conditioning equipment and water heaters. If fuel-fired combustion appliances reside in the crawlspace, it is important to determine their venting and combustion air sources. These life-safety strategies are a critical first step in the overall renovation efforts of the crawlspace. If natural draft-vented appliances that depend on combustion air from the open vents in the foundation are present, equipment upgrades and replacement or alterations to the makeup air methods will be necessary. The best strategy is to replace natural draft-vented appliances with sealed combustion, direct vent furnaces or all-electric heat pumps. The direct vent gas furnaces draw combustion air directly from outside through piping to the unit. All combustion by-products are vented through sealed piping to the outdoors, minimizing the possibility of any carbon monoxide spillage. Verify that a carbon monoxide detector is installed and operational in the crawlspace.

    If there are any gas line regulators within the crawlspace, they will need to be moved so they vent to the outdoors.

    Mold/Framing

    Finding some traces of mold or mildew is common in a poorly detailed and ventilated crawlspace. The floor deck and all framing in the crawlspace are vulnerable to some level of fungal attack if moisture levels within the crawlspace go unchecked. Once high levels of moisture are present, moisture will tend to condense on the cooler surfaces of the wood framing and floor deck. These areas are easy to observe and are an indicator of high moisture content. Any surface mold or fungal growth will require a certified mold remediation expert to conduct an inspection and determine an appropriate remediation protocol to clean all the components before work can proceed. Structural repairs to framing components might be necessary if there is extensive damage or wood rot.

    Asbestos

    Exposure to asbestos increases a person’s risk of developing lung disease. Old crawlspaces might have asbestos-based insulation wraps on ductwork and plumbing pipes. If discovered, a certified asbestos abatement firm will have to be contracted to inspect and determine the best treatment strategy for the particular situation. General movement and unintentional contact with asbestos-based products can stir the fibers, which then become airborne within the confined space, posing a health risk to workers.

    Guidance for mitigating asbestos-related issues from HUD, EPA, NIH, OSHA and FEMA is available in Homeowner's and Renter's Guide to Asbestos Cleanup After Disasters and Asbestos: Worker and Employer Guide to Hazards and Recommended Controls

    Hazardous Materials Storage

    Completely remove and properly dispose of all hazardous materials if any hazardous-type material has been stored in the crawlspace (e.g., creosote-treated lumber or pesticides).

    Radon 

    In areas where radon is a risk or where the local residential code requires control of radon or other soil gases, houses with closed crawlspace foundations must be tested and monitored. If necessary, an approved mitigation system must be installed. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes for radon.

    Installing a passive radon mitigation system before undertaking all sealing work could be necessary in radon-prone areas. After the crawlspace is closed and sealed, final testing for radon can take place. Converting the passive system to an active system is easily accomplished if readings exceed the EPA’s acceptable levels.

    Exterior Moisture Sources

    Roof Drainage Away from the House 

    Inspect the roof’s bulk water discharge strategy, including all gutters and downspouts, to ensure bulk water runoff is not allowed to collect next to or near the foundation. Downspouts should discharge directly into drains that are directed to a storm sewer system, retention pond, daylighting if the land topography permits, or yard bubblers that are a minimum of 10 ft away from the foundation.

    Grading Around the House

    Evaluate the grading around the perimeter of the house. Ideally, the ground slopes a minimum of 5% away from the foundation walls for at least the first 10 ft to direct groundwater away from the structure. If proper slope away from the foundation cannot be established because of the home’s elevation and surrounding grade, a surface drainage system (“grade gutter”) should be installed. This system collects water and diverts it away from the foundation.

    Before beginning any excavation work, make sure to identify any underground utilities that enter the house, and notify the respective utility companies as required.

    Sprinklers

    Turn on all sprinklers installed near the foundation to observe their flow pattern. The sprinklers must be positioned so they do not subject the foundation or its immediate vicinity to water.

    Foundation Waterproofing and Drainage

    Implementing foundation waterproofing and a perimeter drain strategy on the exterior walls will be required on exceptionally problematic sites. Such sites typically have high groundwater or water flow against the foundation that cannot be remediated in any other way.

    Foundation Vents

    The foundation vents can be another source of bulk water entry. Make sure that they are not too low in relation to the exterior grade. If the vents fall near or below grade, they will need to be filled in with block, brick, or concrete and sealed to prevent water entry.

    Access Door

    Inspect the general location and overall weather seal of the access door. The access door should be located high enough off of grade to prevent groundwater runoff and snowmelt from entering the crawlspace. If the door is located too low and there is not enough clearance to adjust the entry height, remove the door, seal the opening, and install a new entry at a different location on the exterior that will accommodate the clearance. If no suitable location meets these criteria, cutting an access way through the floor system within the house will be required.

    Interior Moisture Sources

    Standing Water on the Floor

    Any recognizable standing water must be eliminated and the source of the water identified and repaired to prevent a reoccurrence that would raise the moisture levels within the space. Typically, standing water indicates a leaking pipe from above or groundwater entering the space from outside the building or under the floor.

    Leaking Drains or Supply Plumbing

    Conduct a thorough inspection of all drains and supply plumbing located within the crawlspace to make sure no leaks are adding moisture to the space.

    Mechanical System Condensate Drain 

    Evaluate the entire length of the condensate drain from the air handler to the discharge point. Because of the potentially corrosive discharge from sealed combustion furnaces and air conditioners, condensate drains must be installed as required by local jurisdictions. They must be properly supported and routed directly to a sealed sump crock lid, a floor drain fitting, or a sanitary sewer.

    In addition to the primary drain and as a safety precaution if the primary drain fails, an auxiliary drain pan with a separate drain beneath any cooling or evaporator coil is recommended to prevent condensate from flooding the crawlspace. Inspect the current condition of the crawlspace floor because it is a critical factor in directing any surface water toward collector drains and the sump. It also minimizes moisture movement from the soil into the crawlspace environment. Poor sealing practices of the polyethylene vapor barrier allow ground moisture to infiltrate through gaps or open seams in the barrier, increasing the relative humidity of the crawlspace. Grading the base to a minimum 3% slope toward low-spot collector drains that can move water directly to the sump is necessary to eliminate ground moisture from seeping into the space.

    Vent Openings

    All intentional, operable, or fixed foundation vents will need to be sealed to prevent warm, moisture-laden air from being drawn into the crawlspace. If vents are too low and likely to pose bulk water intrusion into the crawlspace, they will need to be sealed with concrete block, brick, concrete, or glass block windows to prevent water entry.

    Sump Pump

    Inspect all sump pump crock pits installed in the crawlspace, looking at the detailing of their lids and any drain pipe penetrations. Missing lids and an absence of sealing will allow moisture to enter and increase the relative humidity of the crawlspace. The 2009 IRC states the following in Section R405.2.3, Drainage System (IRC 2009a, p. 107):

    In other than Group I soils, a sump shall be provided to drain the porous layer and footings. The sump shall be at least 24 inches (610 mm) in diameter or 20 inches square (0.01129 m2), shall extend at least 24 inches (610 mm) below the bottom of the basement floor and shall be capable of positive gravity or mechanical drainage to remove any accumulated water. The drainage system should discharge into an approved sewer system or to daylight.

    In areas with high water tables, installing a battery backup system to the pump is recommended to aid in drainage during power outages.

    Drain Pipes

    To prevent any water backups through drain pipes, Advanced Energy recommends the following (Advanced Energy 2012, p. 12):

    Use a backflow valve in crawlspace drains and a check valve in sump pump out-flow pipes to prevent reverse flow of outside water into the crawlspace and to reduce the chance of vermin entry. Floor drains with p-traps that connect to the whole house plumbing waste drain or to a municipal sewer system may allow entry or sewer gases if (when) the trap dries out and pose a risk of sewage backup.

    Other Contaminants

    Feces, Carcasses, and Other Animal Waste

    Old existing crawlspaces, if left unattended, can contain large amounts of animal droppings or carcasses of animals that have found a way into the crawlspace and died. Be prepared for this possibility, and have the means to conduct a thorough cleanup before proceeding.

    Animal Infestation

    In some cases, crawlspaces that have been left unattended or neglected can harbor wild animals. Recognizing the exterior details that allow entry and exit and other activity will help prepare the inspector. Depending on the severity, the local animal control agency might need to assist in removing any unwanted animals.

    Pest Control

    Termites and carpenter ants are known to thrive in dark, damp places that have a readily available food source nearby. Inspecting the foundation walls and framing for signs of these pests is required before moving forward. Any observed signs will then require a more in-depth inspection and treatment by a pest control professional.

    Thermal

    Insulation Strategy

    The current insulation levels, location, and integrity will need to be assessed to determine the appropriate strategy for the climatic region. Existing fiberglass batt insulation in the floor system and draped over the foundation walls should be removed and discarded. A good work plan will include a thorough specification and implementation strategy for thermal insulation.

    Space Conditioning

    Crawlspaces must always have a drying mechanism. One of the most effective ways is to condition the crawlspace by bringing in a reduced amount of conditioned air from the mechanical system to temper the space as if it were part of the home. A supply and return air strategy must be included to semicondition the crawlspace.

    In some areas of the country that do not have air conditioning or if local requirements will not allow band joist insulation, it might be necessary to install a permanent dehumidification system in the crawlspace to maintain the 30%–50% humidity levels within the space.

    Stop Work Conditions

    Figure 6 summarizes the conditions that will necessitate stopping all work on the crawlspace project. Once these problems have been solved, renovation work can continue.

    Stop work conditions.
    Figure 6. Conditions for stop work.

     

    OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

    It is imperative to check with local code authorities prior to the installation of any insulation in closed crawlspaces and band joist areas to ensure that all local code requirements are met, such as the R-value of insulation, fire and combustion safety requirements, pest inspection requirements, and radon mitigation requirements. 

    Also, local codes in flood-prone areas of the United States may require the installation of flood vents that allow water to pass freely into and out of a foundation to equalize pressure on the foundation walls. Flood vents should be designed to reduce standby air leakage.

    If the bottom of the crawlspace is below grade, it will be necessary to damp-proof or waterproof the exterior wall surface of the crawlspace. For information on how to accomplish this water management strategy, see “Damp-Proof Exterior Surface of Below-Grade Walls."

    During any sealing process, follow safe work practices to minimize any effects from sealants or adhesive fumes on workers’ health. Temporary ventilation could be necessary during the installations.

    Applying a coat of light-colored paint over the 3-in. pest control inspection gap at the top of the foundation walls will facilitate pest inspections.

    Never store flammable materials (e.g., gasoline, solvents) in any crawlspace.

    Check with local authorities, and be sure the rigid foam material meets all safety requirements and fire codes. 

    Cover the floor of the crawlspace and the crawlspace perimeter walls with 6-mil polyethylene vapor retarder.

    Assess the moisture potential in the band joist area, and if appropriate, insulate and seal the band joist as an integral part of the work.

    Climate
    Climate

    Air sealing and insulating band joists is important in all climate zones.

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    Compliance

    Compliance

    The Compliance tab contains both program and code information. Code language is excerpted and summarized below. For exact code language, refer to the applicable code, which may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

     

    Local building codes have specific requirements such as the R-value of insulation, fire and combustion requirements, radon mitigation requirements, flood prevention requirements, and requirements for a pest control inspection strip at the top and/or the bottom of the foundation wall. Begin by checking with local authorities to ensure that all materials and work will comply with local code requirements.

    In areas of the United States prone to insect infestation (e.g., termites or carpenter ants), the rigid foam board insulation must not interfere with any pest control inspection strip. Consult with the local building inspector and a pest control professional for local requirements regarding a pest control inspection strip at the top or bottom of the foundation wall.

    For information on crawlspace wall insulation requirements see Rigid Foam Board Interior Insulation for Existing Foundation Walls.  

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    Access to some references may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

    References and Resources*
    Author(s)
    Dickson
    Organization(s)
    IBACOS,
    National Renewable Energy Laboratory
    Publication Date
    Description
    Report explaining the issues and concerns with conventional ventilated crawlspaces and to outline prescriptive measures for improvements that will create healthier and more durable spaces.
    Author(s)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
    U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,
    Federal Emergency Management Agency
    Organization(s)
    FEMA,
    EPA,
    HUD
    Publication Date
    Description
    Guidance from EPA, FEMA, HUD, and NIH on how to deal with asbestos in homes following natural disasters.
    Author(s)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
    U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,
    Occupational Safety and Health Administration
    Organization(s)
    FEMA,
    EPA,
    NIH,
    OSHA
    Publication Date
    Description
    Guidance from HUD, EPA, NIH, and FEMA for workers who deal directly with asbestos.
    *For non-dated media, such as websites, the date listed is the date accessed.
    Contributors to this Guide

    The following authors and organizations contributed to the content in this Guide.

    Building Science Corporation, lead for the Building Science Consortium (BSC), a DOE Building America Research Team

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    Building Science Measures
    Building Science-to-Sales Translator

    High-R Foundation Insulation = High-Efficiency or Ultra-Efficient Foundation Insulation

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    Technical Description

    There are two levels of foundation insulation: high-efficiency insulation, which meets the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, and ultra-efficient insulation, which is 25% more efficient than this national code. Using high-efficiency and ultra-efficient insulation, along with professional installation (e.g., no gaps, voids, compression, or misalignment with air barriers; complete air barriers; and minimal thermal bridging) creates conditioned spaces that require very little heating and cooling, along with, even comfort and quiet throughout the house.

    High-Efficiency or Ultra-Efficient Foundation Insulation
    Sales Message

    High-efficiency foundation insulation helps provide added thermal protection. What this means to you is less wasted energy along with enhanced comfort and quiet. Knowing there is one opportunity to optimize performance during construction, wouldn’t you agree it’s a great opportunity to meet or exceed future codes?

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