Crawl Space Insulation — Removal & Installation

What Crawl Space Insulation Does (and Why It Matters)

Crawl space insulation plays a critical role in maintaining your home’s temperature, moisture balance, and air quality. Properly installed insulation helps prevent heat loss through the floors, keeps conditioned air where it belongs, and works alongside your vapor barrier to minimize humidity levels.

In the Richmond area’s humid climate and fluctuating temperatures, insulation helps prevent cold floors in winter, condensation buildup in summer, and overall energy inefficiency. The result is a more comfortable home, reduced utility bills, and better air quality year-round.

Removal vs. Keeping Existing Insulation — How We Decide

Before beginning any installation, we perform a full inspection of your crawl space to determine if the existing insulation can be salvaged or must be replaced.

We recommend removal and replacement when:

• The insulation is damp, heavy, or sagging from humidity or plumbing leaks.
• There is visible mold or mildew growth or a persistent musty odor.
• There are signs of rodent or insect activity, such as nesting, droppings, or tunneling.
• The insulation is compressed, damaged, or has fallen from the joists.
• The product is the wrong size or type for your floor joists.
• The insulation shows fire, water, or smoke damage.

We may keep and re-secure insulation when:

• The insulation is dry, clean, and properly sized.
• It is securely attached and providing continuous coverage.

In these cases, we simply tighten supports, re-secure any loose batts, and fill small gaps to maintain full R-19 performance and extend the lifespan of your existing materials.

Our Detailed Removal Process (Full Cleanout)



1. Inspection & Documentation – We assess insulation condition, measure the space, and identify moisture or pest issues.
2. Containment & PPE – We protect entry areas, wear appropriate PPE, and stage contractor bags to prevent debris from spreading.
3. Careful Extraction – All damp, moldy, or contaminated insulation is safely removed from between joists.
4. Bagging & Sealing – Old insulation is bagged inside the crawl space to minimize airborne dust or mold spores.
5. Haul-Away – All bagged insulation and debris are hauled off-site and disposed of properly.
6. Sanitation & Prep – Joists are wiped or vacuumed as needed. We treat any minor mold or pest sanitation issues before reinstalling new materials.
7. Final Readiness Check – We confirm the crawl space is clean, dry, and ready for new insulation.

Materials We Install



• R-19 Faced Fiberglass Batts – Our standard for most crawl space applications. The kraft facing acts as a vapor retarder and is installed toward the subfloor (the “warm-in-winter” side).
• Brands We Trust – We use Owens Corning and Johns Manville insulation for superior quality, density, and long-term performance.
• Supports – We secure batts using insulation support rods (wire stays) to prevent sagging and ensure consistent contact with the subfloor.

Our Installation Process (Square-Footage Based)

Each insulation project begins with an accurate measurement of your crawl space’s total square footage and joist spacing. This ensures precise material estimation and transparent pricing.



Step-by-Step Installation:

1. Moisture Readiness – If needed, we first install or repair the crawl space vapor barrier and confirm no active water leaks are present.
2. Cut-to-Fit Installation – Each R-19 faced batt is custom-cut to fit snugly between floor joists without compression, preserving its R-value.
3. Facing Orientation – Kraft-facing is installed toward the subfloor to serve as a vapor retarder.
4. Full Coverage – Batts are installed end-to-end with tight seams. We notch around plumbing, HVAC ducts, and obstructions for a uniform fit.
5. Securement – We use insulation rods every 12–16 inches to prevent sagging over time. Additional fasteners are added where necessary.
6. Air-Sealing Touch-Ups – We seal small air gaps around penetrations where practical to improve efficiency.
7. Final Inspection – After installation, we perform a quality check to ensure all joists are covered and the crawl space is clean and uniform.

What You’ll Notice After the Upgrade



• More Comfortable Floors – Warm in the winter, cool in the summer.
• Lower Energy Bills – Reduced heating and cooling demand on your HVAC system.
• Better Moisture Control – Works in tandem with your vapor barrier to prevent condensation and mold.
• Pest Deterrence – Eliminates damp, dark environments that attract rodents and insects.
• Increased Home Value – A clean, well-insulated crawl space adds lasting value and peace of mind.

Our 10-Year Limited Warranty



Every crawl space insulation project performed by U.S. Pest Control is backed by a 10-year limited warranty on materials and workmanship.
This warranty covers product failure or installation defects, provided the crawl space remains in normal operating condition. It does not cover damage caused by events outside our control, such as:

• Flooding or plumbing leaks
• Structural movement
• Fire or storm damage
• Animal intrusion or neglected moisture problems

If you ever have an issue, our team will inspect and resolve it promptly within the warranty terms.

Homeowner Preparation & After-Care



• Clear access to the crawl space before our arrival.
• Address any plumbing leaks or standing water issues ahead of time if possible.
• Keep gutters and downspouts directing water away from the foundation.
• For best long-term results, consider pairing insulation with a vapor barrier and dehumidifier system to maintain consistent dryness year-round.

Service Area & Scheduling



We proudly serve Richmond, Mechanicsville, Henrico, and Chesterfield, Virginia.
Our estimates are based on actual measured square footage and include clear pricing for removal, cleanup, and installation.

If you’re dealing with sagging, damp, or outdated insulation, now is the perfect time to upgrade.
Contact U.S. Pest Control today to schedule your crawl space inspection and receive a detailed, line-item estimate.