Hardwood Flooring Over Crawlspace Insulated w Closed Cell Foam
Hi
I have read most of the “hardwood over crawlspace” discussions on BreakTime. My question is what is the current thinking on putting hardwood down on a vented crawlspace insulated with closed cell foam? The crawlspace has a 4″ slab with a vapor barrier. Do people still recommend felt instead of paper? Are there other newer materials out there?
Thanks
Al Charbonneau
Replies
How many vapor barriers do you want?
The closed cell foam that is installed on the ceiling (I assume) of the CS is a vapor barrier/retarder - right? So you don't need another directly under the floor. If anything, felt paper directly under the H/W floor would mean that if there was a significant spill or leak on the top side of the floor, the H/W would have less chance to dry on the bottom. I'd go with rosin paper instead just as a squeak deterrent.
BTW - re the CS you have a good poly floor vapor barrier down there, but you still need to be sure that the exterior grading/drainage is proper to insure there is no water infiltration through the walls. Also - BTW - Is there an HVAC system down there?
Thanks for your comments.
I am not familiar with rosin paper but will check into availability. The final grades will be set to move water away from the house. The heating system is in the crawlspace.
Thanks again.
Al Charbonneau
Yeah, rosin paper's that new-fangled stuff they use under wood flooring now. I personally favor a layer of corn husks, but since they got these Model A Fords all over the place they've got to thinking that's not good enough for them anymore.