Transform Your Crawlspace with Professional Insulation Services

Crawl Space Insulation in Michigan (Zone 5)

In Michigan’s cold climate zone (Zone 5), properly insulating your crawl space is critical to your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and long-term durability. Crawl spaces are often overlooked, yet they play a major role in heat loss, moisture intrusion, and indoor air quality. At Greenshield Insulation, we specialize in residential crawl space insulation designed for Michigan’s weather extremes — helping homeowners reduce utility costs, prevent structural damage, and create a healthier living environment.

Why Crawl Space Insulation Matters

Inadequately insulated or vented crawl spaces can lead to:

• Cold floors during winter months

• Increased heating bills

• Mold growth from trapped moisture

• Pest and rodent infestations

• Rotting joists and structural damage

Insulating your crawl space creates a protective thermal barrier that keeps your floors warmer, reduces humidity, and improves the overall efficiency of your home’s HVAC system.

Crawl Space Insulation Methods in Michigan

There are several effective approaches to insulating a crawl space in our region. The right method depends on your crawl space’s condition (vented or unvented) and moisture levels:

1. Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam is one of the most effective solutions for sealing crawl space walls and rim joists. It expands to fill gaps and cracks, preventing drafts and moisture intrusion. Closed-cell spray foam also acts as a moisture barrier, which is especially beneficial in damp Michigan basements and crawl spaces. As SPF-certified installers, we apply it safely and strategically for maximum thermal and moisture protection.

2. Rigid Foam Board

For crawl space walls, rigid foam boards are another good option. When sealed properly with tape and spray foam, they provide a strong thermal layer that won’t absorb moisture. We often use this in combination with a vapor barrier for full coverage.

3. Vapor Barriers (Encapsulation)

A vapor barrier is essential in moisture-heavy areas. We install thick, durable polyethylene sheeting across the floor and walls to seal out ground moisture. Full crawl space encapsulation paired with insulation creates a controlled environment that protects against mold, mildew, and rot — especially vital in Michigan’s humid summers and snowy winters.

4. Fiberglass (for Vented Crawl Spaces)

In older, vented crawl spaces, fiberglass insulation may still be used under the subfloor. However, it must be installed with a vapor barrier and proper air sealing to avoid sagging or moisture absorption. Greenshield usually recommends upgrading to closed-cell spray foam for better long-term performance.