Description
CertainTeed R-19: Warmer Floors Over Crawl Spaces
Many pre-1970s homes in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Glendale and the Valley sit on raised foundations with a vented crawl space. Uninsulated, those floors are cold in winter and let crawl-space odors and moisture into the house. R-19 batts between the floor joists are the long-standing fix, and CertainTeed’s GREENGUARD Gold batt is one we install regularly.
Specifications
| Brand | CertainTeed |
|---|---|
| R-value | R-19 |
| Material | Fiberglass with plant-based binder |
| Thickness | About 6¼ in. |
| Facing | Kraft paper vapor retarder |
| Certifications | GREENGUARD Gold |
| Coverage | About 75 sq ft per bag (confirm on bag) |
How to Install R-19 Under a Floor
- Kraft facing goes up, against the subfloor of the heated room.
- Hold batts in place with wire insulation supports every 16 to 24 inches so they don’t sag.
- Fix water leaks and add a ground vapor barrier first; insulation in a wet crawl space won’t last.
- Leave access to plumbing cleanouts and electrical junction boxes.
Insulate or Encapsulate?
In vented crawl spaces, floor insulation is the usual approach. If your crawl space has persistent moisture or mold, crawl space encapsulation with a heavy liner and dehumidifier may be the better long-term fix. We will tell you which fits during a free inspection.
Buy It or Have It Installed
Order CertainTeed R-19 here, or have our licensed crew (CSLB #1139733) handle crawl space insulation from start to finish. See all crawl space insulation.
CertainTeed R-19 Kraft-Faced Fiberglass FAQ
- Which way does the facing go on crawl space floor insulation?
- Up, toward the heated floor above. The vapor retarder always faces the conditioned side.
- Do I need a vapor barrier on the crawl space ground too?
- Yes, in most cases. A polyethylene ground cover keeps soil moisture from reaching the insulation and the floor framing.




