Which job do you need?
Your inspection report says the crawl space needs work, or you looked under the house and saw insulation hanging down. Now you have to work out what to ask for. Here is what each job does, so you can match it to what you see.
What crawl space cleaning does
Cleaning deals with the mess. The crew takes out droppings, nests and insulation that has fallen, torn or been soiled by rodents, then sanitizes the work area. Choose it when the problem is what’s lying on the ground or stuck in the old batts.
You can book cleaning on its own. It doesn’t stop rodents from coming back if the ways in are still open.
What new insulation adds
New insulation deals with the floor above. We fit batts between the floor joists and hold them up with metal wire supports. R-19 is usual for a crawl space, and we recommend what fits your home at the inspection.
Ask about it when the batts have fallen or are damaged, or when an inspection report flags them. Old insulation is hauled away by us and has its own line on the quote.
What a vapor barrier adds
A vapor barrier covers the bare soil and helps keep ground moisture down instead of rising into the crawl space air. It isn’t a fix for plumbing leaks or drainage problems. We install 10, 15 and 20 mil; thicker holds up better where people crawl or store things.
Where rodent proofing fits
If droppings or nests are part of the problem, ask about rodent proofing. We seal the ways in with galvanized steel mesh, putty and concrete. Foundation vents stay open so the crawl space gets air; we screen them with mesh and seal the gaps around them.
Rodent proofing is what keeps new insulation clean. It can go on the same visit and the same quote.
How to compare the written quote
- Is every item listed? Cleaning, removal of the old insulation, new insulation and sealing should each be easy to find.
- What thickness and R-value? Look for the R-value of the batts and the mil of the vapor barrier.
- How is the insulation held up? Ask what keeps the batts in place.
- Are the entry points included? Cleaning alone leaves them open.
Booking two or more services takes 10% off (one discount per job).
Not sure what you need?
That’s what the inspection is for. It’s free, and we check the attic, crawl space, garage and the openings outside. Please be home for it. Most customers get their written quote 30–60 minutes after the inspection, same day at the latest.
In San Jose or anywhere in the Bay Area, call 1-408-664-9888 or book a free inspection.