Insulation4Less

I have "conditioned" several crawlspaces, and decided to try an insulated vapor barrier for this one. I'm very pleased with the results. Prodex was easy to work with. The falling fiberglass insulation, smelly septic tank, and mummified cat were all cleaned out, drainage provided for the lakes, and then we insulated the underside of the floor with foam board, After covering the muddy ground with 4 1/2 cubic yards of pea gravel, the lakes were gone and the Prodex went over it nicely without sharp points to damage it. "Christmas tree" clips were used to anchor the Prodex directly onto concrete, and strips of wood held it tightly to the sill board along the top of the foundation walls. We also used Prodex to insulate the ductwork after that was sealed with mastic. I'd recommend you order plenty of material, for we ran out on the ductwork and had to order another similar product, since we were pressed for time in our remote location.

The main reason I was interested in an insulated vapor barrier, is to bring the surface of the vapor barrier to a higher temperature in the semi-heated crawlspace (some heat is emitted from the upstairs, an heating ducts). Otherwise, you get condensation on the cold surface of an un-insulated vapor barrier on the ground. There is no sign of any such problem as yet. I like the parallel lines in the Prodex, for they act as guides for cutting with a (sharp) utility knife. I used a large scrap of carpet to place over the barrier to protect it from damage near the access hatch, in case things are stored in the crawlspace. A lot of work, but well worth it in the end!
Kevin Allred, Tenakee Springs, Alaska

In 2007 We installed Prodex Total Insulation in our home. Under our Hardie Plank cement siding. We have 2X6 walls with wet blown cellulose in our walls an R24 and have Prodex Total under our sheetrock with 97% reflectivity. So we are looking at a total R value of 56. Our ceiling has prodex total under the sheetrock and wet blown insulation on top giving us a total of R64. We have a 100% total electric home, with electric tankless water heater, and electric radiant heat. Our electric bill for winters ranges depending on our cold winters in SE Idaho, sometimes getting down as low as 40 below. Our Electric bill $154-$166 in the coldest month of the winter. We have a cement slab with ceramic tile for our floors, and have Prodex under concrete insulation.

We do not have air conditioning in our home because we do not need it. Our home averages around 64 degrees year round with little variation.

The outside of our home with the 97% reflectivity can reflect heat at hottest month of the year 18" away from siding.

Our garage has 2X4 walls with wet blown cellulose insulation in walls give us an R16 plus Prodex outside and inside under siding and sheetrock giving us an R48 walls and R54 ceiling. Can have garage doors fully open during the coldest winter and water in a pan or glass will not freeze.

The pundents out there who say otherwise do not know what they are talking about. I followed what I thought would work and it did.