insulation in an older single wide

[jflyday]

We had a shutoff valve on the inlet to a toilet break and flood water all during the night. We obviously have a mess in the bathroom and bedroom. Fortunately, we had started some "major" remodeling so there wasn't any furniture or carpeting in either room. However, now that we have taken up the floor, the insulation is soaking wet underneath and basically laying on the ground. The insurance company is paying for new insulation and a vapor barrier. However, I guess our question is, when we replace the insulation, does it go right up tight to the floor of the trailor or is there suppose to be an air gap above the insulation? Our house is permanently fixed to a concrete foundation and is intended to be our last home. I just wondered if we should just lay those huge pieces of insulation in there like they were or if we should try to put regular insulation between the floor joists. This is, of course, our first time living in and working on a mobile home.

Thank you for your help.

[admin]

We usually install rolled insulation from below... Rolled fiberglass insulation has plenty of air space included in it. I like to use the highest R value, thickest, rolled, insulation I can fit into the space between the bottom of the floor joist and the floor decking, with our crushing it.

Once the insulation is in place you can purchase rolled vapor barrier material called Bottom Board by MH repair people and install it from below, stapling it to the bottom of the floor joist so it supports the insulation. YOu can find bottom board products at The Mobile Home Parts Store

For details about installing insulation and important safety tips see How to Install Fiberglass Insulation and Crawl Space Insulation, from the U.S. Dept of Energy.