Adding insulation under floors

[janfire]

I have just looked though all of the topics and none quite cover what I am wondering. I have a 2008 double wide on a slab and when the wind blows from the north it has an open field before us so the floors gets Really cold. What I would like to know is can I ADD more insulation. Like the stiff board stuff or just put another layer of insulation inside the vapor barier that is already there.

I live in Maine and we do have skirting (vented) When I have asked about insulating the skirting I was told as long as the insulation was in place and the vapor berier was sealed there was nothing more I could do.

Why would cold floors have to be a "given" Can't we "super" insulate?

[David Oxhandler]

YOU can easily add board type insulation under the home. The best thing would be to skirt the home to prevent the wind from blowing under it. You can insulate the skirting as long as you are sure to follow local code for venting.

Vinyl skirting has been the most popular option for the past 20 years. It is relatively inexpensive, easy and quick to install, and if left alone will last a good long time.

The down side of vinyl is that it is easily penetrated. Weed whackers are vinyl skirting's mortal enemy.

I have seen homes skirted with every possible thing imaginable. The attempts with wood in or on the ground typically look great at first but with in a very short time end in a termite infestation.

To see the range of possible skirting types and accessories check the Mobile Home Parts Store They have a toll free number on the site that you can call. Ask their experts the best way to install insulation board behind the skirting. Insulation board is termite proof, rigid and will pay for itself on your heat/air bills.

If your looking for the best type of skirting available visit [concreteskirting.com] Concrete skirting resists the elements from the summer heat of Texas to the harsh winters of Minnesota and is designed to stay put for years of protective service.

[janfire]

David

Thank you for your response. You did say that I can add board type of insulation under the floors. I am wondering if I would need to take down the current vapor barrier when I put in the board insulation then put up a new one. Or would I put the new insulation right over the whole thing. We do already have skirting so the wind is not blowing directly under the floors but the results from the cold wind can produce very cold floors.

Thank you for the information and I will be sure to check out the sites you recommended.

[David Oxhandler]

I cant think of any reason to remove what is already there. I would install outside the vapour barrier.