Can a Frost Wall Insulate a Crawl Space?

Frost walls are very common in places where winters are very cold. They are insulation panels that are placed deep beneath the ground along the periphery of the foundation, and they protect the foundation walls from the freeze-thaw effect. If you’re hoping to lower your high energy bills, you may consider this type of insulation. 

• What Are Frost Walls For? 

In extremely cold climates, any soil above the frost line will freeze and harm your foundation. Frost walls exist to protect your foundation from freezing. They are installed deep underground and are placed on both sides of the foundation walls. They serve as a barrier between the soil and the wall and act as insulation to keep the area warm. 

Frost walls are usually installed below the frost line, which is where the soil tends to freeze. By protecting from frost damage, foundations avoid common problems associated with the freeze-thaw effect. This includes excessive soil displacement, wall damage, leaking, drainage problems, and settling. 

• Are They Enough for Crawl Space Insulation? 

Frost walls sound a lot like crawl space insulation, but they are not. Frost walls are specifically designed and installed to protect foundation walls, not the entire crawl space. They are mostly built underground, so the majority of your crawl space walls are still uninsulated. 

They do provide some insulation to the crawl space, but never enough to impact the energy usage in your home. Besides, frost walls aren’t enough to deter moisture or air from getting into your crawl space. They only serve to protect your foundation walls for a specific purpose, so don’t believe that your crawl space is in the clear just because you have frost walls.