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The thickness of floor insulation will depend on the R-value you plan to achieve. R-value varies on the type of material as well as its thickness and density. Insulation materials with low R-values can be layered to match the value of denser materials. As long as your floor insulation is packed tightly, seals the area from drafts, and doesn’t prevent ventilation, it can be as thick (or thin) as you need.

Closed-cell spray foam insulation itself serves as a vapor barrier (or vapor retarder). However, you may need to install a vapor barrier if you have open-cell spray foam insulation. When in doubt, work with a professional insulation contractor, as they can provide more detail about the specific needs of your home in your climate.

A vapor barrier keeps moisture out of the crawl space, while insulation reduces the amount of unconditioned air—and sometimes moisture—that enters the space. Coupling a vapor barrier with insulation can help prevent humidity and related moisture damage in a crawl space while also making your home more energy-efficient. Just be sure to use insulation that won’t get damaged from moisture, like rigid foam board or expanding spray foam insulation.

Hanging a thick blanket over your windows will help to keep the heat inside, but only a little. Covering the glass will also prevent the sunlight from getting in, which might actually decrease the efficiency of your window overall. If you get to the point where you’re hanging blankets over your window to keep warm, call in an expert to seal around your windows to prevent warm air from escaping. They may also recommend replacing old windows that aren’t as insulative as newer window technology. Sealing a window isn’t terribly expensive and can make a big difference.