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Rigid foam insulation boards are one of the best insulation materials for crawl spaces. This material insulates the home well, resists water damage, and won't settle like fiberglass or cellulose. Closed-cell spray foam insulation is another effective insulation that both seals the air and provides excellent thermal protection for hard-to-reach spaces like crawl spaces.

How to dispose of insulation depends on a few factors, including the condition of the material. While you can simply bag up and throw away many kinds of insulation, some municipalities offer recycling, so it's worth checking with yours. If there are contaminants such as asbestos in your insulation, abatement and specialized disposal are often necessary.

Whether you should remove old insulation before blowing in new insulation depends on your particular situation. Fiberglass insulation attracts insects and mold over time, so if it has been decades since your last insulation upgrade, consider removing the old materials before placing the new ones. However, most types resist mold, insects, and mildew, so once you get the go-ahead from your contractor that your space is free from all three, feel free to install the new insulation directly on top of the pre-existing materials.

The primary downside of radiant barriers is their limited effectiveness in cold climates. They are designed to reflect radiant heat, making them less beneficial in cooler conditions where heat retention is more important. 

Radiant barriers require proper installation to maximize effectiveness. Incorrect placement can lead to minimal benefits. They also do not provide insulation, meaning they should be used in conjunction with traditional insulation for optimal energy efficiency.