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Crawl Space Encapsulation

Why Is Crawl Space Encapsulation Necessary For Your Home?

Posted on June 20, 2022

Crawl areas or Crawl Space Encapsulation are found in roughly 20% of newly constructed homes in the United States. These areas hold your home’s HVAC, electrical, plumbing, gas lines, and irrigation system, among other things.

Moisture-related concerns, such as mold and mildew, are common in homes with open vented crawl areas. These problems might jeopardize the performance and longevity of your HVAC system. Furthermore, water damage can result in costly crawl space repairs. 

Experts recommend crawl space encapsulation to avoid these problems. 

Understanding About Crawl Space Encapsulation

Crawl space encapsulation is a multi-tiered sealing technique designed to keep moisture out of your property. Enclosing your crawl area helps control humidity, which is suitable for the wooden structure supporting your floors. Crawl space encapsulation is guaranteed to manage moisture levels over time successfully. 

Mold, animals, insects, weeds, and wetness can all be found in crawl spaces because they are directly exposed to the earth. Leaving your crawl area exposed is the equivalent of leaving your front door open to the elements. The issues that start in the crawl space eventually spread to your living space. The house may have rodents, and mold and musty air can further degrade indoor air quality. 

Encapsulation and crawl space insulation are often confused, but they’re not the same. You may enclose and insulate your crawl area at the same time. Insulation improves your home’s energy efficiency, but it does not produce a moisture-tight seal that keeps mold at bay. 

Why Is Encapsulating Your Crawl Space Necessary?

Many homeowners believe that the benefits of crawl space encapsulation surpass the cost of doing so, especially when considering the consequences of letting the outside in. 

  • Protects Against Mold and Fungus

An open crawl area attracts moisture, promoting mold and fungus growth. Crawl space encapsulation can help you eliminate the problem and avoid costly and time-consuming mold removal. 

  • Banishes Peaky Pests And Insects

The majority of us don’t want to throw a dinner party for termites, mice, and other pests, but an open crawl space is ideal. Encapsulation keeps insects and creepy crawlies from crawling up your flooring or walls. Yes, those lovely fluffy squirrels can cause a lot of havoc. 

  • Increases The Effectiveness Of Energy Use

Crawl space encapsulation helps you save energy by limiting energy loss, which is especially beneficial if you utilize cell foam insulation. It also eliminates the problem of freezing floors in the winter. Your bare feet will appreciate it. 

  • Healthy Air Quality

Did we mention crawl space encapsulation also purifies the air? 

An encapsulated crawl space could be the answer to your concerns if you’re concerned about the air quality in your home. After installation, the space is clean, healthy, and dry. It also halts the growth of mold. 

  • Removes Bad Odors

Raise your hand if you’ve ever detected a strange odor emanating from your home’s crawl space. If this is the case, it’s not a bad idea to hire a professional to clean out your crawl space as needed before encapsulating it.

The stinky compartment can then be readily sealed to prevent future scents from forming. This is due to its incredible capacity to repel everything, including:

  • Mold
  • Mildew
  • Pests
  • It’s not a problem if there’s no odor!

  • Radiant Heating Can Be Easily Installed

Have you finished encapsulating your crawl space?

If that’s the case, you should know that radiant heating can be easily installed above your crawl space. Although this is costly, it can make your home even more energy-efficient than before. That’s because it can maintain a consistent temperature in each room throughout the year, saving you money on your annual energy bill. 

  • Prevent Structural Damage

Moisture, termites, and other vermin can cause costly structural damage over time. Sealing up beneath your house reduces the risk of flooding and helps to keep your foundation from collapsing.

How To Encapsulate A Crawl Space?

Unless you’re a highly trained professional, crawl space encapsulation isn’t regarded as a DIY project for most people. The majority of people engage a professional to ensure that the job is completed correctly. While the exact methods will vary depending on the space, our encapsulation expert will follow these broad guidelines:

  • Install a vapor barrier over any exposed areas.
  • Install a drainage system to direct standing water or ground moisture away from your home.
  • Close all cracks, holes, and seams in the vapor barrier.
  • Close the vents in your crawl space so that no outside air can get in.
  • Install an exhaust fan, a dehumidifier, or ducts to let air from the rest of your HVAC system circulate through your crawl space.

Depending on the complexity and size of your crawl space, this job might take anywhere from one to two days. 

Encapsulate Your Crawl Space In The Right Way!

Crawl space encapsulation is one of the most significant house improvements you can make today. It’s a simple DIY that can help keep moisture and pests out while preserving the structural integrity and indoor air quality of your home. 

Atlantic Foundation & Crawl Space Repair will answer any inquiries you may have about crawl space maintenance and care. Please don’t hesitate to contact us immediately for a free analysis and quote! We give homeowners peace of mind by ensuring their home’s foundation is safe, secure, and healthy. 

 

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