What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?
- October 7, 2020
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Crawl Space Encapsulation is a process where we use waterproofing materials and vapor barriers to seal the crawl space. After the encapsulation is complete, we install proper ventilation and conditioning methods to create a healthy conditioned crawl space environment.
How Do I Know I Need Crawl Space Encapsulation?
You may need crawl space encapsulation if you are experiencing or seeing any of the following:
- Visible mold growth in the crawl space or right above it
- A mildew/musty smell in the house on hot, humid days
- Soft or separating flooring
- Wet or falling insulation in the crawl space
- Window condensation
- Insect problems
- High cooling costs
- Cold floors in the winter above your crawl space
If you go into your crawl space, you can see if there is standing water, mold, or condensation underneath your home. These are clear indications that you can benefit from crawl space encapsulation.
How Do You Seal My Crawl Space?
Before we encapsulate your crawl space, it is extremely important to remove any water-damaged material from the crawl space floor. Contractors and previous homeowners may have used your crawl space as a trash dump. Any organic material on the floor of a crawl space will foster unhealthy mold growth. Value Dry Waterproofing will remove and dispose of wet insulation and other debris that may be in your crawl space.
Next, we must address any ongoing standing water or water seepage issues. We do this by installing any needed drainage, sump pumps, and battery back-up sump pumps. These will eliminate standing water and manage water seepage during prolonged precipitation.
Once we have addressed drainage issues, we install a crawl space vapor barrier on the crawl space floor and walls. This lowers the condensation capabilities of the earthen floor. The goal is to lock the moisture under the vapor barrier and out of the crawl space.
The next step is sealing any open vents and insulating the walls and band board of the crawl space. We will recommend and utilize several different techniques based on your particular crawl space, budget, and desired outcome.
Last, we must address the ventilation, humidity, and ongoing air quality in the crawl space. This is called crawl space conditioning. We accomplish this by installing ventilation devices such as the EZ Breathe as well as dehumidification devices like the Santa Fe Dehumidifier. We may also deploy additional ductwork or HVAC techniques to condition the space.
Is crawl space encapsulation worth the cost?
It is important to understand that crawl space encapsulation and conditioning is a process. If you leave any of the important steps out you are potentially creating an environment for future issues. Only crawl space encapsulation professionals should be improving your crawl space. Money is often wasted by hastily replacing damaged insulation and plastic, which fails immediately during the next major rain or heat wave. For the very best in crawl space waterproofing, contact our team.
Value Dry will inspect your crawl space and offer our recommendations to improve and condition your crawl space. Give us a call at (888) 768-2583 or fill out the online form and our office will get in contact with you to schedule a free inspection.