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Encapsulation: The Do’s and Don’ts of Crawl Space Encapsulation

WRITTEN BY:
Blake Heron
|
Crawl Space Encapsulation in large crawl space
Crawl Space Encapsulation in large crawl space
Home » Encapsulation: The Do’s and Don’ts of Crawl Space Encapsulation

The Do’s and Don’ts of Crawl Space Encapsulation

What Is a Crawl Space?

The crawl space is an area beneath a house that provides access to the home’s foundation, plumbing, and electrical systems. Crawl spaces are usually designed to be just tall enough for a person to crawl through, hence the name. They are typically vented to allow for air circulation and moisture control.

About 20% of all homes in the US have crawl spaces. Crawl spaces can be a source of many issues in a home, including moisture problems, pests, and poor air quality. One solution to these problems is crawl space encapsulation, which involves sealing the crawl space with a vapor barrier and other materials to prevent moisture, pests, and outside air from entering the space.

For crawl space encapsulation services in the greater Hampton Roads, VA / NC region, contact the BAY Crawl Space & Foundation Repair team.

What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Crawl space encapsulation refers explicitly to adding a heavy-duty moisture barrier to the dirt floor of your crawl space, sealed foundation vents, insulated walls, and special crawl space dehumidifiers. It is most effective when you seal the space completely. That said, there are certain do’s and don’ts that homeowners should keep in mind when considering crawl space encapsulation.

Here’s our YouTube video 2015 with over 200,000 views that covers ‘Crawl Space Encapsulation 101: A Beginners Guide’.

What Not to Do When Encapsulating Your Crawl Space

Encapsulating a crawl space can greatly improve your home’s energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Don’t Neglect Proper Ventilation

While it may seem counterintuitive, crawl spaces need proper ventilation to avoid moisture buildup. Ensure your encapsulation system includes special dehumidifiers or other code-approved forms of ventilation to prevent excess moisture from accumulating.

Don’t Use the Wrong Materials

Not all materials are suitable for crawl space encapsulation. Avoid spray foam insulation as it can trap moisture, promote mold growth, and make repairs extremely expensive. Instead, opt for materials such as specialty vapor barriers, dehumidifiers, & insulation boards.

Don’t Skip Pest Control Measures

Crawl spaces can attract pests such as rodents and insects. When encapsulating your crawl space, seal any entrances for pests.

Don’t Overlook Any Moisture Issues

If your crawl space already has moisture issues, they won’t resolve themselves. Proper encapsulation addresses the underlying sources of moisture issues: outside humidity and moisture from the damp soil.

Don’t Encapsulate Without a Sealable Space

While encapsulating your crawl space will help keep it dry, it will not work if there are significant air gaps, allowing outside air to enter the space.

Don’t Forget to Install a Drainage System

Encapsulations do not prevent water entry or flooding under houses. Remember to install a water drainage system that directs the water away.

Don’t Use Fiberglass Between Floor Joists

Avoid using fiberglass as it performs poorly with crawl space insulation. The material soaks moisture, losing its R-value in the process, and also becomes saggy, making it useless for encapsulation.

Don’t Ignore the Value of a Professional Installation

Crawl space encapsulation is a complex process that should be done by a professional with experience in the field. Attempting to encapsulate your crawl space alone can lead to costly mistakes and potential safety hazards. At BAY, we have dozens of unique methods that provide a genuinely superior installation.

What to Do When Encapsulating Your Crawl Space

Crawl space encapsulation can offer numerous benefits for your home. However, following the proper guidelines and techniques when encapsulating your crawl space is important to ensure optimal results.

Get the Area Ready

Before encapsulating the crawl space, make sure the crawl space is cleaned and any mold remediation is performed before the installation. This can help prevent any damage to the encapsulation material and ensure it lasts long. Conduct a safety inspection to ensure your combustion appliances aren’t emitting carbon monoxide that could back-draft into your living space.

Seal All Openings

Sealing all the openings in the crawl space is essential to prevent moisture from seeping in. This includes vents, pipes, floors, walls, siding, cracks, and other openings.

Choose the Right Materials

It’s essential to choose suitable materials for your crawl space encapsulation. Look for durable, moisture-resistant, and mold-resistant materials to ensure optimal results.

Install Proper Drainage

Proper drainage is essential for crawl space encapsulation. Installing a sump pump or a drainage system can help remove water intrusion and prevent water damage.

Work With a Crawl Space Encapsulation Professional

Earlier, we pointed out that DIY encapsulation may be wrong, especially for homeowners with zero training and experience in crawl space encapsulation. A professional brings valuable experience, ensuring the job is done correctly.

How Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Differ From Insulation?

Many homeowners don’t know the difference between crawl space encapsulation and insulation. Crawl space encapsulation works well when dealing with ground moisture and humid air. On the other hand, crawl space insulation is ideal for managing the floor’s temperature.

How Much Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Cost?

The average cost for crawl space encapsulation is about $8,000. The cost may be as high as $20,000, depending on various factors, including the crawl space size, its conditions, and the materials required. of your crawl space. To get affordable crawl space encapsulation services, contact the experts at BAY Crawl today.

What Are the Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Once you’ve completed your home encapsulation project, there are certain clear benefits you can expect to enjoy. These include:

Protection From Mold

One of the issues associated with a damp crawl space is mold and mildew, which can cause specific health problems, including wheezing, coughing, stuffy nose, and itching. When you encapsulate your crawl space, you prevent moisture from building up in this space, which, in turn, prohibits mold growth.

Improved Air Quality

An unencapsulated crawl space can introduce mold, mildew, and other contaminants into your living space. Contaminated air makes your indoor space uncomfortable and could also harm your health. Once you seal the crawl space, you stop this problem.

Avoids Structural Damage

Moisture and pests in your crawl space will lead to structural damage over time because the vapor within the crawl space can rot your home’s wooden frames and flooring. Encapsulation keeps moisture and dangerous pests at bay.

Main Steps to Crawl Space Encapsulation

Crawl space encapsulation involves several essential steps to ensure the space remains dry and moisture-free.

Step 1: Inspection

The first step is to have a professional contractor inspect the crawl space thoroughly. The contractor will check for any issues such as water damage, mold growth, pest infestations, or structural damage. The inspection helps to identify the underlying issues and determine the best course of action.

Step 2: Cleaning and Preparation

An encapsulated crawl space needs to be cleaned and prepared. This includes removing debris, dirt, or obstructions and treating mold or mildew growth. The crawl space may also need to be leveled for uneven surfaces.

Step 3: Sealing

The next step is to seal the crawl space by covering the walls, floors, and other exposed surfaces. This barrier prevents moisture and humidity from entering the space. Solid, durable vent covers are recommended for foundation vents.

Step 4: Insulation

Insulation may be added once the crawl space is sealed to help regulate the temperature and improve energy efficiency. This is particularly important if the crawl space is below a living area. It helps to prevent energy loss through the floor.

Step 5: Dehumidification

A dehumidifier may be installed to help control humidity levels and prevent moisture buildup in the crawl space. The dehumidifier helps to keep the crawl space dry. This is critical in preventing mold growth and preserving the structural integrity of the space.

Why Choose BAY Crawl Space for Crawl Space Encapsulation?

At BAY Crawl Space, we’re committed to providing top-quality crawlspace encapsulation services in VA and NC. Our team of experts has years of experience in crawl space repair and encapsulation. We use only the highest quality materials and equipment for our projects. We also offer competitive pricing and exceptional customer service to ensure complete satisfaction.

Encapsulate Your Crawl Space the Right Way

Of the home upgrades you can invest in today, crawl space encapsulation is one of the most important. It’s an easy project that can go a long way in preserving your home’s structural integrity and indoor air quality. Are you interested in reliable crawl space encapsulation services? Please contact us today.

Voted #1 Experts in Crawl Space Encapsulation

Our award-winning team of experts has hundreds of years of collective experience in crawl space and foundation repair. Here are a few reasons why our customers love us:

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