Crawl space encapsulation stands out as a necessity for many property owners, but just how long can you expect an encapsulation to last? The good news is, with proper installation and materials, encapsulated crawl spaces can remain in good condition for up to 25 years or more.
In this blog post, we’ll review the crawl space encapsulation process, the benefits of encapsulating your home’s crawl space, signs you might need the area encapsulated, and more.
What’s Involved in Crawl Space Encapsulation?
Below is a list of what you can expect during crawl space encapsulation:
- Removal of existing water: If standing water or excessive moisture is present in your crawl space, your foundation team will begin the encapsulation process by removing it entirely.
- Structural repairs: If you had excessive moisture or standing water in your crawl space, the odds are that you also have some structural damage. Before proceeding with encapsulation, an experienced crawl space team will repair or replace any structural supports that need it.
- Vent Sealing: Before encapsulating your crawl space, a professional crawl space team should seal your vents to prevent air from getting in.
- Complete lining: After removing existing water and performing structural repairs, your foundation team will install a vapor barrier lining. This lining will create a complete seal between your crawl space and the outside world, preventing moisture intrusion into the area.
- Dehumidification: After encapsulation, the final step involves installing a dehumidification system. This system ensures that moisture never becomes an issue inside your crawl space.
Advantages of Encapsulating Your Crawl Space
For the entirety of your encapsulation’s lifespan, you can expect it to deliver the following advantages:
- Moisture control: Immediately following crawl space encapsulation, you’ll notice that the vapor barrier provides waterproofing and prevents moisture from entering your crawl space.
- Reduced mold and mildew: When moisture accumulates freely in your crawl space, it encourages the growth of mold and mildew. Encapsulation is one of the best ways to get rid of moisture and the damaging mold and mildew it causes to grow.
- Better air quality: After encapsulating your crawl space, you’ll notice that the air quality inside the crawl space and your home is much better. The encapsulation process prevents moisture and foul air from entering from outside.
- Pest prevention: The vapor barrier included in your encapsulation service keeps out moisture. Simultaneously, it makes it nearly impossible for unwanted insects and animals to enter your crawl space.
- Improved energy efficiency: An un-encapsulated crawl space is open to the elements. By contrast, a sealed crawl space has protection from the outside. This protection keeps your HVAC units running properly and efficiently. This allows them to work less hard and save you money in the long run.
- Long-term structural integrity: Crawl space encapsulation also protects the structural elements in your foundation area because it keeps the moisture level in the crawl space down and prevents pests. This protection allows those elements to avoid damage and last longer.
- More storage space: Once your crawl space has become encapsulated, you’ll find it a safe and dry place. This makes your crawl space the perfect storage area for your less valuable belongings.
Signs You Need Crawl Space Encapsulation
Below are some of the crawl space indicators that show encapsulation is necessary:
- Excessive moisture
- Standing water
- Water damage your home’s structures
- Water damage to your stored belongings
- Pests in your crawl space
- HVAC inefficiencies
- Growths of mold and mildew
It is crucial to note that anyone can benefit from encapsulating their crawl space. However, if you notice any of the signs above, there is an excellent chance that your crawl space needs encapsulation more than others.
How Do Crawl Spaces Become Damp?
- Poor grading around your foundation
- Faulty drainage systems
- Lack of drainage
- Water below the soil surface
- Open vents
- Leaky plumbing
- Clogged gutters
- Downspout extensions that are too short
How Much Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Cost?
The total cost of a crawl space encapsulation service varies depending on the size of your crawl space and other factors.
Other Ways to Enhance Your Crawl Space
Encapsulation is not the only way that you can improve your crawl space. You can employ many methods to keep your foundation area in the ideal condition. For example, if your crawl space includes vents, it is helpful to close them. This is often a stage of encapsulation, but if you don’t want full-encapsulation, closing vents is an excellent idea. Open vents allow outside air in, which usually leads to moisture issues.
Likewise, dehumidification is another way to improve your crawl space, but it is an option for those receiving crawl space encapsulation or who have already had it. These systems allow you to set and maintain the ideal relative humidity level, and they are the last step in many encapsulation services.
It is also helpful to improve your crawl space drainage system. Including an interior or exterior drain tile are both ways to help keep your foundation dry. These and other drainage systems help collect and convey water away from your home.
Lastly, you should make sure that your gutters and downspouts are intact. A clogged gutter can drop water directly onto your foundation area. The same applies if your downspouts lack extensions that move the water well away from your home. You should also ensure that the land around your home has a distinct slope away from your foundation to prevent puddling.
Get Your Crawl Space Encapsulated by a Pro
Crawl space encapsulation is not something you can take care of alone. Instead, finding a foundation professional you can trust is important.
Regional Foundation & Crawl Space Repair is the ideal team to call for any crawl space encapsulation concerns for anyone living in the Eastern North Carolina area. Contact us today to learn more about what we can offer.
