What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation & Does Your Home Need It?
When was the last time you spent an afternoon daydreaming about crawl space improvements? If we had to guess, we’d probably say never. Crawl space encapsulation just doesn't have the same ring to it as kitchen renovation or bathroom remodel, but its impact on your home will be far greater.
Don’t believe us? Keep reading!
What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?
Crawl space encapsulation seals your crawl space to create a controlled environment. The process can vary slightly depending on the current state of your crawl space, but it typically includes:
Sanitizing the crawl space to eliminate existing issues like pests or mold.
Installing a vapor barrier over the floor and walls to keep moisture out.
Insulating the walls with spray foam to stabilize temperatures and improve energy efficiency.
Adding a dehumidifier to keep moisture in check.
What’s the Purpose of Crawl Space Encapsulation?
The primary goal of crawl space encapsulation is to prevent outside air, moisture, and pests from entering your crawl space. This is a different approach than builders used to take. In older homes (and some new ones) crawl spaces are vented and uninsulated, welcoming outside air and moisture in. Insulation is placed under the floorboards to stop that air and moisture from traveling up into the living spaces above the crawl space. This is a poor design that leads to energy waste, moisture and mold issues, pest infestation, and poor indoor air quality. Encapsulation addresses these problems at the source by completely sealing the crawl space.
Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation
Properly encapsulating your crawl space will benefit your home all year, but especially in the winter when freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your home.
Cheaper Energy Bills
Crawl spaces tend to suck in cold air during the winter and hot, humid air during the summer, sending your heating and AC systems into overdrive. Sealing and insulating your crawl space with encapsulation makes things easier on your HVAC system, saving you money on your bills.
Better Indoor Air Quality
Around half of the air in your home comes in through the crawl space. If yours is damp, moldy, and full of allergens, the air it funnels into your home is contaminated. Crawl space encapsulation keeps air pollutants out so your family can breathe cleaner, healthier air.
Comfort Improvements
Crawl space encapsulation makes your home more comfortable all year round and solves common problems like cold floors in the winter and high humidity during the summer.
Protection Against Frozen Pipes
Encapsulation helps maintain a consistent temperature in your crawl space, reducing the risk of frozen or burst pipes.
Pest Control
Crawl space encapsulation seals off pest entry points, keeping insects and rodents away from your home.
Signs Your Home Needs Crawl Space Encapsulation
Wondering if it’s time to encapsulate your crawl space? Look for these telltale signs:
Cold Floors - Got cold feet? Your crawl space is likely to blame!
High Heating Bills - If your energy bills are out of control and you don’t know why, you probably need better insulation, especially in your crawl space.
Moisture Problems - Standing water, condensation, or a musty smell coming from your crawl space points to excessive humidity that encapsulation can address.
Pest Infestations - If you have a pest control problem, look to your crawl space. You might be welcoming them right into your home.
Ready to Get Started?
Think you could benefit from crawl space encapsulation? Call Sustainergy Cooperative today! We offer free assessments and will help you decide whether crawl space encapsulation will solve the problems you’re experiencing in your home.
We are a local, worker-owned company that provides exceptional workmanship and service. Our technicians are all in-house employees and, with a worker-owner on every job, you can rest assured you’re getting the best possible service because your success is their success!
