Last Updated on July 29, 2022 by
Many houses without basements frequently have crawl areas under the first level. In addition to ranch-style and even large homes without a full-sized basement, this is true of mobile homes. As a result of being hidden, these places frequently receive little attention. Encapsulation is another choice if a basement has a dirt floor.
Unfortunately, many health and safety problems are caused mainly by crawl spaces. Sometimes pests like rats, birds, and other creatures move in. Mold growth and heat loss can be caused by inadequate insulation and ventilation. These unused areas of your home will also collect dust and allergens.
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What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?
Crawl Space Encapsulation’s primary goal is to insulate your crawl area from humidity by erecting a barrier.
In essence, crawl space encapsulation creates a dry barrier between the floor above the crawl space’s dirt floor, its walls, and the ground below. The first step in the procedure is to line the walls and bottom of the crawl area with a reinforced polyethylene vapour barrier.
Ground moisture cannot rise through this barrier and condense on the floor. Then, all vents are sealed to keep humid air out. In order to increase heat resistance, insulation may now be placed on the walls of the crawl space. The crawl space’s moisture is actively removed by installing a dehumidifier.
➔ Know the Cost of Crawl Space Encapsulation
Depending on the contractor, the materials, and the size of the area, crawl space encapsulation can cost anywhere from $0 to over $100,000. The average installation price, according to costhelper, is between $5,000 and $7,000. If you perform the installation yourself, the price may be as low as $2,000, while employing a contractor using the CleanSpace technology could cost as much as $14,000.
It’s crucial to shop around before selecting a contractor. Some contractors might not only charge extra for the same work, but they might also use unsatisfactory materials. Always make sure to read the fine print and inquire about any warranties that cover improper installation. If an issue occurs, this might save thousands of dollars.
➔ Pro Of Crawl Space Encapsulation
1. Prevents Structural Damage
To maintain the long-term stability of your home’s foundation, it is crucial to keep moisture from building up in your crawl space. By keeping the moisture out of your crawl space, you may stop the sogginess from seeping into the dirt around your home’s foundation.
While gutters direct water away from your home’s foundation, a moist crawl space beneath your house can still cause a mess. Crawl space encapsulation can assist in maintaining a stable foundation for your house for many years by preventing moisture from condensing there.
2. Reduces Odors Inside The House
The crawl space of your house is one of the primary sources of obnoxious smell. Crawl space can significantly worsen the foul odor in your home. Your crawl area will need to be cleaned up and fixed as part of the encapsulation course.
After being effectively sealed, your property will no longer be susceptible to odors associated with mold or mildew. Due to the requirement to make the space underneath your home germ-free, you may notice the aroma of cleansers like bleach in the first few days following the treatment.
3. Additional Storage Space
You establish a dry, sanitary environment when you enclose your crawl space. It becomes a clean, safe area without the risk of pest infestation or significant seasonal changes in humidity. You can also utilize your newly created space as a storage room, which will be simpler if it has a door or other easy access point.
4. You Can Install A Healthy Heating System For Your Floor.
After the crawl space encapsulation is complete, you have the choice to put in a reliable heating system for the floor above that region. Despite the cost increase associated with this benefit, the system gives your asset a new degree of energy competence that aids in maintaining each area at a more consistent temperature.
5. Reduces Total Heating Costs
Even though installing a crawl space encapsulation system is more expensive than simply leaving it as is, the sealing procedure will eventually help you save money on heating and cooling.
When you leave the space conserved, it will create cushioning to protect the heat from your contained space from the cooler floor below. Maintaining a chiller component in the basement of your home will aid in cooling down the entire structure during the summer.
➔ Cons Of Crawl Space Encapsulation
1. Regular Servicing Of The Dehumidifier
Installing a manual dehumidifier instead of an automatic one is one approach to save money on a system. Your freshly installed crawl space encapsulation system may require maintenance every 72 hours to function effectively.
2. Adequate Maintenance
Installing an encapsulating system in your crawl space necessitates extra year-round protection and inspection. The price is determined by the level of features you selected throughout the setup procedure.
The sealing benefits of this product might not be able to meet your expectations or provide you with the anticipated return on your investment if you don’t live in a location with a lot of rain or moisture.
3. Upgrade Your HVAC System
When a crawl space encapsulation is put in, the amount of air that can move through the house will be constrained. Even while it helps your home be more energy-efficient, an outdated combustion-based heating system might not be able to acquire enough oxygen to function correctly.
To ensure that the temperature levels in your home remain comfortable and steady, this means that you might need to upgrade your HVAC system.
4. Does Not Make It Easier To Store Volatile Material
Although the base of your crawl space is padded, it is not advisable to put anything flammable. Gasoline, solvents, and chemical cleansers must all be stored in your garage due to the unpredictability of their flammability.
Crawl space encapsulation won’t be a good return on investment or cost-effective if your extra space is used to store these things.
The Bottom Line!
Your property can be preserved and improved quickly and easily with crawl space encapsulation. Encapsulation increases a home’s value while improving energy efficiency and protecting it from humidity-related issues like rot and mildew. Boosting the house’s comfort and safety also increases the residents’ quality of life.
Crawl space encapsulation has several advantages, but they also depend on your tastes. This element might also matter to you if you reside in a region with oppressively hot summers, like Raleigh, North Carolina. If you live in this region, then contact Atlantic Foundation & Crawl Space Repair to improve your property. Call our experts at 919-364-0747 for a free consultation.
