For many homeowners, crawl spaces are one of the most ignored areas in their homes. However, they are one of the most important parts of your home as a large portion of the air that you breathe in flows through your crawl space. So, if your crawl space is not encapsulated, the air circulating your home may be excessively humid or affected by mold. The most effective solution is crawl space encapsulation.
This article will explain crawl space encapsulation as well as the costs and benefits.
What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?
The process of crawl space encapsulation involves sealing your crawl space with a thick, heavy-duty polyethylene vapor barrier. This layer works as a protective barrier to prevent water damage. Ultimately, you will begin noticing a great difference in your indoor environment after crawl space encapsulation and observe no mold growth with a strengthened foundation.
How Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Work?
Crawl space encapsulation starts with a thorough assessment of your crawl space to identify the source of any water. Next, we seal your space with the vapor barrier. To maintain a dry space, we recommend installing a dehumidifier to reduce and control moisture content in your crawl space. As a result, you create an energy-efficient environment in your home and maintain its structural integrity.
Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation
It’s easy to overlook your crawl space, but it may be home to unwanted pests, mold growth, and moisture issues. Once you understand the root cause of the problem and get expert repair services, you’ll enjoy the following benefits in your home.
- Moisture Control and Reduction
Moisture in your crawl space is common, but excessive moisture can compromise your home in many ways. If your crawl space stores your home’s ductwork, electrical wiring system, or insulating devices, they may be damaged due to the space’s high moisture content. When you encapsulate your crawl space, the protective barrier prevents water from damaging all of these components. - Healthy Air Quality
Your crawl space greatly affects your home’s air quality. More than 50% of the air you breathe indoors comes through your crawl space. If you have a dry crawl space, mold spores are less likely to travel into your home because mold only flourishes in a damp environment. Moreover, you and your family are less likely to suffer from chronic breathing issues or allergic reactions after crawl space encapsulation. - Pest Prevention
If you are dealing with pests and rodents in your living space, they may be infiltrating your home through your crawl space. Crawl space encapsulation is your best pest control solution, as it reduces moisture levels and seals off the space. - Elimination of Any Odors
If you notice a bad odor coming from your crawl space, it may be invaded because of rotting wood, standing water, mold, or mildew due to crawl space moisture. Crawl space encapsulation easily fixes moisture problems in your crawl space area. When your crawl space is clean and dry, you don’t have to worry about excessive humidity, pests, or mold infestation. This will prevent strong odors from lingering in your home. - Longevity of The Flooring
If your floor is made of wood, a damp crawl space may damage the wooden floorboards. Encapsulating your crawl space prevents water damage and wood rot and helps protect your home’s flooring. The barrier will also increase your floor’s lifespan by protecting it from moisture. - Foundation Protection
Encapsulation prevents moisture intrusion and reduces the risk of foundation settling and crack formation. A wet crawl space can hamper your home’s load-bearing capacity. If you delay repairs in your crawl space, you are compromising your home’s structural integrity. A blend of moisture buildup, mold growth, and pest infestation weakens your home’s piers and foundation, whether they are made of wood, metal, or concrete. Encapsulating your crawl space helps you protect your home’s structural integrity. - Mold Growth Reduction
A stuffy crawl space is a perfect spot for mold to grow. Mold spreads faster in a moist environment and may cause foul, musty odors to infiltrate your home. A combination of encapsulation and dehumidification helps to reduce the chance of any mold growing in your home.
Before and After Crawl Space Encapsulation Photos
Are you noticing standing water or visible signs of mold growth when you open your crawl space vent covers? Then, these are clear signs indicating a need for crawl space encapsulation. In this case, call professionals from American Eagle Professional Services Inc. right away for an inspection. We will inspect your crawl space at no cost and provide you with the necessary solutions and recommendations to revive it.
After inspecting your crawl area thoroughly, our technicians use the right procedures to protect your crawl space by all means with a detailed process as mentioned below:
Step 1: Prepare your crawl space
After inspecting your crawl space, we identify the source of any moisture issues and recommend the most appropriate solution. This may involve encapsulation, drainage systems, insulation, or a dehumidifier.
Step 2: Install a vapor barrier
After inspection, we secure the area with a vapor barrier on the walls and floor. We ensure that all cracks, gaps, and holes are properly sealed with a strong, waterproof barrier.
Step 3: Install crawl space dehumidifiers
Our final step involves installing a dehumidifier to balance humidity levels in your crawl space and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
These before-and-after pics demonstrate how American Eagle Professional Services Inc. transforms your dirty, wet crawl space into a clean, dry part of your home.
Before: Dirty crawl space with signs of moisture issues.
After: A clean, dry crawl space after encapsulation
Who Does Crawl Space Encapsulation?
If you try DIY measures to encapsulate your crawl space, you may save a few dollars. However, without the right materials or experience, you may end up worsening the problem and making it more expensive to repair. On top of that, your DIY solutions may just be temporary. Contact American Eagle Professional Services Inc. for top-notch service from our trained professionals who implement long-lasting crawl space encapsulation services.
Cost To Encapsulate Crawl Space
Typically, repair and encapsulation of your crawl space can range between $3500 – $35000. All the associated costs depend on various factors such as:
- Your home’s size
- Crawl space conditions
- Thickness of the vapor barrier
- Layers of vapor barrier required
- The materials used
- The extent of the water damage
- Accessibility of the crawl space
Conclusion
To protect your home and maintain your indoor air quality, don’t ignore your crawl space. Instead, schedule a free inspection with us if you notice any damage in the area. Our experts from American Eagle Professional Services Inc. are here to provide long-term solutions. Call us at 1 (410) 263-9682 or visit 605 Main Street, Suite 204, Stevensville, MD 21666, to start your home improvement project today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
After encapsulating your crawl space, the crawl space will be clean and dry long term. This will prevent mold or pests, as well as water seepage or standing water.
Crawl space encapsulation is necessary if you are facing severe moisture issues, and sealing it will definitely add value to your home.
When you encapsulate your crawl space, you create a dry space, improve your home’s indoor air quality, and ensure that your home is not at risk of water damage. As a result, your home’s value increases significantly, and heating and cooling costs are also reduced.
Crawl space encapsulation lasts for around 15 years with proper maintenance. However, if the job is done right and premium materials are used, the lifespan of your crawl space can increase by up to 20 years.
Crawl space encapsulation is worth the upfront cost long term. You not only get a dry space but also prevent severe structural damage or mold remediation costs in the future.
