Sealing Crawlspaces Promotes Safety and Better IAQ

Crawl space encapsulation is an extremely effective solution for preserving moisture control, cleaner indoor air, and protecting a dwelling's structure and foundation. While it is a significant part of any home that has one, the crawl space is one area that can often go overlooked for long periods and can become a thriving haven for mold, insects, and excessive moisture, which can mean potentially costly repairs down the line if left unchecked. Homeowners who choose encapsulation have a cleaner, more efficient, and durable dwelling that can also lower energy costs.

What is Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Crawl space encapsulation is a technique for closing off a home's crawl space to exterior sources to create a safe, dry environment. Involving a heavy-duty vapor barrier installed over walls and flooring, vent closing, and sometimes a dehumidifier for moisture level control, its function is to inhibit water intrusion, mitigate moisture, and destroy mold-promoting and wood-rot conducive conditions. An encapsulated crawl space is no longer a wet, mold-ridden zone but a level, dry base that protects a home's foundation. Professional cleaning and sealing of a crawl space allows homeowners to enjoy cleaner interior environments free of potential pests, microbes, and moisture intrusion.

Why Your Home Needs Crawl Space Encapsulation

If your residence features a vented crawl space, it can be susceptible to problems with moisture. Wood in wet crawl spaces absorbs moisture, undermining the integrity of supporting structures. High humidity also fosters mold, and these spores can move into living areas via the stack effect. When warm air rises and is drawn into living spaces, these spores can cling to organic materials or HVAC ducts and spread. Consider crawl space encapsulation when you notice signs like musty odors, especially cold floors in the winter, elevated energy bills in warm or cold months, standing water in the crawl space, or evidence of pest invasion. By encapsulating a crawl space, homeowners have a long-term solution for safeguarding their investment while improving comfort and efficiency.

How Professionals Encapsulate a Crawl Space

Restoration experts have a purposeful, sequential strategy for encapsulating a crawl space to improve indoor air quality, control moisture, and keep potential pests at bay. The work entails:

  • Examining the space for existing moisture issues, foundation cracks, and crawl space drainage. They watch for humidity and identify any work that needs to be conducted in preparation for encapsulation.
  • Installing a high-performance, thick, high-molecular-weight polyethylene liner over the floor and walls, with adhesive and mechanical fasteners to keep it in place.
  • Adding rigid foam insulation to crawl space walls for improved energy efficiency and temperature retainment.
  • Inspecting for seal failure after encapsulation and recommending a dry crawl space maintenance plan.

crawl space under home

Crawl space encapsulation is a well-considered investment in your home's longevity, efficiency, and a healthier indoor environment. Does your crawl space have moisture problems? Allow AdvantaClean to provide your home with professional crawl space encapsulation.

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