Crawl space encapsulation is a process of lining your crawl space with heavy-duty polyethylene Polyethylene or polythene (abbreviated PE; IUPAC name polyethene or poly(methylene)) is the most common plastic. As of 2017, over 100 million tonnes of polyethylene resins are produced annually, accounting for 34% of the total plastics market. Its primary use is in packaging. Many kin…Polyethylene
Is crawlspace encapsulation really worth the cost?
Yes, it is worth and you will not regret. You can protect your crawl space from damages and health hazards, thus making it a very useful space for households. Together with crawl space insulation and vapor barrier installation, Crawl Space Encapsulation has continuously become popular in the past few years.
What are the benefits of Crawlspace encapsulation?
Like Crawl Space Insulation Installation Knoxville, a dehumidifier will help lessen the cost of energy bills. A dehumidifier will create a controlled environment within the home’s crawl space, letting one keep their house at the required temperature.
Which insulation is best for crawl spaces?
What is the Best Insulation for a Crawl Space?
- Unfaced Insulation. Unfaced insulation is similar to faced insulation, only that it doesn’t have a paper vapor barrier attached.
- Blown Insulation. Using blown insulation isn’t recommended in a crawl space simply because it’s very difficult to do. ...
- Spray Foam Insulation. ...
- Foam Pad Insulation. ...
Does crawl space encapsulation increase your home's value?
Crawl space encapsulation increases a home's value and helps sell your home faster. Your home is worth more since encapsulation lowers energy bills and prevents mold, wood rot, and foundational damage. Plus, you need a clean, dry, and safe crawl space to pass a home inspection.
Is crawl space encapsulation worth the cost?
Crawl space encapsulation cost is not cheap but is worth the money, effort, and time. You will save money on your energy bills, decrease pest infestation and build-up of mold and mildew, and protect the foundation of your home for many years to come.
When should a crawl space be encapsulated?
The goal of encapsulation is to maintain relative humidity below 60% in the crawl space regardless of the outdoor humidity. With a dehumidifier, humidity levels are routinely less than 50% which is more hygienic and ensures the structure's longevity.
How long does crawl space encapsulation last?
between 15 and 20 yearsGenerally speaking, most companies will offer a warranty of between 15 and 20 years for a typical crawlspace encapsulation project. However, if the humidity levels are controlled and no catastrophic events such as flooding occur, a properly encapsulated crawlspace can last for more than 20 years.
What are the pros and cons of crawl space encapsulation?
If you're on the fence about it, here are some crawlspace encapsulation pros and cons to consider.Pro: Prevent Pests from Entering Your Home. ... Pro: Reduce Moisture in Your Crawlspace. ... Pro: Increase Energy Efficiency. ... Pro: Add Storage Space. ... Con: The Cost. ... Con: More Maintenance. ... Con: Potential HVAC Upgrade. ... Con: Lack of Storage.More items...
What are the cons of encapsulating a crawl space?
Cons of Crawl Space EncapsulationUpfront Investment. According to Home Advisor, the average homeowner can expect to pay $5,500 to install this system. ... Cost of Foundation Wall Insulation. ... Additional Maintenance. ... Might Need To Upgrade Your HVAC System.
Can mold grow in encapsulated crawl space?
Traditional crawl spaces are a leading source of mold in homes which causes poor indoor air quality, and can be linked to asthma, allergies, and health issues. Without encapsulation, moisture, odors, mold spores, and pests can enter your home.
Does an encapsulated crawl space need a dehumidifier?
Every encapsulated crawlspace needs a drying mechanism. Our favorite is a dehumidifier (we'll explore why in just a moment), but it's common for contractors to dry your crawlspace using the "supply air" method.
Is sealing a crawl space a good idea?
Yes, you should. All crawl spaces should be completely sealed and isolated from moisture in the air and from the ground.
Does encapsulating a crawl space increase home value?
Encapsulating the crawl space helps control moisture and ultimately increases your home's value. While not as fancy as other home improvements, crawl space encapsulation is essential for your home. You can't put a price on some of the benefits that will accrue from it.
Why you shouldn't encapsulate your crawl space?
An un-encapsulated crawl space can introduce mold, mildew, and other contaminants into your living space. Contaminated air does not only make your indoor space uncomfortable to stay in but could also be harmful to your health.
Is encapsulation worth the money?
Crawl space encapsulation can improve your home's energy efficiency up to as much as 20 percent, and with skyrocketing utility costs, that's good news for all homeowners. Using less energy also reduces the home's carbon footprint.
Should a crawl space be sealed or vented?
Because much of the air you breathe in your home comes directly from your crawl space, most contractors today agree that the crawl space should be treated as part of your living area—in other words, it should be sealed, insulated and kept free of moisture.
What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation and Do You Need It?
If your house is built over a crawl space, you probably prefer not to think about what’s going on down there. Crawl spaces tend to be dank, dirty spaces with lots of creepy crawlies and pests. But what if we told you there’s a way you can not only make your crawl space a clean, dry area, but also improve your home’s air quality in the process?
What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?
If your house is built over a crawl space, it may be affecting your home more than you realize. As much as 50 percent of the air in your home can come from your crawl space. So if that crawl space is filled with black mold spores and mildew, your family’s health could be at risk.
How It Works
The first step in encapsulating your crawl space is cleaning the area out. This may involve some pest removal, depending on your situation, or it may mean sweeping the space out and removing any debris that may be lurking down there.
Benefits of Creating a Vapor Barrier
As we mentioned, one of the primary benefits of crawl space encapsulation is that you can improve the air quality in your home. Mold and mildew can pose serious health hazards. Just as you wouldn’t allow a leaky sink to continue running in your home, you shouldn’t allow moisture to build up in your crawl space.
Sealing vs. Full Encapsulation
You may hear the terms “crawl space encapsulation” and “crawl space sealing” used interchangeably. But there is a difference between the two; crawl space sealing is not as thorough as encapsulation.
Who Should Encapsulate
It’s not a bad idea for anyone whose home has a crawl space to encapsulate it. The pest prevention alone makes it worth it, and the increased energy efficiency will pay for the cost of the installation over a few years.
Can You DIY?
You may be wondering if crawl space encapsulation is as simple as just taping some plastic to the walls, can you do it yourself? You certainly can DIY a crawl space encapsulation, but it’s not something we’d recommend. The job isn’t a fun one, and it’s worth paying the professionals to handle it.
How to get an encapsulated crawl space?
The first step of getting an encapsulated crawl space is finding the right company for the job. You’ll want someone with experience that offers quality services you know you can trust.
Why is a vented crawl space good?
Keeps Your Home Comfortable. The air in a vented crawl space can be damp and musty. If this air gets into your home, your entire house can feel humid and smelly. Since encapsulating your crawl space conditions this air, it also keeps your home more comfortable.
Why is encapsulation important?
That’s why encapsulation is so important. When you encapsulate your crawl space, you create an air-tight barrier between your home and the open space beneath it. This prevents the passage of air between your home and the crawl space, and it also keeps the crawl space dry and clean. Encapsulating your crawl space can benefit your home in a number ...
What are the pests that live in crawl spaces?
Your crawl space is an attractive home for pests, such as rats or insects. Once these pests get into your crawl space, they can find a way into your home as well.
How tall is a crawl space?
This space is usually about one to three feet tall, and it holds all those things that would normally go in a basement, such as electrical work, plumbing, the HVAC system, insulation, etc. But if you don’t maintain it, this space can also fill up with moisture and mold. The air in your crawl space then flows into your home, carrying mold spores, ...
What happens if you ignore a crawl space?
Your crawl space might be out of sight, but if you ignore it for too long, it can fill up with moisture, mold, and all manner of unpleasant things. If you aren’t careful, these things can get into your home, too. An Encapsulated Crawl Space keeps these problems from happening.
Can you turn off HVAC when you encapsulate a crawl space?
This means your spending extra money on energy costs. When you encapsulate your crawl space, you can turn your HVAC system off more often. Because of this, you’ll save money at the end of every month.
Cons of an Open Crawl Space
A crawl space is a vacant area that lies just underneath the first floor of your house and the ground that your house sits on. Crawl spaces are between 1 to 3 feet in height, which is why it is called a crawl space- there’s no room for walking.
How to Seal a Crawl Space
Some crawl spaces aren’t ready to be encapsulated. Before you opt in, here are some things to be aware of:
Poor Drainage Around the Foundation
An inadequate drainage system allows water to keep seeping into your crawlspace. If you see standing water near your crawl space, contact a structural engineer or drainage company before pursuing encapsulation.
Mold Growth
If you have mold growing in your crawl space or HVAC equipment, you’ll need to clean it up before an encapsulation project traps it under your house.
Add a CleanSpace Vapor Barrier
Attaching a vapor barrier will help to keep moisture out of your crawl space and mildew or mold growth off its surface.
Air Seal Any Gaps and Cracks
Seal off any remaining gaps and cracks with spray foam, whether it be AC drain line runs, plumbing penetrations, wiring, etc.
Benefits of Sealing a Crawl Space
Once your home encapsulation project has been completed, you’ll be able to enjoy benefits such as:
Why is crawl space encapsulation important?
Of the home upgrades that you can invest in today, crawl space encapsulation is one of the most important. It’s an easy project that can go a long way in keeping moisture and pests out while preserving your home’s structural integrity and indoor air quality.
What causes a damp crawl space?
As we’ve mentioned before, one of the issues associated with a damp crawl space is mold and mildew. Mold exposure can cause certain health problems, including wheezing, coughing, stuffy nose, itching, and so on.
Why does fiberglass sag?
That makes it useless as an encapsulation material. Fiberglass also sags due to the weight of the water, opening holes in the encapsulation blanket. Even worse, fiberglass batches are typically held together using a urea-based adhesive.
What percentage of new homes have crawl spaces?
About 20 percent of all newly built homes in the U.S. have crawl spaces. These spaces play many roles in the house, housing the HVAC, electrical, plumbing, gas lines, and irrigation system of your home.
Can a damp crawl space cause mold?
A damp crawl space will most likely have mold growth issues as well. Inspect the floor joists and HVAC equipment for any signs of mold growth. Deal with the mold before you begin the actual encapsulation project.
Is crawl space insulation good for cold floors?
On the other hand, crawl space insulation is ideal only to help with cold floors .
Does encapsulating a crawl space work?
While encapsulating your crawl space will help keep it dry, it will not work if there are large air gaps, allowing outside air to enter the space. Whether you’re performing a crawl space encapsulation, it is critical to seal out the outside air sources to allow the dehumidifier to condition the air below.
What is encapsulation in crawl space?
Encapsulation is a method where you completely seal the crawl space with a polythene barrier and sealing tape. Encapsulation involves removing all debris and sharp rocks, sealing all vents and doors and insulating with a thick plastic layer. The encapsulation method is best combined with a dehumidifier to regulate the moisture level.
How much does it cost to encapsulate a crawl space?
However, that depends entirely on you – your budget, the products you use and the contractor you hire. The cost of crawl space encapsulation can range anything from a thousand dollars to ten thousand dollars. If you have wires and piping running through the crawl space – which most ...
What happens if you have too much moisture in your crawl space?
Excessive moisture in the crawlspace can cause a nuisance of mold, fungi, termites, and rats. The vapor enters the crawlspace from the ground. The vapor then moves up from the crawlspace into the house.
Why is crawl space bad?
The problem with a crawl space is that it can easily get dirty and damp. Excessive moisture in the crawlspace can cause a nuisance of mold, fungi, termites, and rats.
How tall is a crawl space?
The height of the crawl space can be anything from 1 to 3 feet, which as the name signifies is just as big for someone to crawl. So basically a crawlspace is a subbasement, that is a vertically small underground space located under ...
Can you break a capsule after encapsulation?
Also, if you have wires and piping and other such substructures in the encapsulation, anytime you need to access those substructures, you will essentially break the capsule. So we can say it that those substructures have restricted access after encapsulation and accessing them becomes slightly expensive.
Can encapsulation reduce heating costs?
While you might have to shell out for the encapsulation, you will land up saving in the long run as it can reduce your heating costs. Despite the recommendation, having read the pros and cons for yourself, you are now in the best position to make an informed decision for your home.
What is crawl space encapsulation?
This is a process that builds a barrier under your home that helps prevent moisture from infiltrating your crawlspace. Encapsulation is done by coating ...
Why do we encapsulate crawl space?
Your utility bills are through the roof. If you have a hard time heating and cooling your home well, encapsulating your crawl space is a good move. This is why many wintery areas have encapsulated crawl spaces. It can help reduce the cost of living in areas like Texas. The house’s radon alarm went off several times.
Why do crawl spaces smell?
Foul Odors. Because moisture tends to get trapped in encapsulated crawl spaces, there’s a good chance that you might end up getting trace amounts of mold from time to time. Many people note that encapsulated crawl spaces have a tendency of smelling slightly musty or acrid after rainfalls.
Why do you need encapsulation for radon?
People who have radon alarms that regularly go off should consider getting encapsulation, simply because it can help them avoid cancer in the future.
Why do pests live in crawl spaces?
Most pests that live in crawl spaces do so because they love the access to dirt that’s shielded away from the sun. It makes it easier to dig holes, and at times, can also provide access to vegetation. By blocking off access to the ground itself, you are able to reduce the number of pests that decide to call your home theirs as well.
Is a crawl space dangerous?
A crawl space is one of the coolest parts of a home if you’re a kid, but also if you’re a fan of efficient storage. Unfortunately, they also can be a pretty dangerous part of your home, especially if not well-maintained. If you’ve been thinking about crawl space encapsulation, there are a lot of pros and cons to consider before you call ...
Can you store stuff in a crawl space?
You don’t store much under your home. Admittedly, storing stuff in a crawl space is generally relegated to some lawn equipment—if even that. Though encapsulation can help with some things, it can make storing things a little bit annoying at times. It all depends on the crawl space, though!
Why Does Crawlspace Encapsulation Add Value To A Home?
If you want to know why this project is so popular, hang tight. Most people will find a lot of value from a crawlspace encapsulation. Here’s why this project is increasingly requested by homeowners:
Is Crawlspace Encapsulation In High Demand Among Buyers?
One of the biggest reasons why people tend to do home improvement projects while they are trying to sell their homes is because it bolsters the demand for their homes. After all, if you live in a place that has a lower demand, you’re going to find yourself having to compete for buyers.
Related Questions
Crawlspace encapsulation is one of those projects that is often deceptively short in terms of time frame. It only takes a day for most crawlspaces to get encapsulated. If you have a particularly large crawlspace, then you should expect it to take a total of two days. This is true for both DIY and professional encapsulation installations.
