Encapsulation protects your home from moisture damage, allowing for clean air, better temperature control, no pests, and a healthier foundation.
A properly sealed crawl space will also help keep radon gas out of your home. This is especially important in some regions of the country.
Cost
Crawlspace encapsulation costs vary depending on the size and condition of your crawl space, as well as the quality of the materials and labor. It also depends on whether you add items like sump pumps and dehumidifiers.
Calculating the encapsulation cost before you start can be challenging, so asking your contractor a few questions is essential. You’ll want to know if they itemize their bids and whether they offer to finance.
Another critical question is if they can inspect your crawl space before they start. Many communities require this to ensure their work won’t affect their home’s structure.
Once your crawl space is encapsulated, you’ll enjoy several benefits. These include a more comfortable living environment, lower utility bills, and increased home value. Plus, encapsulation can improve your home’s air quality by preventing mold spores’ circulation.
Benefits
Crawl spaces are a common feature of many homes that lack basements. This includes mobile homes, ranch-style homes, and even large houses with full basements.
Without encapsulation, these areas become sources of health and safety issues. Water damage, pest infestations, and mold growth are among the most common problems.
The benefits of encapsulation include improved air quality, energy efficiency, and a reduced risk of mold and mildew. This will improve your family’s health and add value to your home.
Crawl space encapsulation seals the entire crawl space from the outside air and moisture. This is done by installing a plastic vapor barrier over the crawl space walls and dirt floors. A commercial-grade dehumidifier is also installed to control humidity.
Preparation
According to restoration 1 of Clinton Township experts, professional crawlspace encapsulation is a process that involves sealing the walls and floors of your crawl space with a specialized insulating material. This ensures that moisture cannot accumulate in the area and that mold won’t grow.
It also helps protect the structure of your home from structural damage and prevents pest infestation. It also improves air quality and reduces energy costs.
The first step is to prepare your crawl space by removing any debris or items that may interfere with the encapsulation process. This can include repairing damaged insulation, scrubbing the floor, and removing dirt or mold.
Next, the area will be covered in a heavy-duty polyethylene vapor barrier. This vapor barrier is typically made to fit around any pipes or utility penetrations that may have been installed. Cutting slits in the vapor barrier is a good idea to make working in these tight areas more accessible. This can save time and effort during the encapsulation process.
Installation
If you’re a homeowner, you know that crawl spaces can be problematic. They’re prone to mold and mildew growth, affecting your health. They can also be a breeding ground for pests.
But encapsulating your crawl space is an effective way to keep your home healthy and comfortable. In addition, it can prevent the spreading of diseases like mold, mildew, and fungus.
It can also help you save on your energy bills. The restoration 1 of Clinton Township process includes sealing your crawl space with a vapor barrier, fiberglass, or spray foam insulation.
Once all that’s done, a thicker plastic liner is installed to seal off the vents and other places where air can enter. This is usually 12 to 20 millimeters thick with a polyester-cored reinforcement that’s more durable than the vapor barrier.
The entire process should be completed in a single day. You can then enjoy the benefits of dry and sanitary crawl space for years.