Crawl Space Encapsulation

So You Wanted To Know: Crawl Space Encapsulation

So you wanted to learn about crawl space encapsulation? Well read on! Crawl Spaces are typically vented to remove moisture through evaporation; groundwater, rainwater, and condensate enter the crawl space and, under the right conditions, eventually dry and waft out the vents. It’s a fairly effective way to deal with a part of the house that is prone to dampness.

However, vented crawl spaces are also a liability, as they allow access to pests, encourage mold growth, and diminish a home’s energy efficiency. That’s why sealed, continuously dry crawl spaces are now considered more effective and are gaining popularity.

 

Crawl Space Encapsulation

One method of sealing a crawl space is by encapsulation; lining the floor as well as the foundation walls with overlapping sheets of heavy polyethylene plastic.

Additional strategies including insulating the foundation walls and using the existing HVAC system to heat and cool the crawl space to the same temperature as the rest of the house—will further increase the effectiveness of crawl space encapsulation.  Ultimately, the result will be a dry crawl space, along with the following benefits:

1. Improved Structural Integrity

Of course, wet soil can undermine your foundation, which is why gutter systems are designed to channel water as far away from the home as possible. However, gutter systems are pointless if the crawl space is perpetually wet.

By keeping the soil supporting your foundation dry, crawl space encapsulation can prevent extensive and expensive structural problems further down the road.

2. Increased Comfort Levels and Energy Savings

Encapsulating along with insulating and air conditioning your crawl space may produce dramatic energy savings. Even crawl space encapsulation alone should create a noticeable difference.

It’s harder to cool your home in the summer, for example, if the space beneath your floor is full of hot, humid air; after outside air is banished from the crawl space, your HVAC system should be able to work more efficiently and provide more uniform temperatures throughout the house in any season.

3. Fewer Incursions by Mold and Pests

When it comes to organisms colonizing and thriving in a wet crawl space, mold and mildew are two of the chief concerns; once established in the crawl space, they can spread throughout the house, encourage wood rot, and be difficult to eradicate.

Termites, which love damp wood, aren’t far behind in terms of the whole-house damage they can wreak. Plenty of other insects and rodents are attracted to dark, moist places that are free of predators; a typical wet crawl space.

A polyethylene barrier will keep out not only moisture but also the mold and pests that tend to accompany it.

Venting remains an adequate solution to removing moisture from under your house, but the growing consensus is that crawl space encapsulation is even better.

Shopping for the right crawl space encapsulation specialist

In the Cleveland, Ohio area a good choice to call is Reliable Contractor Services.

Reliable Contractor Services is your one stop shop.  We also do plumbing drain cleaning and repair/installation, basement waterproofing, excavation, and Pipe video inspection/recording.

Residential and Commercial services are available 24/7!

Why is it important to know your contractor?

• There are weekend warriors and the other hand there are licensed, bonded, insured and accredited contractors. If you want it done twice, hire the weekend warrior!
• Most all of the licensed, bonded and insured contractors are good, but some are better than others. We recommend that you the customer ask a lot of detailed questions.
• When hiring a licensed contractor, they are held to higher standards (especially ones state licensed).
• Lower cost contractors are usually the worst decision. Please be sure to ask why they are lower than other quotes and check their references. Check with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and local authorities to see to determine the contractor’s reputation.