Have you been dealing with mold in your crawl space? Maybe your home has sagging floors or is beginning to smell musty. Believe it or not, encapsulation can solve all of these problems and more. That’s because all of these issues stem from moisture problems in your crawl space, and encapsulation prevents moisture from getting there in the first place.
How Crawl Space Encapsulation Works
Encapsulation requires expert precision in order to work most effectively, so it is important to have a professional team like Mount Valley handle the installation process. Here’s what you can expect from the installation process.
- Preparing the Crawl Space
First, the crawl space must be prepared for encapsulation to take place. This involves emptying the crawl space of any debris or sharp objects that might otherwise puncture or tear the vapor barrier. Any standing water will also be removed accordingly. Additionally, the ground in your crawl space may need to be flattened by our team so the barrier fits properly. Once all of this is completed, our team will recommend installing an interior drainage system, and a sump pump.
- Installing the Vapor Barrier
Next, installing the durable, tear-resistant vapor barrier is critical to any successful encapsulation process. At Mount Valley Foundation Services, our crawl space professionals use a 20-mil vapor barrier to ensure the best results. The thicker the vapor barrier, the more resistant it will be to tears and punctures, prolonging the lifespan of your newly encapsulated crawl space.
- Sealing External Access Points
Any exterior access and ventilation points in a crawl space jeopardize the health and safety of the space, as well as the entire home. As a result, crawl space encapsulation includes sealing all crawl space vents with vent covers to establish a waterproof and airtight closure. This ensures even more security against moisture during the encapsulation process.
- Using a Dehumidifier
Lastly, our team recommends installing a dehumidifier, especially for homes in humid environments like South Carolina and Georgia. While all of the other solutions installed during the encapsulation process protect the home from moisture, it is impossible to drain all the moisture from the air without a dehumidifier. This solution guarantees that mold and wood rot won’t have the right conditions to damage your crawl space.
What Sets Our Encapsulation System Apart
- Can increase your home’s energy efficiency, saving you money in the long run and potentially raising the value of your home
- Made of 20-mil thick plastic which makes it durable enough to withstand any pests trying to burrow in your crawl space
- Can easily work with our other crawl space solutions such as dehumidifiers and sump pumps, providing you with a completely protected crawl space
Signs Your Home Needs Crawl Space Encapsulation
Sagging Floors
Sagging floors indicate that wood rot may be present in your crawl space. Encapsulation keeps moisture out of your crawl space and prevents wood rot from forming as a result. If your floors seem to bend and bow as you walk around your home, encapsulation can prevent damage from getting any worse.
Mold
Mold can only thrive in places with high humidity. If mold is growing in your crawl space, it can eventually spread into your house as air travels up from the crawl space and into your home. Once again, encapsulation blocks moisture from entering your crawl space and makes it an unviable option for mold to grow.
Condensation
When condensation forms in your crawl space, it can have disastrous effects. That’s because condensation affects multiple structures such as floor joists, insulation, and electric wiring. As water droplets take shape on these important systems, they can damage them – leaving you with a faulty crawl space and a poorly functioning home.
FAQs
Yes, encapsulation actually functions best with these key components: a sump pump, vapor barrier, vent covers, and dehumidifier. Having all of these systems combined can ensure that this space will never face moisture issues again, as each component removes water from your crawl space in its own unique way.
DIY encapsulation is never a good idea, as it requires precise measurements and special tools. If you use low-quality materials, install them improperly, or trap moisture in your home, you may increase the humidity and hasten the growth of mold and wood rot. This can cause long-term problems for your property and health. Professionals can handle this for you, and the benefits are numerous!
It always has to do with moisture getting into your crawl space. Some insulation isn’t ideal for crawl spaces. Fiberglass insulation is often used in crawl spaces because it is cheap and readily available. However, fiberglass is an absorbent material, so it soaks up tons of moisture in a humid crawl space. Moisture eventually causes insulation to collapse and fail.
Call Us for a Free Inspection
Every homeowner can benefit from crawl space encapsulation. As you can see, it offers multiple benefits for your home and protects against a plethora of problem signs. It actively helps keep your home safe and your family healthy. Our team is happy to come to your home and provide you with a free evaluation of your crawl space. We’ll figure out exactly what’s causing issues in your home and act according to your individual needs. Now that you understand all of the advantages that come with crawl space encapsulation, contact us today so we can help protect your Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, or Savannah home. You don’t have to let crawl space problems ruin your home. Install a vapor barrier today and begin experiencing the benefits!
