Consider Crawl Space Remediation with Encapsulation
Most homeowners try to pretend their crawl space isn’t even there — it’s oftentimes such a dark, dank, dirty part of the house that it’s easier to just forget about, right? Wrong! While it’s usually the most neglected part of our homes, it’s also one of the most important. The state of a crawl space can make or break a house, literally. When they’re infiltrated by water, pests, and other contaminants, there’s so many things that can go wrong which is why crawl space encapsulation services have become so popular. Crawl space encapsulation is the process of sealing off the area and insulating the walls to protect the space from water vapor, inclement weather, and pests. This service is sometimes pushed to the bottom of peoples’ to-do lists because many falsely assume it’s just a cosmetic fix, but they’re mistaken. Crawl space damage isn’t something that can be brushed under the rug because it will eventually end up affecting the rest of your home as well. To learn about the benefits of encapsulating your crawl space, continue reading.
Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation
If you’re still on the fence about this process, understanding the benefits may be enough to convince you. There are so many reasons to consider this service:
1. Protect your home from mold
When water seeps into your crawl space, the enclosed area becomes a breeding ground for mold. Whether the water comes from a burst pipe in your home or from excess rainfall during a storm, chances are you’ve had a flooding issue at some point or another. Because there is little airflow to these spaces and they are often not dried properly after leaks and flooding, it doesn’t take long for mold to form and take over.
2. Improve air quality
Mold, mildew, and bacteria are often found in crawl spaces, affecting the air within. Once the air rises, it seeps into your home and brings all of those things with it. Those contaminants can be harmful to people breathing in the spores, so having a dry crawl space that prevents these growths will, in turn, improve the air quality. Crawl space encapsulation protects you from mold-related illnesses and eases the effects of respiratory illnesses such as asthma. For more information about mold, read our blog, The Effects of Living in a Home with Mold.
3. Avoid structural damage
Water damage in the crawl space affects your entire home — the vapor can rot the wood frames and floorings that make up the structure of the house. In addition to keeping water out, this process also keeps pests like termites out that eat away and cause severe damage to the infrastructure. Crawl space encapsulation may seem pricey, but you’re saving yourself money in the long run that could have gone down the drain to repair walls and floors damaged by wood rot.
4. Reduce energy costs
Encapsulation traps the heat and air conditioning that is often lost through the crawl space, so sealing it up gives your energy bill a break. With less air escaping, the less overtime your heating and air units have to put in to make up for what’s escaping to the outside. This is another reason that crawl space encapsulation is a great investment, the one-time installation keeps utility bills down for years. For more tips on how to reduce energy costs, check out our blog, 9 Tips to Effectively Lower Your Energy Bill.
5. Make your home more comfortable
On top of reducing your energy bill, sealing the crawl space also helps to maintain the temperature in your home and make it more comfortable. In the summer, the cold air won’t escape through the crawl space, so it will be easier for your house to stay cool. Conversely, in the winter, your home will stay warm because the heat won’t be seeping out through cracks below the house.
6. Keep pests out
The encapsulation process also helps with pest control — the barrier keeps several insects from making their way into your home, including providing a layer of protection from termites. There are even pest-specific barriers installed with the intent to keep bugs out as well as moisture, mold, and the elements.
7. Use it for storage
Once a crawl space is encapsulated, it’s a safe place to store items that you don’t have room for in the house. Traditional crawl spaces often have soil or sand as the ground so it’s an unsuitable environment to keep anything that you want protected. If you’re in need of some extra space, remediating this area is a great solution and will keep your belongings safe, dry, and out of pests’ reach.
The Killingsworth Environmental Encapsulation Process
Encapsulating by yourself can be a lengthy and difficult process, so if you’re not up for the challenge, let us help! We start with a crawl space remediation using a french drain system and dry ice blasting to effectively remove any water that may be lingering. After that, we seal any air gaps, install a vapor barrier, and place insulation boards at vents to control the amount of moisture inside. But our services don’t stop there — we provide our customers with dehumidifiers to keep the space dry and filter changes and cleanings to maintain the machine. We’ll also continue annual check-ups to ensure the moisture and humidity levels are optimal for your home and that there’s no new mold growth. Schedule our service to receive a quote today!
