CRAWL SPACE ENCAPSULATION

Many homes in the Charlotte, NC, area have crawl spaces beneath, designed to raise the building above the ground and give access to contractors as they install HVAC, electrical wiring, and pipework. However, if these crawl spaces are exposed, they can often suffer from moisture issues, leading to fungal infestation, mold, and even foundation settlement. With poor maintenance, these issues could compromise the property’s structural integrity and attract termites. All these problems could result in expensive repairs, so many homeowners consider sealing off this area through encapsulation. What do you need to know about crawl space encapsulation, and what should you consider before starting this project?

Crawl space encapsulation involves adding a powerful moisture barrier to the floor, sealing the space completely. Before the encapsulation is complete, our technicians commonly install drains to flush out unwanted water. After this, a polyethylene product is applied to any surfaces to protect from moisture, with sealing tape used to provide additional protection. This protection ensures that humidity does not penetrate the walls and create longer-term problems. But it doesn’t get rid of the moisture itself. To do this, you should also install a dehumidifier to control the vapor levels in the sealed-off crawl space.

Our Crawl Space Encapsulation System

Moisture Loc specializes in crawl space encapsulation services, providing a total climatization of your crawl space. The GreenSpace™ is our ultimate encapsulation system. This system combats high moisture and humidity levels, mold or mildew, and standing water problems in your crawl space. Because the crawl space environment is temperature controlled, moisture levels are kept low, and mold prevention is more effective. So, our GreenSpace™ Sealed Crawl Space System locks out moisture, sparing the home and homeowners from health issues, hazards, and structural damages due to excessive moisture.

There are many benefits associated with crawl space encapsulation, including:

• reduce the risk of mold and mildew accumulation
• provide structural protection for the property
• improve air quality in the home
• keep termites and other pests at bay
• and optimize your energy efficiency

If you don’t consider encapsulating the crawl space, be on the lookout for a raft of potential problems other than those mentioned above, including:

• musty odors
• rusting metal
• trapped soil gases in the space
• and buckled hardwood flooring in your living area

Problems are commonly unnoticeable in the early days, as they may only manifest when the damage has become quite severe. Unfortunately, this can lead to costly repair work, which needs to come before crawl space encapsulation.

The difference between crawl space encapsulation and sealing lies in the level of protection your foundation receives. With sealing, you cover the floor and the lower part of the wall with a moisture-proof barrier. It’s a less effective approach than a full crawl space encapsulation, and you won’t be able to control the moisture and vapor as efficiently. With encapsulation, you cover the ceiling and all the exposed walls in addition to the floor. You will then add a sealant to hold the polyethylene products in place.

Prepare the area before beginning the crawl space encapsulation. Inspect the general drainage system around the home and make alterations as necessary. Ensure that water runs away from the periphery. Hire a drainage company if you require assistance. If the area is suffering from mold accumulation, clean and remove growths before you begin. If mold has caused any damage to joists or other structures, bring in the experts to conduct crawl space repair first.

Additionally, inspect your combustion appliances and ensure proper ventilation to the outside air. You’ll want to do this before crawl space encapsulation to avoid any backdraft from these appliances into your living space.

Crawl space encapsulation can be tricky and time-consuming work. You should always outsource to the experts —contact foundation repair professionals at Moisture Loc for their help today.