When it comes to home improvement projects, the last area that comes to mind for most homeowners is probably the crawlspace. However, waterproofing your home’s crawl space is a worthy investment that will prevent major home repairs in the future. We usually think of it as a dark, dirty place that we’d rather avoid, but the crawl space deserves as much attention as any other part of a house.

This post will explain the benefits of waterproofing crawl space encapsulation, from vapor barrier installation to insulation repair. You’ll find out why keeping moisture out of your crawl space can prevent many problems, from termite damage to health problems, mold, and mildew. Finally, you’ll learn why the best first step is to hire a crawl space waterproofing company to do the work.

crawl space waterproofing

Benefits of Waterproofing Crawl Space

Crawl space waterproofing protects the rest of your home from costly problems and repairs. It’s a wise investment that:

  • Protects your home’s structure
  • Controls temperature
  • Reduces pests
  • Improves air quality
  • Creates storage space

Protect Structure

Is the presence of water in your crawl space harmful? Excess moisture in a crawl space creates an ideal environment for all kinds of problems, including mold, rust, and rot. These issues can lead to rotting drywall and wood beams, cracked floors, and damaged concrete foundations. A vapor barrier in the crawl space protects your home from moisture-related structural damage and your pocketbook from costly repair bills.

Is it common for water to get in crawl spaces after rain? Yes, it is, especially after a heavy, wind-driven downpour. The crawl space should have a drain at its lowest corner, but it’s always a good idea to inspect your crawl space after a rainstorm. A small amount of water may quickly evaporate, but standing water can cause serious structural damage if it persists.

Control Temperature

We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s not the heat; it’s the humidity.” High humidity makes warm temperatures feel warmer and cold temperatures feel colder. You end up running your HVAC system more than usual to feel comfortable. When your HVAC system works hard, the wear and tear can mean repair bills. Crawl space encapsulation helps control temperatures by keeping excess humidity out of your crawl space and your home. Comfortable temperatures let you enjoy your home while keeping heating and cooling bills down.

What are the benefits of waterproofing encapsulating a crawl space? When it comes to temperature control, a waterproof crawl space is essential. An encapsulated crawl space will help keep your home at a consistently comfortable temperature.

Reduce Pests

Cockroaches and other pests love dark, damp spaces. Moisture in the crawl space is an invitation to critters that can be annoying or downright damaging to your home. In the worst-case scenario, you’ll end up with mice, rats, or termites eating your wood beams and furnishings. Another moisture-loving pest is dust mites, which can trigger allergy symptoms.

When you waterproof your crawl space, you deprive pests of their favorite habitat and a vital element of their survival. Therefore, pest control is a significant benefit of waterproofing your crawl space.

How much does it cost to encapsulate a crawl space? Waterproofing a crawl space can cost between $1500 and $15000. The price is related to the complexity of the project. A simple vapor barrier installation generally costs the least but increases if you add a sump pump or need insulation replacement. However, when compared with the thousands of dollars you can spend on damage from termites and other pests, crawl space encapsulation is a wise investment.

Improve Air Quality

Moisture in your crawl space can affect the air quality of your home and cause odors and respiratory problems. A damp, cool and dark crawlspace is an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew. As a result, air quality suffers as mold and mildew spores spread throughout the house. In fact, 50 percent of the air in your home comes from the crawl space. Soon, you may find yourself sneezing and wheezing from allergic reactions to mold and mildew. Additional symptoms include headaches and even shortness of breath.

How do I protect my crawl space from moisture? Waterproofing your crawl space will keep out water and mold. Therefore, one of the most significant benefits waterproofing of crawl space encapsulation is mold prevention and improved air quality.

Increase Home Value

One of the biggest benefits of waterproofing your crawl space is that it will increase your property value. Most buyers will want to purchase a home that is less likely to have a mold infestation and is more energy efficient. Therefore, your home value will be higher if you waterproof your crawl space.

Protect Your Health

Another one of the benefit of waterproofing is that it will make your home healthier to live in. Since waterproofing reduces humidity, your home will be less likely to be infested with mold. Symptoms of mold inhalation include coughing, skin irritation, and difficulty breathing. These problems are worse for people with mold allergies, but anyone can suffer from these symptoms. Therefore, waterproofing your crawl space will be a good decision for your health since it will reduce the likelihood that you will have to deal with mold.

Use It for Storage

You can always use more storage in your home. But the last thing you want in a storage space is high humidity and condensation. Encapsulation can turn your crawl space into a dry environment suitable for storage. Just make sure that your crawl space is easily accessible before you start stashing your possessions in it. You don’t want to struggle or strain a muscle every time you need to take something out of storage.

How long does crawl space encapsulation last? Good quality crawl space encapsulation lasts 15 to 20 years. The exact length of time depends on several factors, such as crawl space size, water table height, and whether a sump pump is installed. When you waterproof your crawl space, you can safely store your belongings in it for years.

Crawl Space Waterproofing Experts

There are many factors to consider when waterproofing a crawl space. Crawl space waterproofing experts have the skill and knowledge necessary for the job. Encapsulation begins with the installation of a poly liner or vapor barrier. Depending on the condition of the crawl space, the project may involve additional work, such as:

  • Sealing crawl space vents
  • Insulating walls
  • Installing a dehumidifier
  • Removing damaged joist insulation

Is the presence of water in a crawl space covered by insurance? Homeowners insurance generally does not cover water that gradually seeps into a crawl space. However, there are some exceptions, such as sudden flooding from a burst pipe. Otherwise, you will likely have to pay out of pocket. Crawl space waterproofing experts know how to prevent the gradual seepage that your insurance may not cover.

A crawl space does not have to be a nasty, damp environment. Crawl space waterproofing keeps the area dry and offers many benefits for your home, from preventing structural damage to creating additional storage space. Hiring a professional crawl space waterproofing company is a sound investment that will ensure the best quality encapsulation for your crawl space.

At Moisture Loc, our team has been specializing in crawl space waterproofing since 1988. From vapor barrier to insulation, we’ll make sure that your crawl space is safe and dry. Contact us to find out more about our crawl space encapsulation services.