Crawl Space Encapsulation Benefits

Did you know that nearly half of the air in your home comes from the crawl space? And if that crawl space is dirty, humid, and full of pests, it's no wonder you're suffering from allergies or asthma.

Crawl space encapsulation is a process by which your crawl space is completely sealed off from the outside world. All vents, foundation cracks, and other openings are closed off so that no outside air can enter.

Then, a heavy-duty vapor barrier is installed over the floor and walls to further prevent moisture from entering the space.
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The benefits of crawl space encapsulation are many. This article will discuss some of the top benefits so that you can decide if this is a project you want to undertake.

Why Do People Encapsulate Their Crawl Space?

​With all of the benefits of crawl space encapsulation, it's no wonder that more and more people are doing it.

If you're wondering whether or not this is a project you should undertake, here are some of the top reasons why other homeowners have chosen to do it:
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1. To improve air quality in the home
2. To reduce heating and cooling bills
3. To get rid of pests
4. To prevent moisture damage
5. To reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth
6. To create a more comfortable living space
7. To increase the value of the home
8. And more.

What Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Include?

A professional crawl space encapsulation job will include the following steps:
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• Sealing off all openings to the outside world
• Installing a heavy-duty crawl space vapor barrier on the floor and walls
• Adding insulation to the walls
• Adding a dehumidifier to control moisture levels in the space

Crawl space encapsulation is a big job, but the results are well worth it.

Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation

Now that you know what crawl space encapsulation is and what it entails, let's take a look at some of the top benefits:

Prevent Moisture Damage

One of the biggest benefits is that crawl space encapsulation protects your foundation from moisture damage.

When your damp crawl space is open to the outside world, rain, snow, and even groundwater can seep in and cause problems.
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If you have a lot of moisture in your crawl space, it can lead to wood rot and even structural damage. By encapsulating your crawl space, you can prevent all of that from happening.

Prevents Mold and Mildew 

​Do you have a musty smell in your home? That's likely because of mold and mildew growing in your crawl space. And not only does this smell terrible, but it can also be dangerous for your health.
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Mold and mildew can cause respiratory problems and even trigger allergies and asthma. If you suffer from any of these conditions, it's worth it to encapsulate your crawl space.

Reduction of Overall Heating Costs

As we mentioned earlier, crawl space encapsulation can help to improve the indoor air quality in your home. But not only that, but it can also help you to save money on your heating bill.

When your crawl space is open and has poor insulation, all of the heat from your home can escape through the floors. But when you encapsulate your crawl space, you can insulate the floors and walls so that heat doesn't escape.
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This will help keep your home warmer in the winter, and you'll likely see a reduction in your heating costs.

Extra Storage Space 

It's not usable for anything when you have an open crawl space. But when you encapsulate it, it can be turned into extra storage space.
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You can put shelves in your crawl space and use it to store holiday decorations, out-of-season clothes, or even non-perishable food items. And because it will be insulated and protected from the elements, you won't have to worry about your stored items getting damaged.

Doesn't Allow Pests to Enter 

Another benefit of crawl space encapsulation is that it doesn't allow pests to enter. When your crawl space is open, creatures can get in, including spiders, rodents, and even snakes.
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But when you encapsulate your crawl space, you create a barrier that keeps pests out. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your home is safe from these critters.

Conclusion 

Encapsulated crawl space has a number of benefits, including reducing moisture and mold growth levels, improving air quality, and reducing energy costs.

In addition, crawl space encapsulation can help extend your home's life by protecting your foundation from water damage.
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If you're considering crawl space encapsulation for your home, consult with a professional crawl space encapsulation professional to ensure that it's the right solution for your needs.

Author

David is the lead content editor at RVA Paving Pros, a service for Richmond VA residents. In his spare time, David likes to travel, read about business and visit the finest italian restaurants in town!