Crawl Space Encapsulation Pros and Cons

​Have you ever heard of crawl space encapsulation? It's a reasonably new home improvement trend that more and more people are starting to adopt. But what is it, exactly?
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Crawl space encapsulation is sealing off a crawl space from the outside world to keep out moisture, pests, and insulation loss. There are both pros and cons to doing this, which we will explore in this article.

Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation

With a properly sealed and insulated crawl space, you can expect a number of benefits. These include:

You Can Save on Cooling and Heating Bills

Isn't it always nice to save a little money? With an encapsulated crawl space, you can expect to do just that. By sealing off the space and ensuring that it is adequately insulated, you can minimize heating costs in winter and heat gain in the summer. This will lead to lower energy bills year-round.

No More Mold

How many people do you know who are allergic to mold? If you have a crawl space that is not properly sealed, then it's likely that mold is present. Not only is this a health hazard, but it can also lead to structural damage in your home.

Crawl space encapsulation will prevent mold from growing in the first place. Moreover, crawl space vapor barrier systems can also help to control mold that is already present.

​Because plastic vapor barrier sheeting does not allow any air or moisture to pass through, it will effectively starve mold of the resources it needs to grow. Therefore, you won't sump pump to remove water from your crawl space as often.

It Can Increase the Value of Your Home

It's a feature that not every home has, making your home more attractive to potential buyers if you ever decide to sell.

But how?
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Well, an encapsulated crawl space can improve the indoor air quality of your home, which is something that many people are looking for these days. And as mentioned above, it can also lead to lower energy bills and you never need to work on foundation wall insulation. These are both major selling points that can increase the value of your home.

It Prevents Insects and Pests

Nobody likes dealing with insects and pests, especially in their own home. But if your crawl space is not properly sealed, these critters can easily make their way inside. Crawl space encapsulation will prevent this from happening, giving you one less thing to worry about.

It Improves Your Indoor Air Quality

We all want to breathe clean air, but did you know that the air inside your home can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside?

​One of the main culprits of indoor air pollution is poorly ventilated crawl spaces. By sealing off the crawl space and ensuring that it is adequately insulated, you can significantly improve the air quality inside your home.

You Can Say Goodbye to that Musty Smell

Do you have a musty smell in your home? If so, it's likely coming from your crawl space. When moisture is present, mold and mildew can quickly grow, leading to that telltale musty smell.

​Crawl space encapsulation will eliminate this problem, leaving your home smelling fresh and clean.

It Makes Sure Your Floors Are Meant to Last

Your floors take a beating on a daily basis. From foot traffic to furniture, they see it all. But if your crawl space is not properly sealed, then your floors could be in danger.
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Crawl space encapsulation will prevent moisture and pests from damaging your floors, ensuring that they will last for many years to come.

It Solidifies the Structural Integrity of Your Home 

Your home is only as strong as its foundation. If your crawl space is not properly sealed, it could be at risk for water damage, which can lead to a whole host of problems, including foundation cracks and even collapse.

Disadvantages of Crawl Space Encapsulation 

While there are many benefits to crawl space encapsulation, there are also some potential drawbacks that you should be aware of. These include:

Upfront Costs

The initial crawl space encapsulation cost can be pricey, especially if you hire a professional to do it. But keep in mind that you will likely see a return on your investment over time in the form of lower energy bills and increased home value.

More Maintenance 

An encapsulated crawl space will require more maintenance than an unencapsulated one. This is because you will need to regularly check the space for any problems, such as leaks or pests.

You May Need to Service the Dehumidifier Regularly to Maintain the System

Depending on the size of your crawl space, you may need to upgrade your HVAC system once the crawl space is encapsulated. This is because the space will be sealed off from outside air, which can cause the temperature to rise.

Conclusion 

While there are some potential drawbacks to encapsulate crawl space, the benefits outweigh the negatives.

If you're looking for a way to improve the air quality in your home, protect your floors, and increase the value of your property, then crawl space encapsulation is definitely worth considering. Get in touch with us to get a free quote.

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!