Avoid Excess Moisture with Crawl Space Encapsulation
Moisture in crawl space is never a phrase you want to hear. Having a moist crawl space under your home can lead to several problems that only grow over time. If left untreated, it can cause mold or rot fungus that can result in structural damage. This can also severely impact the health and well-being of those who live within the home.
The indoor air quality of your home is directly impacted by your crawl space. If there's too much moisture, it can increase indoor condensation levels, creating more humidity and leaving behind foul odors. Not to mention, having to repair or replace the floor joists in your foundation due to structural damage caused by excess moisture can be costly.
How Does Moisture Build in Your Crawl Space?
Airflow is constant under your crawl space. When that airflow becomes warmer, the vapor in the air changes to moisture and condensation. Moisture can also enter your crawl space by evaporation from the ground and drainage issues. Heavy rains can also cause groundwater to rise up into the crawl space, trapping it and keeping it wet.
How Can You Avoid This?
Crawl space encapsulation is the best way to avoid excess moisture from building up. Encapsulation involves adding a heavy-duty barrier to cover the floor, columns, foundation walls and even the ceiling of a crawl space. This barrier is then sealed with waterproof tape. All foundation vents and penetrations like plumbing, wiring or HVAC ductwork are sealed with spray foam. Insulation is then added to exterior walls to help against heat transfer in the winter and summer. Finally, the insulation is sealed to the walls with foam to ensure a tight seal.
The Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation
Encapsulating your crawl space can benefit your home in several ways, including:
- Reducing mold, mildew and fungus growth. Crawl spaces are naturally dark, cramped and moist – the perfect environment for mold growth. However, by encapsulating your crawl space, you can remove the moisture element and avoid mold and mildew growth overall.
- Controlling moisture and humidity levels. One of the primary reasons for encapsulating your crawl space is to control moisture levels. By encapsulating the crawl space, you create a barrier that prevents moisture from entering, thus preserving the integrity of your home's structure.
- Improving indoor air quality. The air quality inside your home can be significantly impacted by conditions in the crawl space. Encapsulation helps to mitigate issues like musty odors, airborne pollutants, and excessive dust, leading to cleaner, healthier indoor air for you and your family.
- Increasing energy efficiency. A properly encapsulated crawl space can also contribute to improved energy efficiency. By sealing off the space and adding insulation, you reduce the exchange of air between the crawl space and the rest of your home. This helps to maintain more consistent indoor temperatures, reducing the workload on your HVAC system and lowering energy bills.
- Preventing pests. Pests like rodents, insects and wildlife are attracted to crawl spaces as they offer shelter from the outdoors. However, that means your home could take on additional damage. Pests can cause damage to your insulation, electrical wiring, and even your home's infrastructure. By encapsulating the crawl space and sealing off entry points, you make it much more difficult for pests to infiltrate your home.
Call Bradley Mechanical for Crawl Space Encapsulation
When a certified technician properly encapsulates your crawl space, your home will be more energy efficient, living conditions will be much more comfortable, and your heating and cooling equipment will last longer. Having an encapsulated crawl space is also an attractive feature if you ever decide to sell your home.
Bradley Mechanical has been protecting homes in Richmond and Central Virginia for over 50 years. We offer three levels of encapsulation services, ranging from basic removal of debris and insulation installation to a complete makeover that seals all crawl vents and band joists and features a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels under control. During our assessment, we will help determine the health of your crawl space and make suggestions based on our findings. Oftentimes, crawl spaces have gaps and cracks that require sealing or significant work to provide adequate ventilation to the space.
To learn more about our crawl space encapsulation services, give us a call today at (804) 748-6728. You can talk directly with one of our professional technicians and learn how we can make your home safer and more energy-efficient.
