Crawlspace Encapsulation

The lot a house is built on generally determines if the house will have a basement or crawlspace. Builders realize a basement is the least expensive square footage they can add to a home so they strive to add one if at all possible. Many lots are only suitable for a crawlspace due to a number of reasons such as below grade rock.

Actually, a dirt crawlspace is a bad idea since statistics show upwards of 50% of the air in your home will come from the crawlspace thus decreasing inside air quality. Most dirt in a crawlspace is drier than the outside earth. The dry dirt inside is like a sponge constantly drawing in moisture from the outside. This moisture will then evaporate with the vapor rising upward and into insulation, floor joists and the sub floor. At this point the house acts like a gigantic wick, drawing upward and inward this unwanted moisture.

During the summer, the air inside a crawlspace is cooler than outside air. As warmer air moves into a crawlspace through the foundation vents, it begins to cool, therefore increasing relative humidity as the warm air holds more water vapor than cool air. This creates condensation ideal for mold growth and poor indoor air quality.

A cheap plastic covering in a crawlspace does little good. Beyond what you’ll find online, there are many steps and special materials used to properly encapsulate a crawlspace. We offer expert encapsulation that will improve the air quality in your home, give us a call and breathe easy!