5 Advantages of Crawl Space Encapsulation
For most people, the crawlspace is among the last places of their home they want to visit—dirt or rock-filled floor, cobwebs, and the potential for spiders, bugs, and even rodents. While this was once considered the optimal condition for a crawl space—keeping the area as similar to the outdoors as possible—that thought has drastically changed.
Research has found that as much as 50% of the air you breathe in your home comes from the crawl space thanks to roofing insulation that draws air in your home up toward the attic or roof. Allergens can get trapped here in the stagnant environment, the often-humid condition is prime for mold growth, and then there are the potential pests that may want to call this dark, humid space home. Although its often out of sight out of mind, your crawl space plays a huge role in the heath of your home’s air and even in the optimal functioning of your heating and air conditioning systems.
Because of the crawl space’s once-underappreciated importance as a part of your home’s design, closing or encapsulating the crawl space, meaning installing a vapor barrier, insulation, and a dehumidifier if necessary to keep humidity levels optimal, is a fantastic way to improve the overall condition of your home and even increase its value.
A sealed encapsulated crawl space will keep it as clean and dry as possible with the following benefits:
- Mold and mildew growth is greatly diminished because the humidity and any drastic swing in temperature is controlled. This often helps to eliminate any bothersome odors as well. Crawl space encapsulation allows for waterproofing and proper ventilation of the space to ensure that the high moisture content can dissipate, reducing the risk of potential health hazards.
- Insects and rodents are kept out thanks to the physical shield of the vapor barrier and insulation.
- Cold drafts up through your house’s floors are eliminated, meaning less stress (and money spent) on your HVAC system. Between 15-20 percent energy savings are common when the correct materials are used and when properly installed.
- The clean, covered area provides additional sanitary, usable storage space you most likely won’t mind accessing more often once it is dirt- and spider-free. The space is already sitting empty under your home, so it makes sense to get the most use out of it.
- The upgrade to the space allows for other options down the road such as the ability to install a radiant heating system for the floor above that space. Radiant floor heating is among the most effective, healthiest, and cost-efficient ways to heat your home and can increase your house’s value.
It’s best to have a professional do your crawl space encapsulation as certain pest infestations need to be completely eradicated and any water leak issues need to be fixed before encapsulation can occur, and if your crawl space has a furnace or other mechanical unit, a vent to the outside may need to be installed.
While encapsulating your crawl space is a small investment, you can not only greatly improve your home’s air quality, but deter pests, save on your energy bills while creating a more comfortable environment, add a significant amount of usable storage space to your house, and create the option for other upgrades as desired in the future.
Give Water Extraction Experts A CALL!
If you have a crawl space that is affecting your home’s air and value, hiring a professional water extraction team like Water Extraction Experts can give you peace of mind that your home is in good hands.
We are equipped to guide you through the process of protecting your property and your health.
CRAWL SPACE ENCAPSULATION
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