Overview:

Crawl space encapsulation is the process of turning a damp, dirty, and moldy crawl space into a clean, dry space where mold and humidity cannot grow. This winter, it is important to have your crawl space encapsulated to reduce the worry of having cold floors, high heating bills, and frozen pipes that can eventually burst. One of the best ways to get your home ready for winter is with insulation. If you have a dirt crawl space and do not have it properly insulated/sealed, you are going to feel the cold air throughout your home. There are several ways for water and moisture to get into the crawl space, including groundwater, outside air, plumbing leaks, and exposed dirt. If you have any of the following symptoms in your dirt crawl space, it’s time to reach out to a professional. 

What are the causes?

Groundwater: Groundwater can enter the crawl space through the cracks in the walls or between the footing and the walls. After the water leaks into the crawl space, it forms puddles which gradually cause mold, musty smells, and unhealthy breathing air. 

Outside Air: Outside air can get into the crawl space through the soil and ventilation systems. The humid air can cause moisture problems and the cold air reduces your home's energy efficiency and can make the floors cold. 

Plumbing Leaks: Plumbing leaks in a crawl space can seep into the dirt. As the soil starts to dry, the water vapor moves up through the crawl space and can affect the rest of the home. 

Revealed Dirt: Exposed dirt in the crawl space is typically damp, and as the soil dries, that water vapor invades the crawl space. 

What are the signs and symptoms?

You will notice musty odors throughout your home, buckling and cold floors, high humidity, high heating and cooling costs, and condensation or rotting. Inside of your crawl space, you will notice mold and moisture damage, hanging/damaged insulation and supports, pests, and condensation on pipes or other equipment. 

Benefits of Encapsulating Your Dirt Crawl Space:

According to the US Department of Energy, “If you properly insulate your crawl space – in addition to air sealing and controlling moisture, you will save on energy costs and increase your home’s comfort.” Some of the other benefits include improvement of air quality, living conditions, and energy efficiency, as well as the prevention of insects, mold, mildew, rats, and other pests. You can also gain new, valuable storage space!

Improvement of Air Quality:  Have you ever gotten allergies or a sickness just from breathing the air inside your home? This is very common and can be prevented. Sealing your crawl space helps to make sure you are breathing clean air as it circulates throughout your home. This makes it easier to breathe for you and anyone in your home. 

Prevention of Pests: All insects need moisture to live. A crawl space encapsulation prevents this space from being easy access to creatures. By discussing your crawl space concerns with a professional, you can avoid the danger of insect contamination and other pests. 

Prevents Mold and Mildew: Moisture problems are solved when the source of the moisture is sealed off. With a sealed or waterproofed crawl space, you won’t have to worry about water leaking in and causing mold, mildew, and musty smells. 

Improved Energy Efficiency: When your heating and air conditioning units do not have to fight the cold/humid air, it uses less energy, which reduces your utility bills. Crawl space encapsulation can help pay for itself in the long run because of the improved energy efficiency that it gives the home. 

Comfort of the Floors: When your crawl space is encapsulated, it prevents cold air from seeping in, which prevents cold floors, especially during the winter months. 

What We Can Provide for You:

If you’re noticing any of these symptoms from your crawl space, contact us to have one of our expert Design Specialists will perform a free, no-obligation estimate, and propose the best solution for your home. American Waterworks serves homeowners in Minnesota, North Dakota, northeast Iowa, and western Wisconsin. Call our office today at 1-800-795-1204 or click HERE to fill out our free estimate form!