{"id":4617,"date":"2021-02-26T09:00:54","date_gmt":"2021-02-26T09:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/?p=4617"},"modified":"2024-04-30T17:02:43","modified_gmt":"2024-04-30T17:02:43","slug":"everything-about-crawl-space-encapsulation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/everything-about-crawl-space-encapsulation\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need to Know About Crawl Space Encapsulation"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your crawl space is the perfect environment for mold, pests, and water damage. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/service\/crushed-stone\/crawl-space-encapsulation\/\">Crawl space encapsulation<\/a> uses thick, white, polyethylene plastic to seal your crawl space from moisture.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who Needs It?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anyone with a crawl space can benefit from crawl space encapsulation. However, there are a few factors that might make you a better candidate for sealing your crawl space than someone else:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Humid climate:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Too much moisture in your crawl space can lead to mold and other types of damage. If you regularly battle humid summers, encapsulating your crawl space may be a good idea.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Extreme temperatures: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one likes dealing with blazing heat or below-freezing temperatures. Unfortunately, heating or cooling your home in extreme temperatures can be costly. Encapsulating your crawl space actually insulates it and can help you save on your energy bill.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Infestation: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may already be dealing with a mold infestation or some critters who have made your crawl space their home. After your crawl space has been cleaned and cleared out, encapsulate it to prevent another infestation from happening again.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advantages vs. Disadvantages<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many benefits to encapsulation, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preventing mold, rotting wood, and other moisture-related damages<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protecting the integrity of your foundation and your floors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preventing animal, rodent, or insect infestations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decreasing your energy bill<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improving the quality of air in your home<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Challenges with encapsulation include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paying for what can sometimes be an expensive service<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Working within a small, cramped area if you choose to do it yourself<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensuring the work is done correctly to avoid other problems (e.g., accidentally making a termite inspection impossible)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-4597 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_4984-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"crawl space encapsulation\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_4984-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_4984-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_4984-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_4984-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_4984-scaled.jpg 2048w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/768;\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Properly Encapsulate a Crawl Space<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you choose to hire a professional or try a DIY approach, the process of crawl space encapsulation is as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Assess: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, evaluate your crawl space as-is. Depending on how often you check your crawl space, you may find some unpleasant surprises: animals (alive or dead), insects, rusted junk from previous owners, rotting wood, termite damage, leaky pipes, or something else. Remember to call in a professional if you encounter standing water&#x2014;you don&#x2019;t want to risk electrocution.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Clean: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now it&#x2019;s time to remove all of the fun surprises you found. Clean your crawl space of anything that doesn&#x2019;t belong there. Make sure to also remove sharp debris to create a nice, flat surface.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Fix: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During your initial assessment, you may have discovered plumbing or foundation problems. Make sure to fix these issues before sealing your crawl space. It&#x2019;s more difficult to fix these problems after your crawl space has been sealed than before.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Measure: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once your crawl space is ready for encapsulation, measure the areas you plan on covering. Cut your sheets of polyethylene plastic to fit your crawl space.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Seal: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now you can encapsulate your crawl space. Start with the walls first, and make sure to overlap the sheets of plastic to create a tight seal. Seal awkward shapes like pipes, pillars, and vents. Then, install the plastic vapor barrier on the floor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Dehumidify: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After encapsulation, you will need to regulate the humidity within your crawl space. Install a dehumidifier to ensure that the moisture in your crawl space is always at an acceptable level.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternatives to Encapsulation<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to try to decrease the moisture in your crawl space, there are other alternative solutions beyond encapsulation.&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crawl Space Encapsulation vs. Waterproofing<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Waterproofing can occur both <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/foundation-drainage-systems-interior-vs-exterior\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inside and outside<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of your crawl space. Exterior waterproofing can consist of both an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/service\/crushed-stone\/foundation-drainage-waterproofing\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">adequate drainage system<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as well as the installation of a moisture barrier around the foundation. Interior waterproofing encompasses crawl space encapsulation but may also include the installation of a sump pump.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In general, you can always encapsulate your crawl space and engage in other waterproofing measures as well. The main disadvantage of exterior or interior waterproofing vs. crawl space encapsulation is that it is more expensive.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crawl Space Encapsulation vs. Spray Foam<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spray foam used in a crawl space can seal it from both air and moisture as well as provide insulation. It can be used alongside the plastic sheets of encapsulation, or you can use it on its own.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spray foam isn&#x2019;t the most environmentally-friendly choice to protect your crawl space. It&#x2019;s also not the safest option for DIYers&#x2014;you&#x2019;ll need <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/archive.epa.gov\/epa\/saferchoice\/potential-chemical-exposures-spray-polyurethane-foam.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">personal protective equipment (PPE)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to stay safe during installation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crawl Space Encapsulation vs. Insulation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crawl space insulation and crawl space encapsulation may sound similar, but they have slight differences.&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The goal of crawl space insulation is to keep your crawl space warm. The focus is on decreasing your energy bill.&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The goal of crawl space encapsulation, on the other hand, is to keep your crawl space dry. The focus is on eliminating water and moisture that may lead to other kinds of damage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you live in a dry climate, crawl space insulation may be sufficient. If you live in an area that experiences regular rain or snow melt, however, then encapsulation is probably the way to go.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Much Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Cost?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cost of encapsulating your crawl space depends on a number of factors, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any current problems in your crawl space that need to be solved before encapsulation (e.g., leaks, mold, pests, foundation cracks)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The size of your crawl space<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you hire a team of professionals or do the job yourself<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether or not you choose to install a dehumidifier<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The quality of materials used<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our team of experts can assess your crawl space and give you an idea of how much it would cost to encapsulate it.&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally speaking, crawl space encapsulation costs thousands of dollars&#x2014;anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the job. However, keep in mind that you can expect your investment to protect your crawl space for up to 20 years.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Add Value to Your Home?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. Sealing your crawl space decreases your energy bill, better regulates the temperature in your home, increases your air quality, and prevents pest and mold infestations&#x2014;all attractive features to prospective buyers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can You Encapsulate a Crawl Space in a Flood Zone?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A traditional encapsulation is not recommended in a flood zone. Crawl spaces that are prone to flooding need to allow water to flow through them to prevent more severe damage. Encapsulation results in a tight seal that would actually put your crawl space at greater risk during a flood since the water wouldn&#x2019;t be able to flow through it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can I Qualify for a Tax Credit for Crawl Space Encapsulation?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potentially! There are tax credits available for people who make their homes more energy efficient. Since sealing your crawl space increases your home&#x2019;s energy efficiency, you may be able to qualify for a tax credit. Speak with an accountant to determine if you qualify.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation? Your crawl space is the perfect environment for mold, pests, and water damage. Crawl space encapsulation uses thick, white, polyethylene plastic to seal your crawl space from moisture. Who Needs It? Anyone with a crawl space can benefit from crawl space encapsulation. However, there are a few factors that might &#x2026;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/everything-about-crawl-space-encapsulation\/\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Everything You Need to Know About Crawl Space Encapsulation<\/span>Read More &#xBB;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":4619,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4617","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-foundation-drainage"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4617","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4617"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4617\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11835,"href":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4617\/revisions\/11835"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4619"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4617"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4617"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.superiorgroundcover.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4617"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}