When to Encapsulate Your Crawlspace

Encapsulating your crawlspace can help protect your home from long-term damage, improve indoor air quality and even save on energy bills. Let’s take a closer look at why encapsulation matters, when to consider it and what to expect when you work with the professionals at Drainage Masters LLC.

Why It’s Good to Have an Encapsulated Crawlspace

Encapsulating your crawlspace can benefit you in several ways:

Better Moisture Control

Water can enter your crawlspace from the ground or outside air — encapsulation helps prevent this. By sealing the area and installing proper drainage systems, you can maintain the ideal humidity in your basement and help prevent mold, wood rot and condensation that can lead to serious structural issues.

Healthier Indoor Air Quality

Around 40%–50% of the air in your home comes from your crawlspace. If that space is full of mold spores, allergens or musty smells, it can affect the air you breathe every day. An encapsulated crawlspace creates a cleaner environment and helps keep those issues out of your living space.

Lower Energy Bills

Encapsulation improves insulation by creating a barrier between the outdoors and your home. This helps your HVAC system run more efficiently and can reduce heating and cooling costs over time.

Protects Your Home’s Structure

Too much moisture beneath your home can lead to serious issues like wood rot or foundation damage. Encapsulation prevents water from leaking into your basement, safeguarding the structural integrity of your property and helping you avoid expensive repairs down the line.

Adds Value to Your Home

Home buyers love seeing a professionally maintained crawlspace. It shows that the home has been cared for and protected from potential water damage. A clean, sealed crawlspace is often seen as a valuable feature.

Steps to Encapsulate Your Crawlspace

At Drainage Masters LLC, we follow a thorough process to make sure your encapsulated crawlspace works as it should for years to come:

• Install perimeter drainage: We install a custom drainage system inside your crawlspace to control any water entering the area.
• Clean and prep vents: We’ll clean all foundation vents, and prepare the crawlspace for the new vapor barrier.
• Apply vapor barrier: A high-quality 20 millimeter — or preferred thickness — white vapor barrier is installed along the floor and walls. We seal foundation vents to stop outside air from affecting indoor humidity.
• Seal every seam: We use strong waterproof tape to seal all seams so there are no gaps or openings for moisture or air to sneak through.
• Install a dehumidifier: We add a crawlspace-rated dehumidifier that is appropriately sized for your home. Its drain line is connected to the new drainage system or sump pump to keep everything running smoothly.
• Add a ventilation fan: A small foundation fan is installed to remove potentially harmful gases and keep air flowing safely.
• Complete final inspection: Our team inspects everything to ensure all areas are sealed and the drainage system works.
• Provide warranty: After completing the project and receiving the final payment, we’ll mail our 20-year transferable warranty to your home, adding extra value and peace of mind.

Get It Done Right the First Time With Drainage Masters LLC

The best time to encapsulate your crawlspace is before the damage even begins. At Drainage Masters LLC, we’ve been helping homeowners fix wet basements and crawlspaces for over 28 years. Contact us today for a free estimate. We’ll inspect your crawlspace, explain your options and help you protect your home the right way.