Along with foundation repair and concrete floor leveling services, our team of concrete contractors also provides Nashville homeowners with crawl space encapsulation. We highly recommend crawl space encapsulation because it turns a problem crawl space into a dry foundation that will prevent foundation problems down the road.

If you haven’t heard of crawl space encapsulation or are unsure whether you should invest in it for your Nashville home, then this blog is for you! Continue reading to learn more and contact A-1 Concrete Leveling and Foundation Repair in Nashville for all of your concrete and foundation repair needs.

Signs of a crawl space issue

Homes that are built on a crawl space foundation (rather than a full basement foundation) often suffer from moisture problems, especially here in Nashville where we get a lot of rain and have high humidity. Here are a few signs that you have a problem with your crawl space:

Inside the crawl space

• Mold or mildew
• Condensation on ductwork or pipes
• Soggy insulation
• Hanging insulation
• Pest infestation
• Rotting wood framing
• Standing water 

In your living space

• Musty smells
• Buckling or uneven floors
• High humidity
• Condensation or mold around your floor registers
• Cold floors
• High energy costs

What is crawl space encapsulation?

Crawl space encapsulation is an easy solution for avoiding moisture issues in your crawl space and home. You can think of it like the lining that you add to the inside of a swimming pool to avoid leaks. But in this case, the lining is beneath your house keeping out the moisture from the ground. 

When we perform crawl space encapsulation, we use a heavy-duty polyethylene barrier to completely cover your crawl space. That includes the floors, foundation walls, and sometimes, depending on the situation, even your crawl space’s ceiling. This barrier protects the space from water vapor, and it’s most effective when it completely covers the crawl space, thoroughly sealing the area. It’s important to hire a team that is trained in crawl space encapsulation because small tears and improper sealing will make the encapsulation less effective.

Once the crawl space is completely sealed, the final step is controlling the air within the space to maintain the correct humidity level. The easiest way to do this is by adding a dehumidifier. The combination of the dehumidifier and the crawl space encapsulation will eliminate the problems that come along with a moist crawl space. There are special dehumidifiers designed to be used in crawl spaces, and the team at A-1 Concrete Leveling and Foundation Repair in Nashville can help you find one that works for you.

Sealing vs. crawl space encapsulation

If you want to fully protect your crawl space and prevent moisture problems, you’ll want to go with crawl space encapsulation. Sealing crawl spaces means only covering the floor and about 8-inches up the walls. Encapsulation, on the other hand, covers all of the floors and walls. Some crawl space encapsulation will even add insulation to the walls and access doors, further protecting the space.

Wondering if crawl space encapsulation is right for you?

Here at A-1 Concrete Leveling and Foundation Repair in Nashville, our expert foundation contractors have more than 30 years of experience. If you have any questions about your crawl space or foundation, we’re more than happy to answer them. We offer free estimates, and will let you know if we think that crawl space encapsulation may better protect your foundation. Often, crawl space encapsulation helps prevent you from needing foundation repairs down the road. Along with crawl space encapsulation and foundation repair, we also specialize in concrete floor leveling and concrete pouring. Contact us today for a free quote.