Process

Crawl space encapsulation means adding a moisture barrier made of polyethylene to your crawl space’s floors, walls, and ceiling. This means wholly isolating the crawl space from the outside world — this only works with spaces that aren’t directly exposed to open air. The barriers keep moisture from getting into your crawl space in the first place, allowing full control of the humidity by crawl space dehumidifiers.

Crawl Space Challenges

Crawl spaces are often less shut off from the outside world than most parts of a home. They typicallyoften have a dirt floor and are damp and dark. These are perfect growing conditions for mold that can rot away at the property. Nashville and surrounding cities are prone to excess humidity and moisture, which can build up underneath your home. Unwelcome pests like insects, arachnids, and rodents can also enter a home through the crawl space.

Water damage can build up in the crawl space, which can lead to sagging floors and potential far-reaching damage to the home. This could make your home more dangerous to live in and necessitate the installation of floor jacks.

Benefits of Encapsulation

Through crawl space encapsulation, you can prevent the growth of mold, which improves the air quality throughout your home. Fewer pests will be able to make their way into the home, and having an encapsulated crawl space can even lower your heating bill in cold months by ensuring that less outside air gets in. Property damage from rot or termites is less likely to occur as well with a humidity-controlled space.

Warning Signs

If your crawl space isn’t encapsulated, experts recommend doing so before it becomes a problem. However, there are some signs that your crawl space may be in dire need of encapsulation, and may already be harboring fungus. Keep an eye out for obvious signs of mold, or keep a nose out for scents of mildew and decay. Those who suffer from allergies may notice increased symptoms as the house rots.