Most people don’t give much thought to their crawl space. But if you own a home with a crawl space, failing to consider the impact its condition has on your home can be a danger to your health and home’s safety. This is where crawl space encapsulation comes in as a practical solution. In this article, we will explore how crawl space encapsulation makes your home safe for you and your loved ones to live in.
So, what does crawl space encapsulation accomplish? Crawl space encapsulation provides a vapor barrier between the outdoor elements and the indoor safety of your home. A properly secured crawl space can protect your space from mold spore growth and keep out unwelcome rodents and pest infestations. As a result, your home’s air quality is better protected from harmful toxins.
Let’s look a little closer at the pros and cons of crawl space encapsulation and why the benefits far outweigh the cost.
How Moisture-Related Issues Start Underneath Your Home
There are many ways water can become trapped underneath your home. From slight cracks in the foundation allowing water to seep in underneath it to leaks within the home traveling down through the floors, gravity makes it too easy for water to find its way down to your home’s underside.
Unfortunately, once it makes it way down there, water has a much harder time leaving your crawl space. Without the sun to dry it up or proper ventilation to pull it out, water can stand underneath your home for months without being noticed. And yet, the longer it remains underneath your home, the more problems it causes. Trapped moisture can create many problems, including mold growth and rotting. Bugs and animals attracted to the smell of water can find their way in and make a permanent residence in the space. When these issues go unnoticed for a long time, they can be disastrous once they are found.
How Crawl Space Encapsulation Makes Your Home Safe
Crawl space encapsulation works by creating a physical barrier between the outdoor environment and your home’s crawl space. A vapor barrier, which is typically made of polyethylene plastic, is installed on the floors, walls, and ceilings of the crawl space to prevent moisture from seeping in through any openings. Any cracks or holes are filled in and sealed to keep out water. Vents are also covered to further reduce the risk of moisture entering the space.
Once the vapor barrier is installed, a dehumidifier is placed in the space to remove any remaining moisture. This ensures that your home’s crawl space stays dry and free of mold or mildew. The dehumidifier also helps to control humidity levels in your home, which can have a positive impact on your health.
Crawl space encapsulation can be a permanent solution to the problem of moisture underneath your home. It is important to have your crawl space inspected regularly after having it encapsulated to make sure any issues are fixed quickly.
Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Add Value to Your Home?
The short answer is yes, crawl space encapsulation can definitely add value to your home. More importantly, crawl space encapsulation can protect your home’s existing value. A properly encapsulated crawl space helps to create a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment. It also protects your home from moisture damage, which can be costly to repair.
A home that has suffered any damage from termites, water or moisture issues, or mold growth can be hard to sell. This can force you to accept a lower offer for your home than you wanted. Encapsulating your crawl space can spare you this misfortune by preserving the integrity of your home’s foundation. A strong and sturdy house is more attractive to potential buyers, especially those with families or health issues to consider when moving.
Pros and Cons of Crawl Space Encapsulation? It’s Worth the Cost!
When it comes to encapsulating your crawl space, the pros far outweigh the cons.
All of the potential negatives in regards to crawl space encapsulation come back to cost. It costs money to encapsulate your crawl space. For some homes, it is recommended that the crawl space go through a few updates before the encapsulation process. These updates can include adding insulation or upgrading the HVAC system. This may not be recommended or necessary in all homes. But, even when it is necessary, these costs are investments in better protecting and maintaining your home that you will continue to benefit from for years.
The only additional cost to keep in mind is the maintenance of the crawl space. This differs based on the specific encapsulation your home receives. However, when you live in areas like central North Carolina that can experience heavy rain and flooding from hurricanes, having someone checking for leaks more regularly in your home can only be a good thing! It can prevent more costly damage and health-related hazards from going unnoticed.
Work with Local Experts to Encapsulate Your Crawl Space and Protect Your Home
Crawl space encapsulation is an important investment in your home’s safety and structural integrity. In areas like central North Carolina, any measures you can take to prevent moisture-related issues can make a huge difference in maintaining your home’s lifespan and value. But, you want to make sure you call the right company to do it right the first time. That is why you should work with our team at First Call!
As a family-owned business that has served Burlington, NC and surrounding areas for over 25 years, we take great pride in protecting the homes of our neighbors. We understand the unique temperature and bug risks common in our area and know how to keep your home safe. We also have the expertise to address any serious issues that arise during the encapsulation of your crawl space, such as mold or water damage.
Contact us for a free quote through our website here: firstcallnc.com/services/crawl-space-encapsulation. Not sure you need crawl space encapsulation? Here’s 10 signs you might!
