What is Crawl Space Encapsulation?
Crawl space encapsulation is the process of closing off your crawl space from moisture in the soil and humid outdoor air. A complete encapsulation system creates a cleaner, drier environment beneath your home and helps control the moisture that can contribute to mold, musty odors and wood damage.
Unlike a crawl space vapor barrier, which mainly covers exposed soil, encapsulation closes off the crawl space more completely, including the floor, walls and other areas where moisture can enter.
Symptoms
Warning Signs Your Sioux Falls Home Needs Crawl Space Encapsulation
Musty smells, high indoor humidity and cold or uneven floors can all indicate moisture problems in your crawl space. You might also see visible mold or dry rot, condensation, standing water, pests, sagging floors or climbing heating and cooling costs. Because air from the crawl space can move into your living space, conditions below your home can affect comfort and indoor air quality.
What Comes with Our Crawl Space Encapsulation System?
For standing water and groundwater seepage
Drainage & Sump Pumps
If water is entering your crawl space, it needs somewhere to go before the space is sealed. A crawl space drainage system captures water along the perimeter and carries it to a sump pump, which moves it safely away from your home. Together, these solutions help keep standing water from collecting beneath your encapsulation system.
For ground moisture and bare soil
Heavy-Duty Vapor Barrier
A heavy-duty crawl space vapor barrier covers the floor and extends up the foundation walls to help shield your home from moisture in the soil. Professional crawl space vapor barrier installation creates a durable crawl space liner that serves as the foundation of an encapsulation system, helping block ground moisture from entering the space.
For persistent humidity and condensation
Crawl Space Dehumidifier
Even once a crawl space is sealed, airborne moisture may still need to be controlled. A crawl space dehumidifier removes excess humidity and helps hold moisture levels to a more consistent level throughout the space. It is often an important part of encapsulation when local climate, groundwater or other conditions keep humidity high.
For outside air and moisture entry
Sealed Vents & Insulated Access Door
Open crawl space vents and poorly sealed access doors can allow humid outside air, pests and moisture into the space. Sealing the crawl space vents and adding an insulated crawl space access door help separate the crawl space from outdoor conditions, creating the closed environment needed for an effective encapsulation system.
For cold floors and temperature changes
Crawl Space Insulation
Crawl space insulation helps reduce heat transfer between the crawl space and the living areas above. As part of an encapsulated crawl space, properly installed thermal insulation can help keep floors more comfortable, reduce temperature swings and improve energy efficiency without using insulation materials that can absorb moisture and lose effectiveness.
For sagging floors and weakened floor joists and beams
Structural Support Jacks
Ongoing crawl space moisture can contribute to wood damage that leaves floor joists and beams weakened. When structural problems are present, crawl space support jacks can stabilize weakened areas and help address sagging or uneven floors. Structural repairs can be combined with encapsulation so you address both existing damage and the moisture conditions contributing to it.
How It Works
Our Crawl Space Encapsulation Process
What Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Cost in Sioux Falls?
Crawl space encapsulation costs vary based on the size and condition of your crawl space and the solutions it takes to keep it dry. Access, existing water or moisture problems, cleanup needs, drainage, insulation and humidity control can all affect the final price. A free home inspection allows Blackburn Foundation Repair to prepare a written estimate for your home. Encapsulation can also help protect your investment by managing moisture that can lead to wood rot and structural damage while helping create a drier and more energy-efficient home. Financing options are offered to help make crawl space repairs more manageable for your budget.
What To Expect
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