Crawl Space Encapsulation: What is it and Why it Should be Left to the Pros

Getting crawl space encapsulation can be one of the most important and beneficial decisions you make for your home. The crawl space is a small open area under the house that is mainly used for storage and easy access to the plumbing. The ground is usually not covered, so the dirt is considered the crawl space’s floor. What you may not know is that forty percent of the air that you, your family, and your friends breathe on the first floor of your home is circulated from the crawl space. That means that if your crawl space is buggy, moldy, and filled with airborne bacteria, that is being circulated into the air you breathe and it then enters your lungs. That is pretty disgusting to think about. People that have respiratory problems, allergies, or asthma are susceptible more than most to these effects, and it can be a nightmare for them. Thankfully, there is a way to eradicate all of these issues. That is the process of crawl space encapsulation. Basically, getting your crawl space encapsulated is kind of like putting a shield on the space itself. It helps regulate the air flow, keeping bad air out and good air coming in. Crawl Space Encapsulation: The Process There are a few steps that professionals who encapsulate crawl spaces follow to make sure the job is done right:

• The first step, if it already has not been done, is to remove all of the organic matter inside the crawl space such as wood planks, paint cans, etc. These need to be removed so the encapsulation material can sit flush with the floor.
• secondly, if the home owner has a waterproofing issue, drain tile can be applied around the perimeter of the crawl space in a combination with a sump pump to remove the water issue. A trench is dug for the pipes and tile to sit underneath the floor and out of the way to properly expel the water.
• A dispersal fabric is then laid on the entire floor. This disperses the soil gases and the moisture towards the perimeter of the crawl space towards the drain tile so it can be removed. It is essentially a heavy duty vapor barrier. It also adds a cushion for storage and puts some ease on the knees if you need to go under.
• Another liner is placed on the walls and the floor of the crawl space. It is basically a thicker vapor barrier than the first. The seams are overlapped and caulked, and then seal taped to ensure complete encapsulation.

It is easy to think that a crawl space encapsulation is an easy DIY project and take it on yourself. However, this isn’t always the best decision. If an encapsulation isn’t done correctly, it can either not function properly or at all or it will make matters worse and create the proper environment for mold growth. This is why it is important to call in a trained professional, such as Lamunyon Dry Out & Foundation Repair. We will ensure your crawl space is properly and safely encapsulated in no time.